News
Basingstoke test centre to close!
05 June 2008: Yes - it's true - we are to lose our beloved test centre. The date isn't known yet, but my guess is that it won't be until 2009.
The Basingstoke Gazette has more details here and here. The BBC has a video on their site, featuring Russ from Fiveways driving school. Fame at last, Russ!
I got a call from BBC radio Berkshire. They preferred to speak to my learner (well done Helen) to get her perspective, so I remain silent as far as the press goes.
Can we do anything about this? I doubt it, closures have been happening all over the country and none have been stopped yet, to the best of my knowledge, although I hope this one can be reversed.
If the closure goes ahead, tests can be taken in Winchester, Newbury, Farnborough, or Reading, to name but a few places. Now we'll know how learners in Andover feel, as they never had a test centre, and many chose to come to Basingstoke.
The news item below may seem strangely relevant...
Test fees up - again!
01 April 2008 (how appropriate) is when test fees will rise. Some of the increases:
- Week-day car tests rise from £48.50 to £56.50 - an increase of over 16% !
- Weekend and evening car tests rise from £58.00 to £67.00 - another whopping 15% (just over)
- Athough the theory test only increases £1.50 to £30.00, it's worth remembering that the theory test only cost £21.50 prior to 03 September 2007; a rise of almost 40% in 19 months.
Licence requirements for your driving test
01 October 2007: When taking your theory or practical test you will need to show both parts of your driving licence (the plastic photo card and the paper counterpart).
If you do not have both parts of your licence, you will not be able to take the test, and you will lose the fee.
If you have the older type of paper licence, you must also have a valid, and in date, passport. Again, without these you will not be able to take your test.
Look at this direct.gov web page for information about how to replace a lost licence.
Smoking
01 July 2007: From today it is illegal to smoke in any vehicle used as a workplace - i.e. the car in which you take your driving test. Even if you take the test in your own car, the examiner can refuse to take you on test if the car contains tobacco smoke. This DSA page has more details.
Theory test changes
01 July 2007: The theory test changes on the third of September 2007. From that date the number of multiple choice questions increases from 35 to 50; the pass mark goes from 30 to 43. This direct.gov page has more details.
The fee increases from £21.50 to £28.50. Some cynics will say this is more about generating revenue than road safety. I can't possibly comment...
The hazard perception element of the test remains the same.
Clio ll/Campus
03 May 2007: There is a faulty bonnet catch on some of these cars. This DSA page has more details. You might not be able to take your test if your vehicle has not been checked.