In a press release issued on 18 June 2008, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) have stated that due to "an error in regulations" dating back to November 2005, approximately 270,000 driving test candidates who booked their driving tests to take place on a SATURDAY were overcharged.
The DSA state that they will be writing to all those affected to apologise and to offer a refund, but that anyone wanting further information in the meantime can ring them on 0191 201 4098 and talk to an advisor.
The press release reads as follows;
"DSA Press release - SATURDAY DRIVING TESTS
SATURDAY DRIVING TESTS
The Driving Standards Agency is writing to learner driver candidates who have booked practical tests on a Saturday since November 2005, to offer a refund for overpayment of fees caused by accidental overcharging and to apologise for the error.
We are taking this action because of an error in regulations made on 1 November 2005 which had the unintended consequence of removing the differential between normal weekday hours and Saturday charges for taking a test.
The refund offered is the premium paid for a Saturday test, currently £10.50 for a car test.An amending regulation has now been laid in Parliament to reinstate in law the intended differential in fees. The Agency is obliged to recover administrative costs through fees, including the extra costs of Saturday operation, for example in overtime. Tests booked from 7 July onwards will be charged at the intended Saturday rate of £67.00.
The Driving Standards Agency apologises for the error and is contacting all those affected, but customers can speak direct to the Agency’s advisers by calling (0191) 201 4098 if they want information in the meantime. DSA believes around 270,000 candidates will be affected."
Source: DSA Press Release - Saturday Driving Tests
Thursday 19 June 2008
Monday 9 June 2008
Increase in Practical Test "Vehicle Safety Questions" (Show-Me-Tell-Me) from 01 July 2008
From 01 July 2008, six additional "Show-Me-Tell-Me" questions will be introduced to the Practical Driving Test.
The 13 current questions remain and test candidates will still only be asked 2 out of the 19 questions.
The additional questions are as follows;
"Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers
Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens
Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle)
Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash
Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system"
Full details of the existing and additional Vehicle Safety Questions can be found at the Driving Standards Agency website as follows;
Vehicle Safety Questions
The 13 current questions remain and test candidates will still only be asked 2 out of the 19 questions.
The additional questions are as follows;
"Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers
Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens
Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle)
Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash
Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system"
Full details of the existing and additional Vehicle Safety Questions can be found at the Driving Standards Agency website as follows;
Vehicle Safety Questions
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