The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is an executive agency of the UK Department for Transport (DfT) and is part of the Safety, Service Delivery and Logistics (SSDL) group. This group is the result of the re-structuring of the Driver, Vehicle and Operator (DVO) group. Its maxim is 'Safe Driving for Life', and it seeks to achieve this through testing of both theoretical and practical aspects of driving, and maintenance of a good standard of driving instruction. The responsibilities of the DSA only cover Great Britain, in Northern Ireland the same role is carried out by the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA).
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Profile
The DSA employs around 2,500 staff, about 1,800 of whom are practical driving examiners. It has 400 practical test centres throughout the Great Britain. In 2005, the agency carried out some 1.4 million practical car tests and 2.1 million driving theory tests. An acquisition program for Multi-purpose Test Centres (MPTC) is underway to facilitate the provison of an enhanced motorcycle test. This practical test, derived from the Second European Driving Licence Directive, includes an off-road manouvere section before the current 'on-road' motorcycle test.
Cost
| Test | Pre July 2005 | July 2005 - April 2006 | April 2006 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theory test fee | £21.50 | £21.00 | £21.50 |
| Car Practical Test fee | £42.00 | £45.50 | £48.50 |
| Motorcycle Practical Test fee | £51.00 | £55.00 | £58.00 |
| Lorry and Bus Practical Test fee | £80.00 | £85.00 | £89.00 |
| Practical Test for driving instructors fee | £70.00 | £79.00 | £82.00 |
| Driving instructor trainee licence fee | £100.00 | £125.00 | no change |
| Theory test pass certificate for non-DSA examiners | £10.00 | £12.00 | £14.00 |
The last increases prior to July 2005 were:
- Practical car and motorcycling test - 2002
- Lorry and bus tests - 2001.
- Driving instructor test - 1997.
Sources: http://www.dsa.gov.uk/PressRelease.asp?id=4206 http://www.dsa.gov.uk/PressRelease.asp?id=145
Examinations
The UK driving test system, which you must pass to obtain a driving licence now has three components: a theory, hazard perception and a practical exam. All of these are regulated by the DSA. The current pass rate for car 'L' tests is 43%. The theory test was changed in September 2007 to include a passing mark of 43 out of 50 rather than the previous 30 out of 35. To pass the hazard perception test, a candidate must score 44 out of 75 marks.
Driving Instructor Registration
The DSA sets standards for Approved Driving Instructors (ADI). To qualify ADIs have to pass a four stage process involving enhanced theoretical and hazard perception tests, practical drive, and a test of 'continued ability of fitness to give instruction' also known as the 'check test'. The final stage of the process is a Criminal Records Bureau check. After being entered on the ADI register, ADIs are free to give driving instruction for money or monies worth. The passage of the Road Safety Act 2006 empowered DSA to set the standards all all paid tuition, not just that of motor cars at present. DSA also holds a voluntary register for Fleet drivers, Compulsory Basic Tutitioners (for Motorcycles), Large Goods Vehicle instructors and the Register of post-test motorcycle trainers. These registers provide quality standards for the relevant discipline, but are not necessary for paid tuition.
