Despite Lower Pass Rates Than Manual, Automatic Driving Tests have Doubled in Five Year

 

Despite Lower Pass Rates Than Manual, Automatic Driving Tests have Doubled in Five Years

Automatic Gear box

 

New research carried by  Uswitch car insurance experts has revealed that the number of driving tests taken in automatic cars has more than doubled over the past five years, highlighting a significant shift in how learners are approaching driver training.

According to the findings, 41% of automatic learners chose this route because they believed it would be easier than learning in a manual vehicle, while 37% felt they would learn quicker. A further 31% already had access to an automatic car at home.

However, the research suggests that perceptions around ease and speed may not translate into improved test outcomes. Uswitch noted that automatic driving test pass rates in 2025 were 10% lower than manual tests.

The study also explored some of the practical concerns experienced by automatic-only licence holders. The most commonly reported disadvantages included:

• Limited choice when buying used cars, 36%
• Missing out on manual driving skills, 28%
• Higher vehicle purchase costs, 28%
• Restrictions when borrowing friends’ or family members’ vehicles, 25%
• Higher maintenance costs, 24%

 

For instructors and trainers, the findings also point towards ongoing market changes within the training sector itself. Uswitch found that automatic driving lessons cost an average of £5.05 more per lesson than manual tuition, potentially increasing the overall learning cost by around £224.94 for a typical learner.

The report highlighted that only 25% of instructors at major driving schools AA and BSM were teaching in automatic vehicles as of January last year, although the number of automatic instructors has increased by 76% since 2022.

The research also examined attitudes towards automatic-only licences. More than half of respondents, 56%, said they felt negatively judged by other motorists because they only drive automatics. Meanwhile, 19% said they regretted learning in an automatic vehicle, although 35% would consider learning manual driving skills in future.https://www.afzal-driving-lessons.co.uk/driving-lessons-driving-schools/driving-school-near-me

Despite this, many automatic drivers believe their experience leaves them well positioned for the future transition towards electric vehicles. With almost all EVs using automatic transmissions, 74% of respondents felt learning in an automatic had prepared them well for driving electric vehicles.

Uswitch insurance expert Leoni Moninska said: “It’s important to research the pros and cons to decide what’s best for your situation, but there are a few key factors to think about.”

DVSA suspends more than 1,100 licence numbers in crackdown on driving test booking misuse

 

Since 12 May 2026, only learner drivers have been permitted to book, change, swap or cancel car driving tests. The updated rules also prohibit the use of bots or automated systems to search for test appointments.

In an update sent to stakeholders, DVSA confirmed it has suspended online booking access linked to 1,178 driving licence numbers where its monitoring systems detected what it described as “unusual activity”. Learners affected can still manage bookings by telephone.

The agency has also reported a number of third-party driving test apps to Apple and Google, claiming they breach both DVSA terms and conditions and platform developer policies. DVSA said it is working with both companies in an attempt to have non-compliant apps removed.

Alongside this, DVSA confirmed it has reported social media accounts and groups advertising services that it believes break the law or breach its terms and conditions. According to the agency, some accounts have already been removed by platforms.

DVSA also stated that seven business accounts had been suspended after allegedly attempting to use bots to secure driving tests, although the agency said these attempts were unsuccessful.

However, questions remain across the training industry about how effective the measures will prove in reducing demand pressures and limiting unofficial secondary markets for test appointments.

DVSA continues to advise learner drivers to:

• Book, change or cancel tests only through GOV.UK
• Only pay official DVSA test fees
• Avoid third-party apps, websites or social media services offering earlier test slots

The agency said the only legitimate ways to secure an earlier test remain through the official GOV.UK booking service or by arranging a direct test swap with another learner through DVSA system.

National Action Required Against Illegal E-Bikes

 

National Action Required Against Illegal E-Bikes, says MCIA

 

Illegal e-bikes are becoming a national road safety and enforcement challenge that policing alone cannot solve, the Motorcycle Industry Association has warned.

The MCIA is calling for coordinated action from Government, police, regulators and delivery platforms ahead of the Second Reading of the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Bill.

The association says illegally modified e-bikes, and non-compliant products sold as “e-bikes”, are increasingly being used on public roads despite being capable of moped or motorcycle-level performance. These vehicles can operate without licensing, registration, insurance or safety oversight, creating what the MCIA describes as a parallel, unregulated mobility market.

For driver and rider trainers, the issue is significant. Illegal e-bikes are now a growing part of the road environment, particularly in urban areas, and can present risks to learner drivers, pedestrians, riders and other road users. Their speed, weight and acceleration may not match what other road users expect from a pedal cycle, making hazard perception and early observation increasingly important.

The MCIA says the legal powered two-wheeler sector is also being affected. Registrations of new L1 mopeds have fallen by more than 40% since 2022, a decline the association says coincides with the rapid rise of illegal e-bikes being used as de facto mopeds outside the proper regulatory framework.

Over recent months, MCIA says it has engaged with every Chief Constable, Police and Crime Commissioners and the Policing Minister. It reports that every policing representative it has spoken to recognises illegal e-bikes as a growing and pressing issue, with many forces already carrying out seizures and targeted operations.

However, enforcement varies across the country, reflecting local priorities, resources and operational frameworks. MCIA says police forces have also raised concerns about the lack of clear national guidance on identifying, seizing and disposing of illegal vehicles, which contributes to inconsistent enforcement.

Police feedback suggests enforcement often focuses on anti-social behaviour because it is highly visible, while a significant proportion of illegal e-bike use is linked to gig-economy delivery work. MCIA says riders are often operating under the branding of major platforms such as Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats.

Targeted operations have also uncovered wider criminality, including illegal working, exploitation, weapons offences and drug offences, underlining the complexity of the issue.

MCIA is calling for national leadership, particularly from the Home Office, to create a cross-Government framework that supports policing, addresses the wider drivers of illegal e-bike use and strengthens expectations on delivery platforms to prevent the use of non-compliant vehicles.

Tony Campbell, Chief Executive of MCIA, said law-abiding manufacturers, retailers and users of mopeds and motorcycles are “fed up” with seeing widespread disregard for the law.

He said: “This is not simply a market trend, it is the emergence of an unregulated substitute for mopeds and motorcycles operating on public roads posing significant risk to pedestrians, other road users with these illegal vehicles being used to enable more serious crime.

“Police forces are key partners in the solution, but they cannot solve this alone. What is needed now is national clarity, consistent policy direction and coordinated action across Government.”

The MCIA says the EAPC Bill gives Parliament a timely opportunity to address the gap between legal electrically assisted pedal cycles and high-powered illegal e-bikes before an unregulated market becomes further embedded on UK roads.

AA ordered to refund 80,000 Learner Drivers over illegal ‘drip’ pricing

 

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has fined the BSM Driving School and AA Driving School  a combined £4.2m and forced them to repay £760,000 after they were found to have added a mandatory £3 booking fee to lessons at the checkout.

And these driving schools owned by the AA have been ordered to refund more than 80,000 customers after overcharging for lessons using illegal “drip” pricing.

The drip pricing is , where customers are not told the full cost of a service upfront, and it was banned in April last 2025.

Sarah Cardell, the chief executive of the CMA, said: “If a fee is mandatory, the law is clear: it must be included in the price from the very start – not added at checkout – so consumers always know what they need to pay.

“At a time when people are watching every pound, dripped fees can tip the balance. And when it comes to something as important – and costly – as learning to drive, people deserve clarity.”

The CMA launched an investigation into deceptive drip pricing tactics last year.

The CMA found the AA had added mandatory booking fees to lessons between April and December last year, only revealing the full price of booking a lesson after customers had picked their times and added their personal details.

Customers who were charged hidden fees by the AA can expect to be written to and refunded. The average refund is expected to be around £9.

The CMA said in November that it had written to more than 100 businesses regarding its concerns about their use of deceptive additional fees and sales tactics. It also launched investigations into eight businesses, including the AA driving schools, about deceptive pricing.

A 2023 government study found that as many as 46pc of online businesses were using some form of hidden fees, costing consumers an extra £3.5bn per year.

Learner drivers have been grappling with Waiting times for Driving Tests  of six months or longer amid a backlog of bookings that is not expected to be cleared until 2027.

A shortage of instructors and hundreds of thousands of missed tests during the Covid pandemic left new drivers paying over the odds to secure tests by relying on third-party websites to book slots.

The National Audit Office found in December there was a backlog of about 1.1 million tests dating from Covid.

The CMA said the AA had admitted to breaking the law and agreed to settle the case.

An AA spokesman said: “Although the £3 booking fee was made clear to customers prior to their purchase, we acknowledge it should have also been displayed at the start of the online booking journey.

“Having listened to the regulator, we made immediate changes to our website to make the £3 booking fee more prominent. We are now refunding all relevant customers.

Drivers are Sick of Potholes in Briton

Across Britain, potholes have become one of the most common and frustrating problems faced by drivers. From quiet residential streets to busy main roads, damaged road surfaces are increasingly hard to avoid. For many motorists, potholes are no longer a minor inconvenience but a serious issue that affects safety, vehicle costs and confidence in local authorities. As complaints rise year after year, it is clear that drivers across Britain are growing tired of navigating crumbling roads.

The scale of pothole problem

Potholes form when road surfaces weaken due to age, heavy traffic and weather conditions. Water seeps into small cracks in the tarmac, freezes during cold weather, expands, and then breaks the surface apart. Britain’s climate, with frequent rain and fluctuating temperatures, creates ideal conditions for potholes to develop. Over time, repeated pressure from vehicles causes these holes to grow larger and deeper.

In recent years, the problem has worsened. Many drivers report seeing more potholes than ever before, with some roads appearing to be in a constant state of repair. Temporary fixes often fail quickly, leaving roads uneven and dangerous. This has led to widespread frustration, especially when the same potholes reappear repeatedly despite being patched up.

Impact of potholes on drivers and vehicles

One of the main reasons drivers are sick of potholes is the cost. Hitting a pothole can damage tyres, wheels, suspension and steering systems. Repairs can be expensive, particularly for younger drivers or families already struggling with rising living costs. Even a single pothole can lead to hundreds of pounds in repair bills.

Beyond financial costs, potholes cause stress and discomfort. Drivers often have to swerve suddenly to avoid them, which can be dangerous, especially on narrow roads or in heavy traffic. Constantly scanning the road for damage makes driving more tiring and reduces enjoyment, turning everyday journeys into frustrating experiences.

Cyclists and motorcyclists are especially vulnerable. For them, a pothole is not just damaging but potentially life-threatening. Drivers are aware of this and may feel anxious when sharing damaged roads with more exposed road users.

Safety concerns of potholes

Although potholes may not always directly cause serious accidents, they significantly increase risk. Sudden braking or swerving to avoid road damage can lead to collisions, particularly in poor weather or at night when potholes are harder to see. Standing water can hide deep holes, making them impossible to judge until it is too late.

Potholes also reduce overall road quality, affecting grip and vehicle control. On busy roads, even a small defect can cause traffic disruption as drivers slow down or change lanes unexpectedly. Over time, this contributes to congestion and increases the chance of accidents.

Frustration with local councils

A major source of anger among drivers is the perceived lack of action from local councils. While councils are responsible for maintaining roads, many claim they lack the funding to keep up with repairs. Drivers often feel stuck between rising road taxes and declining road quality, leading to a sense that they are not getting value for money.

Reports of potholes are sometimes ignored or take months to be addressed. In some cases, repairs are poorly carried out, with temporary patches breaking apart after only a few weeks. This cycle of repair and decay damages trust between drivers and local authorities.

Drivers also complain about inconsistency. Some areas appear well maintained, while neighbouring regions suffer from badly damaged roads. This uneven approach adds to the feeling that pothole repair depends more on location than need.

The emotional toll of potholes on drivers

Potholes do not just damage vehicles; they affect drivers emotionally. Many motorists describe feeling annoyed, stressed or even angry when driving on poor-quality roads. Long commutes become more exhausting, and drivers may feel anxious about taking unfamiliar routes.

For professional drivers such as delivery drivers, taxi drivers and tradespeople, potholes are especially problematic. They spend more time on the road and face higher repair costs, which can directly affect their income. Over time, this leads to resentment and a strong sense of unfairness.

Environmental and economic effects of potholes

Poor road conditions also have wider consequences. Vehicles driving on uneven surfaces often use more fuel, increasing emissions. Traffic slowdowns caused by damaged roads add to congestion, worsening air pollution in towns and cities.

Economically, potholes can hurt local businesses. Delivery delays, damaged vehicles and reduced travel confidence can discourage people from travelling or shopping locally. In rural areas, where alternative routes may be limited, potholes can be particularly disruptive.

Why the problem persists

Despite widespread awareness, potholes remain a persistent issue. One reason is that long-term resurfacing is expensive, and councils often rely on short-term repairs to manage tight budgets. These temporary fixes may be cheaper initially but cost more in the long run as they fail repeatedly.

Another issue is increasing traffic, especially heavier vehicles, which place greater strain on road surfaces. Combined with climate change and more extreme weather, roads are deteriorating faster than they can be repaired.

What drivers want to see change

Drivers are not just complaining; many want practical solutions. Common demands include better long-term investment in roads, higher-quality repairs and faster responses to reported damage. There is also a call for clearer communication from councils about when and how repairs will be carried out.

Some drivers support the use of new materials and technology to create longer-lasting road surfaces. Others believe that road maintenance should be prioritised over new infrastructure projects until existing roads are brought up to standard.

Looking ahead

Potholes may seem like a simple problem, but they reflect deeper issues around funding, planning and infrastructure management. As long as roads continue to deteriorate, driver frustration is likely to grow.

In conclusion, drivers in Britain are sick of potholes because they affect safety, cost money, cause stress and undermine confidence in road authorities. While potholes may be unavoidable in a changing climate, better investment, planning and maintenance could significantly reduce their impact. Until meaningful action is taken, potholes will remain a symbol of driver dissatisfaction across Britain.

DVSA Making Adjustments to the Driving Test

 

DVSA Making Adjustments to the DrivingTest

DVSA launched a trial in April 2025 introducing a few subtle changes to the car driving test. The goal? To make the test experience more reflective of the current everyday conditions motorists face, and to better prepare learners for a lifetime of safe driving.  

That trial has now reached its conclusion, and these changes will become  permanent part of the driving test from 24 November 2025.  

What DVSA did and Why

The trial, which took place at 20 driving test centres across Great Britain, focused on 3 key adjustments. These were:  

• Reducing the number of stops during the test from 4 to 3   
• Lowering the frequency of Emergency Stop Exercises from 1 in 3 tests to 1 in 7 
• Adding flexibility to the independent driving segment (this can be following a sat nav, traffic signs or both) to run for the full duration of the test 

These changes were designed to improve the overall flow of the test and better reflect real-world driving conditions. By putting them into place and allowing for more meaningful route planning, examiners have been able to observe learner drivers in a more natural and realistic driving environment. That’s why DVSA is rolling out the changes to all driving test centres.  

What success looks like: why these changes matter

For us, success for DVSA is about learner drivers passing their tests – and developing safer, more competent drivers.  

Making the above adjustments will helped create test routes that venture into more high-speed and high-risk areas – where location allows – and will give learners the opportunity to face a broader range of driving scenarios. The extension of independent driving will give learners more time to demonstrate their ability to follow directions independently, just like they would after passing their test.  

Also by reducing the number of stops and emergency stop exercises, the test will feel  more like a genuine drive, helping learners stay focused and relaxed during what we know can, understandably, be a nerve-wracking experience.

Feedback and benefits

Feedback from examiners who have taken part in the trial has been overwhelmingly positive. Here’s what some of them had to say:  

“The reduction in normal stops has allowed the test to flow more fluently.”  

“The trial has helped us create routes that reach new areas.”  

“Customers appear to be better prepared whilst using the sat nav.”  

 “The changes better reflect more realistic driving conditions.”  

“At first, I thought the changes were a bit unnecessary, we already had routes covering high-speed and rural roads. But including those roads in all tests, instead of relying mainly on town driving, is a much better reflection of real-world conditions.” 

How will this impact learners?  

The simple answer is it won’t. For learners, the test will still cover all the essential skills needed to drive safely and independently. The adjustments will simply make the experience smoother and more reflective of real-world driving.  

For examiners, the changes offer more flexibility in route planning and provide a better opportunity to assess learner drivers in varied conditions. 

For the public, we hope the ultimate benefit is safer, more confident new drivers on the road.  

 Direct Line survey  found almost all drivers would fail a theory test resit.

 

According to research by Direct Line Around 95% of  drivers would fail a resit of their Theory Test.

A total of 1,900 out of 2,000 drivers managed to fail a stripped-down test prepared by the car insurer, consisting of 15 randomly selected questions from the actual Theory Test.

These findings are a stark reminder that many people are not keeping up to date with the latest rules and should serve as a wake-up call to encourage all drivers to regularly refresh their knowledge.

To pass the 57-minute, 50-question theory test, motorists must score a mark of 86 per cent – equating to 13 right answers out of 15 on Direct Line’s mock exam.

Just two in five (41 per cent) of those who sat it correctly identified the “cycle route” road sign. It consists of a black bicycle on a red-fringed, white triangular background and means a designated route for cyclists is joining the road or crossing it ahead.

Similarly, less than half accurately recalled when it is acceptable to use the right-hand lane on a three-lane carriageway. The correct answer is that the it may be used for overtaking slower traffic in the left-hand lanes, or when turning right onto another road.

Younger candidates were most likely to pass Direct Line’s mock exam, albeit at a rate of just 10 per cent.

Of the older generations, millennials – those born between 1981 and 1996 – suffered a 91 per cent failure rate on the mock test.

The real-world Theory Test currently enjoys a 46 per cent pass rate, a significant decline from the 65 per cent average in the year 2007-08.

As well as answering 50 multiple choice questions in just under an hour, candidates must also sit a video-based hazard perception test, which involves 14 video clips of driving situations.

Would-be motorists must score at least 44 marks out of 75 by accurately judging when driving hazards present themselves during the videos.

Over the last year more women than men passed the theory test, at 48 per cent compared with 44 per cent.

Matt Pernet, head of motor insurance at Direct Line, said

: “The Highway Code covers safe and responsible driving behaviour on UK roads, and it is not just new drivers that need to know what is included.

“Staying up to date with the rules is vital, especially when changes are made which relate to right of way and road signs.”

‘Toughening up’ the test

The theory test was last updated in August to include questions about using defibrillators and life-saving CPR 1st aid techniques.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), which oversees driving tests, said at the time that motorists were often “first on the scene” when someone suffers a heart attack.

DVSA officials recorded a tripling in the number of fraudulent attempts to pass the test in early 2024, with experts warning that lockdown backlogs had led desperate learners to resort to unlawful means of securing the vital tick in the box.

Inderjeet , then aged 29, from Llanelli, was jailed for eight months at Swansea Crown Court in July 2022 after admitting taking approximately 150 theory and practical driving tests on behalf of learners