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Relatively few changes were made to the driving test after this period. The biggest changes have been made since 1990, when the Driving Standards Agency was created. Previously, it was the Department of Transport's responsibility. In November 1995, they introduced the Pass Plus scheme - nowadays, it's possible to get councils in most areas to pay the majority of the cost for you. It means that taking the Pass Plus course can cost as little as £20. It will for me when I do it early next year, and you can save hundreds on the cost of insurance.
In 1997, new laws meant that, if a new driver gained six or more penalty points during the first two years of driving, they lost their licence and must retake both the theory and practical driving test before being allowed back on the roads. The test was extended in 1999, reducing the number of minor faults that a candidate could commit to 16. (this has since been reduced again to 14) The hazard perception test was introduced in November 2002, and this has been beefed up since its inception. And now, it looks like the driving test is going to be revamped yet again.
Lol I'm panicking about driving, and I'm nowhere near taking my test etc yet!!
Me. Be thankful
As for the 100/500 hour thing.
"Most people will spend at least 500 hours mastering the key skills. Under the current arrangement, some new drivers pass their test after spending only 100 hours behind the wheel."
Mabye that's just me reading it wrong BUT it isn't saying people WILL have to have at least 500 hours being the wheel, it's saying that with them raising the age to 18 to take the actual test then people will probably have nearer 500 hours. Which is still not true really - if I will have been learning for a year, from turning 17 to turning 18; at an hour a week I will have had about 100 hours. I guess they assume people have more than an hour and practice lots with family/friends.
I think raising it to 18 is a good thing BUT what makes me mad is that only 17 year old will have to have a 12 month training period, yet if you start learning when you are 18 then you don't have to have any minimum training period. Bit unfair really. I know statistics say that more 17-18 year olds have accidents and cause injuries but still, make it across the board. I'm sure a 12 month training period would benefit all, of all ages.
Discrimination agaisnt young people, yet again.