Driving test plans could save lives

8:30am Friday 8th August 2008

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CHANGES to driving tests could be on the way if the public support the plans.

Drive Survive is an award-winning road safety course for newly passed drivers that urges awareness of more than simply the vehicle they drive.

Now emergency services in Cheshire are urging people to take part in a public consultation on whether to introduce Drive Survive as a compulsory part of learning to drive.

The Drive Survive team has even visited Westminster to promote the cause to MPs in an effort to get it national recognition.

The public consultation, run by the Driving Standards Agency, sets out a number of options regarding changes to driving tests, including:

Creating a foundation course at schools and colleges

A focus on being aware of other drivers and learning to predict their movements

A syllabus for learning to drive that teaches responsibility An improved practical driving test

“Any initiative which helps to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on Cheshire’s roads should be welcomed as one casualty on Cheshire’s roads is one too many,” said Tony Hooton, chairman of the Cheshire Fire Authority, pictured above.

The public consultation will end on September 8.

You can go online to have your say at dsa.gov.uk/learningtodrive, or call 0300 200 1122 to get a consultation pack.