DVLA set to announce significant change to certain driving tests

The DVLA is set to roll in new legislation to make passing tests for cars and motorcycles in the UK simpler.

The UK Government is hoping to allow drivers of automatic cars to also drive a manual vehicle - on the grounds that they can already drive a manual vehicle in another vehicle category, reports the Birmingham Mail.

According to the DVLA, the number of such vehicles with a manual gearbox is reducing and that there's little demand for candidates to take a ‘manual’ test - with the number of those opting to take a test in an ‘automatic’ rising.

A spokesperson from the DVLA also added: "We think that the time is right to bring medium-sized lorries and mini-buses, together with their trailer entitlements, into line with the test and licence upgrade arrangements for these larger vehicles.

"The government considers that this proposal should also apply to car and trailer tests. This is because most drivers who want to tow a trailer with their car will already have full manual entitlement.

"It shouldn’t matter if they happen to pass their test using a vehicle with automatic transmission, which may have been supplied by their trainer."

Meanwhile, it also proposes to the minimum engine capacity needed for a standard motorcycle test to as low as 245cc.

A spokesperson added: "The government supports these changes as it’s their policy to make changes that relax regulations wherever possible.

"These changes benefit drivers, riders, and industry by making the rules and requirements more simple and easier to meet."

Those taking their current A2 motorcycle test must have at least a 395cc motorbike for the test however, this is set to be lowered.