DVLA set to make changes to car and motorcycle tests to help people pass first time

The DVLA has composed new plans for motorcycles and automatic car drivers.

The proposed changes plan to allow drivers of automatic cars to also drive a manual vehicle and for motorcyclists to take their tests on a bike with a lower sized engine.

Amendments have been recommended to Parliament in order to simplify passing tests, as reported by Birmingham Live.

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Automatic drivers will soon be able to also drive a manual vehicle as long as they can already drive a manual vehicle in another category.

The changes will effect the car and trailer (B+E) category, medium-sized lorry (C1) and its trailer towing equivalent (C1+E) and the minibus (D1) and its trailer towing equivalent (D1+E).

The Licensing Agency stated that the statutory instrument is to: "Permit drivers who passed certain driving tests using a vehicle with automatic transmission to acquire the manual entitlement for that sub-category, provided that they already hold a manual licence for another category, such as a car."

They added: "This brings licence upgrades for sub-categories, including the car and trailer combination, medium-sized lorries and minibuses, together with their trailer towing entitlements, into line with the full lorry and bus or coach categories."

Motorcyclists will be able to do their tests on bikes with a smaller engine, allowing engine sizes that are as low as 245cc.

The purpose of this is to allow motorcyclists to use a bike in their test that they are "more comfortable and confident riding."

The changes are believed to allow riders to have a better chance of passing their test first time.

A spokesperson for the DVLA said the changes are needed because: "The government is modernising the regulations in light of developments in engine technology.

"Especially the trend towards electric vehicles, which almost always have automatic or semi-automatic transmission, and the increasing power produced by relatively small motorcycle engines.

"These are sensible and pragmatic changes and received widespread support when a public consultation was held."

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