DVSA plans test fees hike

According to DVSA, plans have been put in place to increase statutory fees for driving tests and MOTs.

The move follows a consultation that found around two-thirds of respondents (68%) believed the 1.5% proposed rise was fair – only 21% strongly disagreed with changes. However, only 3% of respondents to the survey were hauliers.

The Agency says that increases will be introduced later this year to allow time for changes to the regulations.

For example, a lorry driving test would rise from £115 to £116.70 under the percentage rise mooted, and an HGV 4 axles from £137 to £139.10.

The Department for Transport said its review of heavy vehicle testing had a clear message that flexible and convenient services are most important to making sure the industry is efficient.

It said: “We’ll continue to work with the industry to improve these services which may come at a further cost. We have continued to invest in our vehicle testing services to make sure they meet the needs of our customers.

“For heavy vehicle testing, we’re also increasing the use of modern technology to improve how we run our services. Like the driving test, we’ve moved to digitally recording vehicle defects during the test.”