Driving Theory Test Centres across the UK have been closed during lockdown and are due to re-open on Monday 12 April. There is now a backlog of over 380,000 learners waiting to sit their Driving Theory Tests, but an estimated 70,000 have already successfully passed their theory test and are being made to re-take it – and pay £23 again to do so.
James said: “Having recently developed the My Theory Test by James May app, I know that the test is both very dull and quite difficult to pass. There’s a large group of – predominantly young – people out there who have successfully passed it and now, through no fault of their own, are going to have to take it all over again – and pay for it again. And that’s if they even manage to book a slot. Just at a time when they need the most help to get out and get jobs as we emerge from lockdown. I think this is unfair and unreasonable.”
This is because, despite a petition that has gathered over 77,000 signatures so far, the government has refused to extend the two year validity of theory test certificates for those who have been unable to take driving lessons, and the practical test, during lockdown.
The number of theory test certificates expiring across the country is adding an average of 332 learners every day to the backlog.
BBC Top Gear and Amazon The Grand Tour star, James May is calling for the rules to be changed. He launched his own Driving Theory Test app, My Theory Test by James May to help learners last year and it’s already the highest rated by users on the Apple app store.
James added: “The government seems to be arguing that they can’t change the law to extend the validity of theory tests – but that’s exactly what they’ve done in Northern Ireland, and they were quick to extend MOT validity for cars. So I’m not sure why they’ve decided to penalise young drivers in this way. Perhaps they just want the money?”
James concluded: “As a gesture, to help those affected, we’re reducing the price of the app in April from £4.99 to £3.99. So we’ll take a bit less of your money, even though the government’s taking a lot more.”
The Driving Theory Test is the most frequently taken exam in the UK and over 30,000 learners have already used My Theory Test by James May to help themselves pass.
