Driving test fee to rise in April

Prices will rise on April 1

The cost of driving tests will rise on 1 April, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has confirmed.

A theory test will increase in price by £1.50 to £30, while practical tests for car drivers will go up by £8 to £56.50.

The biggest increase will be for motorcycle riders, who will see the more wide-ranging practical test rise on 29 September from £60 to £80.

The price rises were first proposed last summer, but have now been rubber-stamped by the DSA.

Rosemary Thew, DSA chief executive, said: "The Driving Standards Agency has to cover its costs in providing driving and riding tests to learners throughout the country.

"We are already planning to make efficiency savings of £4.8m this year and a further £6m in 2008-9, but to make sure we continue to offer an excellent service, the fees we charge must match our costs."

A new off-road element to the motorcycle test is being introduced in September before riders will be allowed to progress to the on-road exam.

This means a new network of test centres is being built.