Will the manual driving test be phased out with the switch to electric cars?
Just been behind a Tesla and my grandson declared ‘when I can drive I’m getting a Tesla’. He’s seven so it’ll be a while, but it made me think. As EVs are all a form of automatic, can you take your driving test in one for an automatic licence? Will the manual driving test be phased out?
Asked on 22 April 2022 by Kevin Wright
Answered by
Sarah Tooze
Most EVs have automatic transmission and can be used for driving tests providing they meet the normal test vehicle requirements. Here are the rules on using your own car for the test: www.gov.uk/driving-test/using-your-own-car
There are currently no plans to phase out manual licences. However, the DVSA’s chief driving examiner Mark Winn has told us that the DVSA "constantly reviews tests for all vehicle types to take account of changes in technology, driving habits, regulations and highway infrastructure – as well as to respond to accident trends".
He said that the DVSA has already started work to look at the impact of electric vehicles on driver and rider education and assessment and to plan for any changes that this shift in vehicle type and use will need.
There are currently no plans to phase out manual licences. However, the DVSA’s chief driving examiner Mark Winn has told us that the DVSA "constantly reviews tests for all vehicle types to take account of changes in technology, driving habits, regulations and highway infrastructure – as well as to respond to accident trends".
He said that the DVSA has already started work to look at the impact of electric vehicles on driver and rider education and assessment and to plan for any changes that this shift in vehicle type and use will need.
Tags:
driving test
electric cars
If you cover no more than 100 miles per day and have easy access to a charging point at home or work, then an EV is ideal for you.
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