Driving tests to be simplified

WRITTEN AND PRACTICAL TESTS TO BE MADE EASIER AS GOVERNMENT WANTS MORE PEOPLE TO PASS. DRIVING tests are to be simplified in a bid to raise the current pass rate by 15%. The reforms, due to

be presented tomorrow by Prime Minister François Fillon, aim to raise the pass rate from 50% to 65%, and shorten the time limits to enter for the test. Changes include simplifying the

written tests on the highway code which have been criticised for being ambiguous. Tests could also be made available in languages other than French. Examiners will also take into account the

overall behaviour of a candidate, rather than failing someone straight away after a fault. To go through a stop sign will no longer mean an automatic fail. Accompanied driving which

currently results in a pass rate of 70% is also to be developed further with conditions being made more flexible. The person accompanying the driver will no longer have to be 28 years or

older, however they must have held their driving licence for five years. The government has abandoned plans for a post-licence check up one year after passing the test. The cost of learning

to drive is around €1,500 and the government wants to make financial help available such as loans to people on low incomes. It also wants to reduce the waiting time to take a test, meaning

pupils can take fewer lessons without worrying about getting out of practice. Around 50 new jobs are to be created to speed up the process, however unions say at least 200 are needed.