To think driving theory tests should be extended?

[happy97]

My son took his theory test almost 2 years ago. It runs out on 10th Jan. He's failed two tests but has really struggled to find them due to covid. All driving tests were obviously cancelled for months, our local test centre was one of the last to reopen.

It seems unfair that he probably has to resit his theory test when under normal circumstances he probably would have passed by now?

Yes I agree. It's like a sword of damocles hanging over peoples' heads. DS took his at the end of July, so it was after the first lockdown, but I think anyone who took theirs before the first lockdown should get an extension by the length of the first lockdown

• as a minimum really - given that if you fail your test or can't eg do it because of having to self-isolate you are looking at a 4 month wait where we are for a new test date.

I'm not sure to be honest. I believe theory tests should be taken as soon as you feel confident to take a practical test (so at least several lessons in). He had an entire year before Covid to pass, and yes the virus has made booking a test beyond March difficult, but still doesn't quite explain only 2 tests in 23 months?

However, saying that I do believe they should be extended by about 6 months. It's not like the theory test has hugely changed recently so I'm sure he still has the relevant information. Maybe they should add a few more Q and As to the practical as a balance.

I disagree with the OP. Whilst I would be OK with taking the theory test whilst someone is not driving, two years is too long a gap in my opinion and should not be extended.

Disagree I’m afraid. It’s a safety issue. He needs to have a recent theory test to be a decent driver when he’s first starting out.

I am not sure it's that much of a safety issue, we didn't even have theory tests when I took my test. If it is a safety issue, then steps need to be taken to increase capacity for practical tests so that they can be carried out more quickly.

I do agree to an extent that the OP's son had a year before covid, but not everyone is in a financial position to keep rebooking tests if they fail.

It's not really passing the theory test again that's the issue, it's the hazard perception element, which seems to me to work against youngsters with quick reaction times.

Thanks for all the replies. He did have mental health issues which only really eased a year ago. He also had an awful instructor who was aware of his issues but was abusive when he stalled at a junction. This completely knocked his confidence.

I get that he's had an extra year but there has been 6 months this year that have effectively been written off!