Explanatory note

These Regulations amend three sets of Regulations setting charges or fees for various types of driving theory test. In some cases the fees remain at their present levels and in others they are reduced. In no case is there an increase. The practical effect of these Regulations when they come into force is to confirm all the relevant fees at their current levels. Thereafter, some of the fees will reduce.

Regulation 2 amends the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999. Regulation 23A is amended so as to reduce the charge to be levied by the Secretary of State for the supply of a test set from 1st October 2014, except in a case falling within item 5 of the table where the charge is unchanged. Regulation 2 also substitutes a new regulation 30 prescribing the fees payable for various types of theory test. In each case the fee payable for a test to be conducted before 1st October 2014 remains unchanged but there are reduced fees for tests to be conducted in the period from 1st October 2014 to 30th September 2015 and a further reduction for tests to be conducted thereafter.

Regulations 3, 4, 5 and 6 amend the Vehicle Drivers (Certificates of Professional Competence) Regulations 2007 so far as relating to the fees payable for theory tests by applicants for certificates of professional competence as drivers of buses or heavy goods vehicles. Again, the fees are either held at their present level or reduced from 1st October 2014 and, in some cases, further reduced with effect from 1st October 2015.

Regulation 7 amends the Motor Cars (Driving Instruction) Regulations 2005 in relation to the fees payable for the taking of a test by an applicant for a driving instructor’s licence or for registration as an approved driving instructor.

A full impact assessment of the effect that these Regulations will have on the costs to business and the voluntary sector is available from the Department for Transport, Great Minster House, 33 Horseferry Road London SW1P 4DR and is published with the Explanatory Memorandum alongside these Regulations at http://www.legislation.gov.uk.