Following what has already been a busy month in the transport and logistics sector, the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) now looks set to increase the statutory fees for both driving tests and Ministry of Transport (MOT) tests. This comes after 68% of consultation respondents gave their support for the move.

However, these changes won’t be seen immediately, with what have been described as ‘modest’ increases being introduced later in the year. This is a notable move by the DVSA, as the majority of their fees haven’t changed at all in more than 10 years, with some even having been reduced during this time.

2,573 Respondents Support a 1.5% Increase

The consultation into raising fees involved 2,573 respondents, most of whom expressed a feeling that the rise would be a fair one. This is due, in part, to the fact that the proposed increase is just 1.5% – well below the rate of inflation that exists right now in the United Kingdom.

Just 21% stated a strong disapproval for the changes, with a number of this figure saying it’s the wrong time for any kind of price rises. Many feel that the current service is not fit for purpose and needs significant investment to improve levels of efficiency. Very few, however, felt that larger fee increases would be acceptable.

Only 3% Of Those Consulted Were Hauliers

What reduces the validity of the consultation made by the government, however, is that just 3% of a sector that would be impacted most by any MOT and driving test fee increases – the haulage industry – was surveyed. Given that the industry is attempting to attract new HGV drivers, the change affects affordability, so a larger representation in the process would have made sense.

A spokesperson for the DVSA had this to say about the results of the consultation… “Whilst there was significant support for the proposed fee increases, many (of those conducting the tests) expressed an interest in seeing a rise in the maximum amount they were allowed to charge for an MOT Test. DVSA will take on board these comments for further consideration”.

Influence On the Haulage Sector Must Be Examined

While price rises like these affect everyone, the DVSA must closely examine any changes it makes to any of its regulations carefully, as to the affect it might have on an industry that’s currently trying to combat issues like HGV driver shortages. The proposed rise is just 1.5%, but when combined with rising fuel and road freight costs, it could serve to provide an extra obstacle that needs to be navigated.

At HGVC, we are keen to support the logistics industry through the provision of high quality, scalable HGV driver licence acquisition programs we offer on a national basis via our numerous UK testing centre locations. If you would like to know more about us and our industry-leading services, please do take a good look around our website.

Alternatively, if you would like to discuss your driver training needs, simply call us on 0330 818 8888 or click on our ‘contact us’ link and send us a message.