52% support Highway Code retest every 10 years

[ebikeerwidnes]

Easy enough if the system is set up properly. Gov.uk One Login for identity proof. To stop test fraud you'd get the user to reauthenticate at the start of the each test via a P9 level identity check with face scan like for the NHS App.

You could go all the way to remote test proctoring where you have to have webcam on throughout the test to make sure you're not cheating. Lots of online exams do this. I've sat certifications exams like this myself.

You'd have one person monitoring a whole bunch of people. I guess some providers use AI to flag if there's someone else in the picture or the test subject is talking to somebody off camera, or looking at notes or another screen. Then if it pings, a human looks more closely at that person's feed. There are testing companies with PCs in little individual kiosks in a room where you can go to sit these tests, if you don't have a device or a private space at home to do it.

I work for a digital consultancy. We could build the whole shebang and would be more than happy to bid for it!

Doesn;t that mean that you have to have a computer/tablet/phone in order to be able to do it?

so then you need physical test centres - which would require people to be able to access then which is a problem in remote areas

and that costs a lot more

in other words it all comes down to cost

 

[Bristolian]

Believe me, if any form of retesting became compulsory the "Army of advanced driving observers" would be nowhere near enough and you could (And would) charge what the market would bear. The current cost of a driving lesson is around £40 per hour I believe, were I still in the business and retesting became mandatory I'd be looking at somewhere round a hundred quid or more. Market forces are terrific - if you are on the right end of them. Try getting a plumber in if you don't believe me.

Well, as it happens I have inside information on this subject and I stand by what I wrote. It's all a bit hypothetical though as no political party would have the gumption to introduce regular re-testing.

 

[Bristolian]

At least he wasn't like my dad, who'd smash a steel rule over the back of my knuckles every time I did something not to his satisfaction during driving lessons. Thankfully I passed first go!

No, my IAM Observer did that (although it was a plastic ruler) and I learned the lesson very quickly

 

[Vapin' Joe]

No, my IAM Observer did that (although it was a plastic ruler) and I learned the lesson very quickly

That would likely get you a prison sentence now.

 

[Alex321]

Doesn;t that mean that you have to have a computer/tablet/phone in order to be able to do it?

Yes, but for most people they already have one.

so then you need physical test centres - which would require people to be able to access then which is a problem in remote areas

You would only need those for a fairly small proportion of the people taking the tests. Most will have computers and good enough internet access, including the necessary webcam.

and that costs a lot more

in other words it all comes down to cost

Even with most people doing it onine, that would undoubtedly be an issue.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

Yes, but for most people they already have one.


You would only need those for a fairly small proportion of the people taking the tests. Most will have computers and good enough internet access, including the necessary webcam.



Even with most people doing it onine, that would undoubtedly be an issue.

If you do it online the security to protect from fraud is even worse

you could have groups where they pay to turn up and one expert goes round and answers all the questions for everyone

 

[Drago]

No, my IAM Observer did that (although it was a plastic ruler) and I learned the lesson very quickly

Some CC'ers use a hammer and chisel.

 

[Dadam]

If you do it online the security to protect from fraud is even worse

you could have groups where they pay to turn up and one expert goes round and answers all the questions for everyone

I just explained up thread how that's solvable, with a lower risk of fraud than the current in-person driving test.

 

[Sharky]

An online "test" as part of an application, needn't be a pass or fail. It should be viewed as an education process and opportunity to teach good practice.
Don't need to provide an alternative physical venue. Whatever % of people apply via an online process, it would be a "win" in getting the messages across to that % of applicants.

 

[Dadam]

so then you need physical test centres - which would require people to be able to access then which is a problem in remote areas

All easily solvable. Physical test centres for online exams already exist all over the country.

People in remote areas already have to go to physical test centres for in-person driving tests. They could do the online tests there if they lack the device or connectivity. Hell, there could be trailers with the relevant kit touring round like the mobile banks or the health scanning facilities.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

All easily solvable. Physical test centres for online exams already exist all over the country.

People in remote areas already have to go to physical test centres for in-person driving tests. They could do the online tests there if they lack the device or connectivity. Hell, there could be trailers with the relevant kit touring round like the mobile banks or the health scanning facilities.

It is scaling them up to cope with the demand that is the problem

or more accurately the money it would cost