Wednesday 12 March 2014

End of foriegn language driving tests

Driving candidate should be aware of the changes in legislation which will effect the test for their Intensive Driving Course in Bristol
Driving test candidates will no longer be able to use foreign language voiceovers and interpreters on their test from 7 April 2014.  (Ref: DSA Website)


“Right skills to use our roads”

Patrick McLoughlin, Secretary of State for Transport, said:
We want to make sure that all drivers have the right skills to use our roads safely and responsibly. One area where we can help ensure this is by requiring all test candidates to take the test in English or Welsh, the national languages.
This will help to ensure that all new drivers will be able to understand traffic updates or emergency information when they pass their test. It will also help us to reduce the risk of fraud by stopping interpreters from indicating the correct answers to theory test questions.

Review of foreign language support

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) consulted earlier this year on a series of proposals reviewing the level of foreign language support available to candidates.
This was in response to concerns about:
  • potential road safety implications
  • the risk of fraud
  • the cost of providing translations
Almost 2,000 people had their say on the proposals.

Support for the withdrawal of foreign languages

More than 70% of the people who responded supported the withdrawal of foreign language voiceovers and interpreters on tests.
Many people agreed that a lack of understanding of the national language meant that some drivers may not be able to:
  • understand traffic signs
  • speak with traffic enforcement officers
  • read details of the rules of the road
There was also support for encouraging candidates to learn the national language to improve social cohesion.

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