Licence fees cut planned

Cash-strapped learner drivers forking out for lessons to get them through the tough testing process could be handed a small financial boost by the government.

Proposals put forward by the government are calling for a reduction in the cost of applying or renewing a driving licence.

Under the plans, fees would be slashed by a third for digital applications and 15% for paper. At the same time, drivers applying for their first licence online would benefit from a drop in the cost from £50 to £34.

A £6 saving would be handed to drivers renewing their licence after 10 years, while the price of all driver tachograph cards would reduce to £32 from £38.

The proposals - part of a consultation on licensing fees – would reportedly save drivers nearly £18m every year.

Transport Minister Claire Perry said: “The cost of driving can be significant, especially for new drivers. I’m pleased to say that we are planning to save drivers £18m a year by cutting licence fees, thanks to the DVLA making significant savings to their running costs.”

The proposals, which are part of a wider push to cut motoring costs, come after the announcement in this year’s Budget that fuel duty would remain frozen for the fourth year in a row.

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