INCREASING numbers of learner drivers are failing their tests because of a tougher theory paper which is going to become harder.

There is nothing wrong with that. Drivers on today's busy roads should be armed with all the knowledge and expertise they can acquire.

One glaring fault in the system has been that unsuccessful candidates have not been told why they failed. From next month they will be given their marks and indications about where they went wrong.

And nervous learners might be reassured to know that examiners are being sent to "charm school" to be taught to be friendly and chatty, and even use first names with some learners.

These positive changes look set to improve the way the tests are carried out. The only bad news for learner drivers is that from April the cost of taking a test will rise from £28.50 to £31.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.