Price of driving tests and licences to go up

But provisionals and licences for older drivers will be cheaper

The cost of taking a driving test and applying for a full driving licence is set to get more expensive on the Isle of Man.

But it'll be cheaper to get a provisional licence from May, if the changes are approved in Tynwald next month.

Plans to increase the cost of a number of driving licences have been published ahead of April's sitting, which includes putting up the cost of a full 10-year licence by more than 30% from £36 to £45.

Several of the shorter licences for drivers aged 66 or over are also set to rise, but for those over the age of 72 the price of a licence will be reduced by £1 to £14.

Price cuts are also on the way for provisional licences. Currently a first provisional costs £22, with a renewal costing £18, but this two-tier system will be scrapped and replaced with a flat £14 fee for all provisionals.

While the cost of getting a licence for a learner will be cheaper, taking a driving test is going to be more expensive.

It's proposed a theory test will cost £44 from 1 May, rising from £35, while a practical for motorbikes and cars will go up from £57 to £72, or £82 if at the weekend or outside office hours.

Tests in all other classes will also be subject to increases, while an extended test is going up from £95 for bikes and £116 for cars to £150.

In a memo to Tynwald members, the Department of Infrastructure says most fees haven't been increased since 2013, while these rises will help generate enough revenue to ensure the Department meets its 2024 income budget.

It adds that if fees aren't increased, maintenance spending on the road and footpath network will have to be reduced.