I agree with you, Guy, although no doubt WJB will be along shortly to set me straigt. When I talked to the ACU earlier they said it is because so many novices are now starting and they need to "bring their procedures in line with other motorsport regulatory bodies elsewhere". I expressed my displeasure in no uncertain terms and she finally came to the real reason: Insurance and law suits. It sounds to me like they are covering their arses and charging every novice another 50 quid. Keep in mind that the license fee is actually 35 quid! The person was whining about having to cover the costs of the training program, but the first two dates are already full!
It's shite, it you ask me!