Did you know that as many as six out of every ten people who take their driving test
fail? With such a low level pass rate, many young learners might think that the driving
test is too difficult.
Official statistics indicate that national pass rates are averaging out at about
42%. The DVSA suggests that those who pass successfully have taken approximately
46 hours of professional driving lessons at a cost of over £1,000. Compare that with
32 hours in 1988 when driving lesson rates were much less.
However, should we really be surprised at these figures? The driving test itself
is now much more demanding of a candidate than ever before and is becoming more complex.
In 1996 the theory test was introduced and there has been a steady increase in the
complexity of the required manoeuvres and tests. It is already planned that over
the next few years there will be more changes to the test. For example, a recent
introduction in 2010 was the independent driving element.
On average a driving test takes 40 minutes, ten minutes or so more than it lasted
not that long ago. Some may argue that a longer, more difficult driving test will
be a significant factor in reducing casualties amongst young drivers and increasing
road safety. However, it is not merely the more complicated driving test that has
affected pass results in recent time. Roads have changed over the last few decades,
they are much more complicated, more road markings and many more road signs, couple
this with the huge rise in traffic volumes.
Underestimating the number of driving lessons they need is one of the main reasons
why young drivers feel so aggrieved. Whereas in years gone by it might have been
possible to pass with just a handful of driving lessons and plenty of practice, if
we are to seriously consider their safety and that of all other road users, it is
imperative that they get the correct tuition. A really good instructor will put their
pupils in for a driving test only when they have shown they have the correct aptitude
and attitude to pass.
