Barely Legal Drivers - what does it say about the Driving Test?

Herzlos

But then I've always done it anyway, because it becomes 2nd nature and I don't even think about it.

topdaddy_2

Stoke wrote: »

Because you're supposed to on the test.

Don't ask me why.

Never heard of that.

colino

If you indicate all of the time, you are clearly not aware of other road users so would be marked down in the test. The only exception is approaching roundabouts.

Handsome90

Stoke wrote: »

Because you're supposed to on the test.

Don't ask me why.

My driving instructor taught me to check rearview mirror when changing speed.

4743hudsonj

The test is fine. At least, I don't think it can be improved upon.

As stated already atleast 75% of drivers would fail the test if taken again, this is for sure. That doesnt mean these people are all abd drivers, some are some are'nt.

For example do you know there is no longer such a thing as 3 point turn, emergency stop or mirror-signal-manoeuvre. Instead we have turn in the road, controlled stop and Mirror-Signal-Position-Speed-Look. All seemingly minor but important changes that if not know/observed could add up to failure alone.

The problem is, like any test, some people can last minute cram. I for example probably could have taken my test after my 10th hour of lessons. I picked up very quickly and had everything i needed. My instructor however advised i should continue with lessons to gain experience. And he was right to do so. Although id of passed the test, i would have been a worse driver for it and id have far more bad habits.

I think a modular approach would be far better. Bring down the cost of test but have more of them at different stages of learning. This would promote consistent driving skills but also point out where drivers needed improvement.

After passing the second to last test, the learners get a limited license requiring 1 years experience (maximum of 2 years) in unmodified, low power cars before they can take the final test for a full license. If drivers are caught breaking any law in their limited license period then they do back to provisional for at least 3 months.

Kungfusion

Corncopia makes the point precisely about these children being let loose on our streets.
I would go further though and suggest that this points the finger at the entire driving instruction industry, and the due care and attention it is failing to add which is reflected in what we see on our roads.

patman99

The test is harder now than it was back in 1987 when I passed my test.
Back then, we didn't have to contend with a separate hazard perception and highway code tests. We were only tested on how well we drove and we only got to name some road signs at the end of the test.

I will admit to passing my test at the 6th attempt after following advice from a few friends and taking a travel sickness tablet prior to the test in order to calm my nerves.

I had a go at the online hazard perception practice tests a month or so back, and it took a while for the penny to drop that there was only one hazard per video. As an experienced driver, I spotted quite a few hazards in the videos that they did not consider to be hazards.

People talk about restricting car type or engine size. How about requiring the fitting of a black box to monitor the vehicle and the way it is being driven ?. The black box would then be removed after 2 years of safe driving.

This would run alongside the 2-year period in which a new driver loses their license should they pick up more than 6 points.

BeenThroughItAll

patman99 wrote: »

The test is harder now than it was back in 1987 when I passed my test.

I'm not sure I agree with that you know. I passed my test in 1994 (the same test as you would have taken IIRC) at the first attempt and although the new test is longer, I don't think it's any harder.


Also, although there is now a theory and hazard perception test, they are hilariously simple to pass (and yes, I have taken both for a separate licence class, neither of which I needed to study for) and don't add anything to the challenge of the test.


When I did my test, the examiner on the day could pretty much as a question based on ANYTHING in the Highway Code; meaning you really had to know it all. AFAIK, these days the examiner's questions are much more tightly controlled.

philgr

I was too frightened to watch a whole episode. I also think there should be perhaps a restriction on the power to weight ratio young drivers can legally learn and drive in post test. That would sidestep issues relating to the high output motors of late.

Cornucopia

Power/weight is effectively limited by insurance premiums.

The image of an over-loaded small hatchback being wrecked by a young driver is pretty pervasive.

I agree with the suggestion above about limiting new drivers to 1 passenger for a probationary period.