Proof that driving tests are more difficult than ever – as pass rates drop to a 10-year low
More than half of exam takers failed the practical driving exam over the past 12 months
PASS MARKS for driving tests are the lowest they've been in a decade, following changes made to the exam last December.
Nearly 55 per cent of exam takers failed the practical test over the past 12 months.
One of the biggest changes was doubling the time of independent driving in the test from 10 to 20 minutes.
However, the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) said that 88 per cent of the public agreed with the alteration before it was introduced.
Further to that, less than a quarter of perspective motorists followed directions from a sat nav for more than four hours prior to their test.
This is despite the device being included in four out of five new-style exams - but it should be noted that this is up from 1.6 per cent the year prior to changes.
The 'show me' question part of the test was also moved to when the student is driving - such as 'show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen'. The 'tell me' section remains prior to setting off.
This would demonstrate multi-tasking while driving, which could prove more difficult or distracting for test-takers under pressure.
The fifth of drivers who didn't feel the test prepared them for UK roads believe that motorway driving should be part of the exam.
In June this year, motorway driving was introduced to lessons - but not tests.
Mark Winn, Chief Driving Examiner, said: "The DVSA’s priority is to help everyone through a lifetime of safe driving.
"With more than 90 per cent of drivers now using a sat nav in training the new test is making a real difference in preparing new drivers and giving them the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to drive on all types of roads.
"More than 80 per cent of young drivers feel prepared for real life driving following the introduction of the new test - and have found the sat nav and the extended independent driving training to be invaluable, helping keep them safe on Britain’s roads."
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Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Research, added: "Research from around the world shows that getting as much experience of driving in as wide a range of traffic conditions as possible will make you a safer driver in the long run.
"Learning to drive is an investment in your future so it’s not worth rushing it. Once you have passed your test you will still need to perfect your observation, anticipation and planning skills to ensure you survive on our increasingly congested roads.
"At work and at home we constantly need to update and develop our skills as new technology comes along and its worth taking that same mind-set with you as you start your motoring journey."