Official statistics indicate that national pass rates are averaging out at about
42%. The DVSA suggests that those who pass successfully have taken approximately
45 hours of professional driving lessons in addition to plenty of private practice.
Recent surveys have said this will cost well over £1,300. 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, in 2010 the
independent driving element was introduced, and this has subsequently changed to
include the use of a sat-nav.
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.
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 drivers might think that the test is
too difficult.