Misinformation about the driving test is risking learners’ chances of passing.

In some cases, the confusion is putting some drivers on the wrong side of the law.

Education is key to clearing the route to test success, says AA Driving School.

Driving the wrong way

Myths about the driving test and learning process have been around for years, but drivers’ knowledge of the truth remains patchy, according to new research.

Worryingly, the research showed one in twenty (6%) believe you can be drunk when supervising a learner driver.

In reality, the same drink-driving laws apply when you are supervising a learner, and anyone drunk in charge of a learner risks points and a fine.

Only a third (34%) correctly knew a learner driver is allowed on a motorway for practice as long as it’s with a fully qualified Approved Driving Instructor and in a dual-controlled car.

And one in five (20%) did not know that learners could get points on their licence.

Learners can receive points that are carried over on their full licence when they pass.

If these points exceed six, the new driver will lose their licence under the New Driver’s Act.

Young drivers were the most likely to be wrong about whether you can wear sunglasses during your driving test and the most likely to incorrectly believe examiners have pass/fail quotas.

Getting it wrong

When it came to the driving test itself, the following proved to be five commonly held myths about the driving test:

  1. Hitting the Kerb: 72% either didn’t know or thought it was true that if you hit the kerb during your test you fail automatically. If you just touch it during a manoeuvre it’s more likely to be a minor, though if you mount it then it will class as a major fault and failure.
  2. Sunglasses: 60% (76% 18-24 year olds) either didn’t know, or thought it was true, that you can’t wear sunglasses on your driving test. You are allowed to wear sunglasses, but the level of tint must be graded 0-3, as for any driver.
  3. Quotas: 45% (64% 18-24 year olds) either didn’t know or thought it was true that examiners have a pass/fail quota. Examiners do not have a quota or a target for pass/fails.
  4. Minor Faults: 88% either didn’t know of said it was false that you can pass your test with 14 minor faults. In fact, learners who get no major faults and 15 or fewer minor faults will pass their practical test.
  5. Independent Driving: 73% either didn’t know or said it was false that learner drivers have to drive independently for 20 minutes on the test using satnav or road signs. Ten minutes of independent driving was introduced to the driving test in 2010 and increased to 20 minutes in 2017.

Change and confusion

Camilla Benitz, Managing Director of AA Driving School, believes the confusion has only increased as the driving test has changed over recent decades.

“It’s crucial that misinformation about the driving test and laws around learner drivers is debunked. These myths don’t help learners, who need accurate information in order to give themselves the best chance of passing their test.

“Worse still, some of the things people believe, such as being allowed to be drunk when you are supervising a learner, put them at risk on the roads and of breaking the law.

“If you’re learning to drive and worried you don’t have the right information, make sure you check a reputable website or ask your driving instructor for advice.”

Help sheet for learners

The current pass rate for the practical driving test is 49.2%.

Some of the most common mistakes people make on their driving test are released every year.

The AA Driving School has tips for learners to avoid these common driving test faults.

These include observation at junctions, use of mirrors, steering, turning right, moving off, positioning, control when moving off, traffic lights, reverse parking and signals.

The numbers

The research conducted for the AA by Yonder received 11,272 responses from AA members:

There are many myths and legends passed down to people when they are learning to drive. Which of the following statements are true and which are false? (correct answer highlighted)

  True False Don’t know
There is a pass/fail quota for examiners 15% 56% 30%
Three-point turn is no longer part of the driving test

 

 31% 35% 35%
You need to do push/pull steering on your test

 

 22% 27% 51%
You can be over the drink drive limit when you supervise a learner driver

 

 6% 91% 2%
You can pass your test with 14 minor faults

 

 12% 38% 50%
Learner drivers have to drive independently for 20 minutes on the test using satnav or road signs

 

 27% 31% 42%
You have to go down through the gears when slowing down to prevent wear and tear on your brakes

 

 34% 55% 11%
Learners can’t get points on their licence

 

 8% 80% 12%
You can’t wear sunglasses on your test as the examiner can’t see your eyes

 

 28% 40% 32%
The pass-rate for automatics is lower than for manuals

 

 8% 34% 58%
You have to check your mirrors every 12 seconds

 

 23% 55% 21%
A learner driver is allowed on a motorway for practice as long as it’s with a fully qualified Approved Driving Instructor and in a dual-controlled car

 

 34% 53% 13%
You have to pass your theory test before you can start taking lessons

 

 26% 62% 12%
If you hit the kerb on your test it’s an automatic fail

 

 43% 28% 29%
You might be asked to park on the right-hand side of the road, reverse back two spaces, then rejoin the left-hand side

 

 18% 33% 49%
If you don’t pass your practical test within two years of passing your theory test you’ll have to take the theory again

 

 75% 3% 22%