Tougher driving tests

Motoring experts want to see tougher practical driving tests to reduce crashes on UK roads.

There are calls for learners and candidates to experience different conditions.

With many incidents occurring at night and in wintery conditions, experience could be the most effective teacher.

In the spotlight

Specifically, motoring experts at Absolute Reg are proposing that all new drivers should be tested on their ability to drive in dark conditions and turbulent weather.

This would involve simulating these conditions during the driving test, ensuring that new drivers are adequately prepared for the challenges they may face on the roads.

They believe testing learners in all weather and road conditions will increase safety and reduce the likelihood of road collisions.

Over 70% of driving test passers in Great Britain are aged between 17 and 24.

Around a fifth of all killed or seriously injured casualties from collisions will involve a young car driver.

By age 23, nearly 40% of young British drivers will have been involved in a road crash.

Practical realities

To obtain a UK driver’s licence, motorists must pass a theory and a practical test, usually lasting around 40 minutes.

During the practical test, motorists will be asked to drive independently, reverse the vehicle and show their general driving ability in various road and traffic conditions except motorways.

But many European countries require additional tests so new motorists know how to drive in different conditions to make safer road users.

While many learners get professional lessons, there is no legal obligation to do so in the UK.

Gaining experience

By law and before they can get a licence, Swedish drivers must complete a compulsory drugs and narcotics course.

They must also undergo a four-hour slippery road test, which teaches them what to do if they lose control of their vehicle.

Out of 27 EU countries, Sweden has the lowest number of fatalities per million inhabitants, with Swedish passenger cars being younger than the EU average.

In Finland, which is considered to have a world-class driving standard, it takes two years to obtain a full driving licence, and learners must take mandatory skid-pan sessions and night-driving courses.

Youthful naivety

Jake Smith, director of Absolute Reg, believes similar driving systems in the UK will make safer roads, especially for new drivers.

He says: “Unfortunately, the combination of being young and a new driver can be deadly, and it is shocking that by age 23, nearly 40 per cent of young British motorists will have been involved in an accident on the roads.

“New drivers are at a higher risk of crashing because of inexperience and the inability to spot hazards.

“Added risk factors include the fact most new drivers on Britain’s roads are young people, who tend to exhibit overconfidence, leading to risky behaviour behind the wheel.

“Practical driving tests should be made tougher in the UK to improve the standard of driving in new motorists and ultimately reduce the number of young drivers involved in accidents.

“Driving tests vary worldwide, but it is clear that those with better driving education have reduced traffic crashes and safer roads.

“We believe driving tests should include mandatory tests for driving in dark conditions and turbulent weather conditions so new motorists are prepared for everything when they are driving independently.”

Could do better

In the UK, calls for a mandatory Graduated Driver Licence scheme have been gaining momentum.

This would increase the level of experience novice drivers gain before being given complete freedom to drive.

Compulsory driver training ‘logbooks’ are another potential method of ensuring learners gain more experience in different aspects of driving, but the government has consistently rejected them over the years.

Many countries also mandate learning to drive with professional registered driver trainers, whilst the UK leaves this up to the individual as to whether they employ a professional instructor.

However, the UK still has the third safest roads in Europe.

The safest European countries to drive in