Driving Test Unfit For Purpose

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The Institute of Advanced Motorists is calling for a review of the standard driving test as research suggests that it is failing to prepare young people to drive independently.
United Kingdom Transport

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is calling for a review of the standard driving test as research suggests that it is failing to prepare young people to drive independently.

So what are the concerns?

Nearly a third of motorists between the ages of 18 and 25 break the law within a few years of passing their test.

Statistics obtained by the RAC show that one in five people killed or seriously hurt on UK roads involved a young motorist.

So what are the views of young drivers?

Nearly 4 in 10 drivers surveyed for the 'RAC Report on Motoring 2013' accepted that they felt nervous about driving at night and over half of those spoken to would have like some motorway training.

In addition, over half of drivers admitted to being nervous when driving in adverse weather conditions and remarkably, only a third of drivers felt confident in their driving ability after passing their test.

RAC Technical Director David Bizley said: "What we have learnt from our research will come as a surprise to many parents. Young people agree they need more help to become confident, skilled drivers and they believe that learning more about safe driving should start at school."

And what are the views of parents?

Three quarters of parents surveyed believe that motorway driving should be a compulsory and integral part of driver training, together with night time driving.

So when, if at all, will any changes be brought in?

We will keep you updated as to whether the newly formed Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency accede to the calls of the IAM. Any such review is likely to be take some considerable time and any changes to the present driving test could be months, if not years away.

For many, the required changes to the standard driving test could not come sooner and who knows how many lives will be lost needlessly in the interim.

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