NOVICE DRIVER PROPOSALS – TWO THIRDS OF DRIVERS TAKE AT LEAST ONE YEAR TO PASS TEST

Following MPs’ proposals to introduce a minimum 12-month learning period for novice drivers, new research from Churchill Car Insurance reveals nearly three quarters (70 per cent) of British motorists take at least a year to pass their driving test.

The report shows just 30 per cent of drivers pass in less than a year, with a further third (33 per cent) passing after one year. Eight per cent of motorists admit having taken as many as five years to pass their test.

When it comes to lessons two thirds (64 per cent) of learners require 30 or more sessions behind the wheel before passing, with just 10 per cent passing after 10 lessons or less. Seven per cent of motorists take more than 100 lessons to pass.

Frances Browning, spokesperson for Churchill Car Insurance said: “Learner drivers need to accept that an investment of time, money and commitment are necessary to make them fully-equipped and confident motorists. All learners are different and each will require a different level of practice to make them a well-rounded driver. This is especially true for young drivers who have yet to develop the confidence and risk awareness needed to be a really safe driver. ”

“Our research illustrates just how prudent and necessary these new proposals are. If learner drivers, particularly those aged under 25, invest in their training, they will become better drivers, have fewer accidents, and help make Britain’s roads safer for all drivers.”

In response to the proposals for more rigorous risk perception training, Churchill’s research also looked at the different reasons learner motorists might fail a test:

1. Observation at junctions (21 per cent)
2. Reverse parking (19 per cent)
3. Reversing around corners (17 per cent)
4. Parallel parking (12 per cent)
5. Inappropriate speed (11 per cent)
6. Poor use of mirrors (10 per cent)
7. Inappropriate speed (10 per cent)
8. Anticipating other drivers’ actions (eight per cent)
9. Incorrect positioning on the road (seven per cent)
10. Moving away safely (seven per cent)

Browning added: “The research shows learner drivers fail tests because they simply haven’t mastered basic driving techniques such as observation at junctions and reverse parking. However, with more practise, they should become much more confident, able and safer drivers.”

“On this basis we fully support the Government’s intention to reform the driving training and testing system in order to make roads safer.”