By Rosie Ogden
HALF of experienced drivers would fail their driving test if they were asked to take it again – if the results of an experiment in Britain by Auto Express and the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) are anything to go by.
The industry-leading magazine and website (autoexpress.co.uk) joined forces with Britain’s biggest independent road safety charity in an exercise to see if the UK’s driving test, which marks its 80th anniversary this year, still meets its objective in allowing only the most competent drivers onto the road.
The IAM found 12 experienced drivers who were prepared to undertake a mini-driving test again and discover if they would pass their test if they had to take it in today’s conditions.
Going by the criteria of the IAM’s qualified assessors on the day, just 50 per cent (six of the 12 who took part) would pass if they took it again today.
Auto Express revealed that 46 million people have taken their driving test since it was introduced in 1935. Back at the start the pass rate was 63% – today it has fallen to just 47%.
At the same time as the pass rate falling, the volume of vehicles has risen sharply over the years – currently there are 35 million cars registered for use on UK roads.
Failing to use mirrors enough, speeding and underuse of signals were typical of bad habits picked up by the IAM’s volunteers on the day of the experiment.
Of the 12 volunteers, seven had undergone advanced driver training with the IAM. Of those, six passed the mini test. And of the five who had had no advanced tuition, just one passed.
Steve Fowler, editor-in-chief of Auto Express, said: “Driving standards has always been a hot topic and the result of our tests shows that too many people just aren’t as good at driving as they think they are.
“Although technology is making driving safer than ever, the attitude and ability of the person behind the wheel is the most important element. We always encourage people to take pride in their driving and take additional training if necessary.”
Added Sarah Sillars, IAM chief executive officer: “The results of our joint experiment were very interesting. It shows that keeping your skills topped up and knowledge of the Highway Code current is crucial in making safer drivers and riders.
“Road skills cannot be allowed to lapse. Keeping your skills current through advanced tuition and other proven methods can only be a benefit to everyone who uses our roads.”
The history of Britain’s driving test
1903 – First driving licence is introduced as a way of identifying vehicles and their drivers. The fee, paid over the counter at the Post Office, is five shillings – that’s equivalent to £25 today.
1931 – The first edition of the Highway Code is published by the Ministry of Transport.
1935 – Voluntary testing is introduced on 16 March by the Road Traffic Act to prevent a rush of candidates when the test becomes compulsory. A Mr J Beene is the first person to pass his driving test, at a cost of seven shillings and sixpence – that’s £22 in today’s money. Compulsory testing begins in June for all new drivers. Around 246,000 candidates apply, with a pass rate of 63 per cent. Candidates meet at pre-arranged locations such as car parks or railway stations, because there are no test centres.
1939 – Driving tests are suspended for the duration of World War II. Examiners get redeployed to traffic duties and supervising fuel rationing.
1946 – Testing resumes in November, more than a year after the end of World War II.
1950 – The pass rate for the driving test is 50 per cent.
1956 – The test fee doubles from 10 shillings to £1 – that’s an increase from £10 to £21 in today’s money. Testing is again suspended, this time during the Suez Canal crisis in November. Learners are allowed to drive unaccompanied and examiners help to administer petrol rations.
1957 – Testing resumes in April after the Suez crisis. Provisional licences are no longer stamped with ‘passed test’ from July and the three-year driving licence is introduced in September.
1958 – Provisional licences are valid only for six months.
1959 – A new examiner training facility is opened in Stanmore, Middlesex. Until this point, examiners have been trained ‘on the job’.
1962 – From April, people who have held more than seven provisional licences are required to take a driving test. If they fail to, the licensing authority could refuse a further application.
1963 – A voluntary register of approved driving instructors (ADIs) is set up. To become an ADI, you have to pass stringent written and practical tests.
1965 – A centralised licensing system is set up at a new centre in Swansea, taking over control from individual councils. The distance from which a driving test candidate must be able to read a number plate is changed to 67 feet.
1968 – The test fee is increased again, going up this time to 1 pound, 15 shillings – equivalent to £25 today.
1969 – Several changes are made to the test, including the introduction of a ban on dual accelerator controls unless they have been disengaged. A separate category for automatic cars is also brought in.
1970 – All driving instructors now have to be officially registered. A total of 3,500 people are prosecuted for driving on a forged licence or wrongfully attempting to obtain a licence.
1972 – The demand for driving tests rises by 20 per cent, and a further 15 per cent in the following year, leading to a huge backlog of tests.
1973 – Computerised driving licences are issued from March, with green paper licences replacing the old-style red booklets. A full licence is still only valid for three years.
1975 – Candidates no longer have to demonstrate arm signals in the test from May.
1976 – Full licences become valid until the holder reaches 70 years old.
1982 – Provisional licences are also extended until the holder turns 70.
1988 – Driving tests are now conducted under the new provisions of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
1990 – From May, examiners give candidates a brief explanation of faults committed during the test, plus advice on areas for improvement. New legislation also means anyone accompanying a learner driver from October must be at least 21 and have held a driving licence for a minimum of three years.
1995 – The Pass Plus scheme is introduced in November to help newly qualified young drivers gain valuable driving experience and reduce the risk of accidents.
1996 – A separate written theory test is brought in. It replaces questions asked about the Highway Code during the practical test. The theory test pass mark is raised from 26 to 30 out of 35.
1997 – Photographic ID is required for both practical and theory tests. Plus, new rules mean if a driver collects six points or more during the first two years, their licence is revoked. They then have to retake both the theory and practical before being allowed back on the road. Candidates who fail the test now have to wait a minimum of 10 days between attempts.
1999 – From April, cars being used for a driving test must have a front passenger seatbelt, head restraint and rear-view mirror. The length of the test is increased, the emergency stop manoeuvre is done on a random basis and candidates are failed for committing 16 or more driving faults. Photocard licences are introduced for both first-time issues and licence renewals.
2000 – The touchscreen theory test is introduced.
2001 – Candidates can book their theory test via the Internet for the first time.
2002 – A hazard perception test is introduced into the theory test. Video clips are used to test candidates’ awareness of hazards on the road.
2003 – ‘Show me’ and ‘tell me’ vehicle safety questions are added to the beginning of the practical test. Candidates can now book their practical test online.
2010 – Driving test candidates are encouraged to take their instructor with them on their test. ‘Independent driving’ becomes part of the test, with candidates having to drive for 10 minutes making their own decisions.
