Ess than average

ANDREW BARGH

Fewer than half of aspiring drivers at Airdrie test centre pass their practical exam at the first attempt.

Data released by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVLA) shows that just 44 per cent of learners were successful on their initial effort last year. That number is lower than the 201819 UK-wide UK average of 47 per cent.

Would-be Wo drivers can pass their test w with up to 15 minor faults, but one m major fault is an automatic fail.

Just Jus six of the 704 pupils who sat their test in Airdrie motored through with zero minors to their name.

The Th Aitchison Street centre conducted cond 3699 tests between April 2018 and March this year, with 1682 (44 per p cent) passing.

Men M performed better than women, wom with 48 per cent attaining their the licence first time compared to 43 per cent of females.

Government proposals could restrict new drivers from travelling at night as part of plans to improve road safety.

It is unclear how long potential regulations would be in place after someone passes their test.

The idea originated after stats showed that a disproportionately high number of new drivers are involved in fatal collisions during their first year as a qualified motorist.

Joshua Harris, director of road safety charity Brake, said: “Young drivers are involved in nearly a fifth of all fatal crashes on our roads.

“It’s a deeply troubling figure, hugely disproportionate to the number of young licence holders.”

“More robust licensing would give them the necessary tools and knowledge to drive safely,” he added.

Speaking earlier this year, former road safety minister Michael Ellis said: “We have some of the safest roads in the world but we are always looking at ways to make them safer.

“Getting a driving licence is exciting for young people.

“However, it can also be daunting as you’re allowed to drive on your own for the first time.

“We want to explore in greater detail how graduated driver licensing, or aspects of it, can help new drivers to stay safe.

“The aim is quite simply to reduce the number of people killed or injured on our roads.”

Gimme a brake More and more learner drivers are finding it difficult to pass their tests in Airdrie