Proof women are the best drivers... at least in theory

WOMEN learner drivers have outperformed men on theory tests every year for the past decade, research revealed yesterday.

More than half of females who took the test last year passed, compared with 46 per cent of men.

And data shows that more have passed every year since 2007.

But more male learner drivers passed their practical tests, with 50.3 per cent succeeding compared with 43.4 per cent of women over the 11-year time period.

Celebrity driving instructor Noel Gaughan, who with his wife Gaynor has helped pop singer Adele, One Direction star Niall Horan and supermodel Lara Stone pass their tests, said: “I’ve always felt that women make better drivers, hands down.

“In my experience they are more aware of what is around them and they work harder on the theory test.

“When it comes to the driving test, confidence can be an important factor and I have often found that male learners tend to be more confident. That doesn’t mean I’d be as confident leaving my own car keys with them, though.

“Once learners have passed their test, I always advise them to purchase a car that they will feel comfortable in.

“If they feel comfortable behind the wheel when they are by themselves then, as they gain experience, they will soon become confident drivers.”

His fellow driving instructor wife Gaynor added: “It was interesting to see the data about the differences between male and female learner drivers.

“I’ve found that female learners have always been quicker at incorporating the knowledge and the theory side than male customers, though the most important thing is that people are open to learning.”

Injuries

Data compiled by road safety charity Brake revealed that men account for 74 per cent of British road traffic deaths, 70 per cent of serious injuries and 59 per cent of slight injuries.

Research released by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency appeared to finally settle the battle of the sexes behind the wheel. The DVLA confirmed 40,361,967 people hold a licence in Great Britain. Of the 10,600,617 penalty points issued, men hold 7,668,498 compared with women’s 2,932,119.

Men were involved in 84 per cent of the 1,840 drink-driving offences over the past two years.