DRIVING SKILLS ARE PUT TO THE TEST

FOR many people, a driving test is a once in a lifetime event that we only have to pass once. But what happens when three people with six decades of driving experience between try to pass it all over again?

From December, the driving test is changing. It will have four new additions, including following directions from a satnav, new reversing manoeuvres, answering vehicle safety instructions while driving and a 20-minute independent driving section.

Alun Hodges of The Instructor From L driving school put our drivers through their paces, but not before offering up some tips on how to pass the test.

In order to pass the test, he says, drivers must show good defensive driving techniques, have good observation and anticipation skills, control their speed on approach to junctions and demonstrate good clutch control.

Alun is not an examiner but has been teaching for 18 years and, based on our driving, told us whether or not we would pass the test.

So how did our experienced drivers cope?

Will Hayward 10 years of driving experience

SINCE I passed my test 10 years ago I haven’t really given much thought to driving.

Occasionally I would remember my old instructor saying “only a fool breaks the two-second rule” but other than that I had never really thought about my technique.

When this challenge came up I thought it would be a breeze. I drive around Cardiff three or four times a week and don’t even give it a second thought.

But I actually found this really difficult. I was over-thinking everything and hadn’t realised how much I usually drive with one hand on the gear stick!

I would attribute most of my nerves on the day to knowing the ridicule I would face if I failed to pass the test.

The biggest takeaway was how rude some people were to learner drivers. The vast majority of people were considerate but for some the red L plates were like a “kick me” sign on my back.

Drivers coming really close behind me and pulling out in front of me happened multiple times as everyone wanted to get ahead of the slow “learner”.

Verdict: Pass

David Hurst 30 years of driving experience

UNBELIEVABLY, I passed my driving test first time more than 30 years ago. I’m sure I’ve managed to pick up bad habits over the years and wasn’t particularly convinced I would pass again.

When I began the challenge I was a little nervous and wasn’t quite sure what was right or wrong. I think some of the rules of the road have changed since I took my test. As the test progressed I began to relax and even enjoyed it.

There were one or two occasions where I thought I had blown it, so I was delighted when Alun gave me the result I didn’t expect, which was a pass.

Verdict: Pass

Cathy Owen 26 years of driving experience

I HAVE been wondering for a while if I would be able to pass my driving test again.

Twenty-six years ago, I passed it first time but I knew lots of bad habits had been picked up along the way. I just didn’t realise how many.

The nerves started to kick in before the instructor even stepped into the car and didn’t get any better as I drove off into Cardiff city centre’s busy streets.

My driving went to pieces as I overthought stopping at traffic lights, checking the speed limit, and the less said about my reversing along the kerb the better.

Even though I failed, I am still happy I took part (even with the stick I have had to take from my husband and colleagues).

It has really made me think about my driving, especially from a safety aspect.

I thought I was good at being aware of what was going on around me, but the instructor pointed out various failures, especially in looking over my left shoulder.

It just takes one slip to miss a cyclist or a pedestrian.

I have always thought it would be a good idea to have a driving refresher every five years, and this challenge has reaffirmed that belief.

Verdict: Fail