Passing test does not prove ability to drive

THE recent letters regarding changes to the Highway Code set me thinking. I passed my motorcycle and car tests many years ago and I admit that since then have never viewed the Highway Code.

I know the laws regarding motorcycle power limits and age requirements have changed significantly since I took my test and in my opinion, for the better. No longer can an absolute novice ride a relatively powerful machine without proving some degree of competence and knowledge of the rules, and even then there are age limits before graduating to more powerful machines. Sadly this is not the case for four-wheeled vehicles. Anyone with the necessary funds can buy whatever vehicle they wish, irrespective of experience or ability. There are occasionally reports where teenagers have passed their driving test on their 17th birthday and, having done so, are free to drive whatever they can afford. Passing a test does not prove an ability to drive, it’s only a stepping stone to gaining the necessary experience to become a good driver.

I’m not arrogant enough to claim to be a good driver, but I am experienced enough to recognise this and try to rectify my faults. In my opinion the problem is that once a new driver passes a driving test at no time in the future is there a requirement for their competency to be reviewed. Surely the laws can be revised so that new drivers are only permitted to drive vehicles within strict power-to-weight ratios, similar to the requirements for motorcycles, and for regular checks on one’s competency? As we get older unfortunately our eyesight may start to fail, reaction times slow and our concentration levels weaken but we still get behind the wheel of two tonnes of metal with scarcely a thought. Perhaps it’s time to get the bus – should you live near somewhere with a regular service.

Dave Chafer

Yeovil