2 in 3 experienced drivers would fail today’s L-test
TWO out of three experienced motorists would fail the driving theory test if they took it now, a study found.
And the biggest stumbling block? Basic traffic signs, according to researchers who gave 50 drivers a real copy of the test.
Only 33 per cent of them scraped through, compared to 51.6 per cent of novice drivers who pass their theory.
More than a third (34 per cent) failed the hazard perception test while half (50 per cent) did not answer enough of the multiple choice questions correctly.
Candidates need a pass in both parts to demonstrate basic knowledge and progress to the road test.
Experts said the findings showed a worrying level of ‘road illiteracy’ and stressed the importance of keeping up to date with changing rules.
Feeling uncertain about signs and markings can lead to slow and unsafe driving, they said.
Questions on road and traffic signs were the most likely to trip drivers up, followed by those on vehicle handling and accidents.
But they did well on questions dealing with other types of vehicles, suggesting their road experience may have helped in this area.
The research, by Churchill Car Insurance, also found that more than half (53 per cent) of drivers think it should be compulsory to retake the theory test. Its report concluded: ‘Just over ten years was felt to be the most appropriate frequency for retaking the test.’
Around one in 12 (8 per cent) wanted a retest every five years – but not everyone agreed. Roughly one in seven drivers (15 per cent) felt that they were ‘completely road literate’ and never had any trouble reading signs.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency theory test, introduced in 1996, consists of 50 questions, taken from a bank of hundreds. Candidates must answer at least 43 correctly within 57 minutes.
The hazard perception test, which was first used in 2002, involves watching a video of a driving scenario and clicking on the screen to demonstrate awareness whenever a hazard appears.
On average, novices taking the test score higher than experienced drivers did in the study. For the 1.54million theory tests taken in 2013/14, the pass rate was 51.6 per cent. Among men it was 48.8 per cent and for women, 54.7 per cent.
Steve Barrett, head of Churchill Car Insurance, said: ‘An inability to read the road properly often leads to hesitant and unsafe driving, so we’d urge all road users to regularly brush up on their knowledge of road signs and regulations, as these are frequently updated.’ Ian McIntosh, of Red Driving School, said: ‘It is very worrying that road illiteracy among experienced motorists is so widespread.
‘The theory test is an essential part of a driver’s road education.
‘The test was introduced in 1996 so there will be a lot of drivers on the road without this grounding.
‘We would encourage all motorists to ensure their driving knowledge is current.’