Sit a test every 10 years?

Most experienced drivers would fail the driving test if they had to take it now, according to survey. Gayle Ritchie finds out if that’s true . . .

AGED 17, I passed my driving test with flying colours first time. Clocking up a mere two minor faults, I was very proud indeed. My pride, however, was smashed to smithereens when I took a mock test last week – and failed.

Terrifyingly, it’s now creeping up on two decades since I passed my real test – the test which counts. Apart from a brief wintry encounter with a bus I’ve led an accident-free existence thus far.

Nobody has said they’ve felt terrified by my motoring skills and I like to believe I’m a confident, considerate and safe driver.

Nevertheless, when I read the report that most experienced drivers would struggle to pass the test, I wasn’t sure how I would fare.

Bad habits are easily picked up and while I knew I had a bit of a coasting issue, occasionally free-wheeling down to roundabouts, I wasn’t aware I was doing anything seriously wrong.

This seems to be the case with the overwhelming majority of drivers, evidenced by the fact that an experiment organised by car insurance company Direct Line – in which 50 experienced drivers took the test – more than three quarters of them failed.

Those who failed recorded an average of three serious or dangerous faults, with one participant committing 10 major faults.

Just one major fault, or more than 15 minor faults, can fail a candidate. In the mock test, the experienced drivers who failed committed an average of 16 minor faults, with one driver recording 42.

One motorist drove at 40mph in a 30mph zone, and another failed to see the kerb during a three-point turn. One driver even failed to spot a pedestrian by not properly checking their blind spot, forcing the pedestrian to move back onto the pavement.

The vast majority of drivers were awarded minor faults for a lack of concentration and a lack of control over the vehicle, most commonly using the wrong gear and failing to check mirrors.

The challenge to find a driving instructor to put me through a mock test was on. Armed with the knowledge that 38 out of 50 drivers had failed the Direct Line test, instructor Ken Melville of The Passing Place in Dundee, was happy to help.

“We all get into bad habits; some are dangerous and some are not,” Ken warns me as we set off in his Peugeot 208. I’d had no time to prepare or even Google what to expect so I’m pretty nervous.

Over the next 40 minutes, we drive round Dundee and carry out several manoeuvres, including reverse parking, an emergency stop and negotiating narrow roads. As Ken instructs me to reverse round a tight corner, I’m slightly wide of the kerb, but reckon I manage to pull it off.

The emergency stop goes well – I think! I brake sharply and move on, as instructed.

There’s a point at which I turn right off a roundabout onto the Kingsway, heading towards the city centre – which involves a right turn. Because Ken tells me the plan in advance, I stay in the right lane in what I believe to be a display of forward-thinking.

At another point during the test, I get into a tricky situation with a bus coming towards me. We’re both heading for the same narrow gap and as we squeeze through uncomfortably, Ken visibly flinches.

Back to base and the sense of relief is tangible. How have I done? “It’s a fail,” Ken tells me, without a hint of emotion. I am crying inside.

“You failed largely on technicalities. Ideally, you’d have a six-point check before moving off; you need to check three mirrors and three windows, which includes looking over your shoulder. You consistently failed to look over your shoulder.” Okay, that’s because I broke it a few years ago and it hurts. Is that a good enough excuse? No.

“You also coasted with the clutch several times. When it came to the emergency stop, you stopped safely but failed to put the handbrake on and check your blind spots after stopping.”

In terms of the reverse manoeuvre, apparently I clocked up a serious fault because I failed to look over my right

“In total, I clock up 13 minor faults and a staggering seven major faults (oh the shame).”

shoulder, relying instead on mirrors. “You could’ve missed a cyclist,” says Ken.

Anything else? My approach to junctions was sometimes a little too fast and when it came to meeting the bus, “positioning” wasn’t good.

Did I do anything right? “You used your mirrors very well before signalling and changing direction. Your use of speed was fine, although you did creep up to 33mph. You weren’t hesitant and you didn’t inconvenience anyone else.”

Ken gives me three faults for positioning; while I was driving in the right lane of the Kingsway, I could’ve caused frustration, he says. Yet I really want to argue my case here. He told me we were heading for the city centre (and I knew this involved turning right), plus there was nobody behind me to frustrate. I’m definitely not one of those annoying lane hoggers, yet Ken seems to be indicating that indeed I am!

In total, I clock up 13 minor faults and a staggering seven major faults (oh the shame) but despite this, Ken tells me I’m a good driver.

“Your overall driving is fine,” he says. “You’re a good driver and exactly what I’d expect of someone who’s been driving for 18 years.” Why thank you! But I still failed!

Ken reckons drivers should be tested every 10 years so they can brush up their skills.

Had I had time to prepare, or maybe even had a refresher lesson, I reckon I could’ve done a lot better, But I would say that, wouldn’t I?

Disappointment is written all over the face of Courier writer Gayle Ritchie after she learns she has failed her mock test.