Learners ‘should spot potholes’ to pass driving test

Learner drivers should prove that they can spot danger as part of hazard prevention in test, claims AA

Learner drivers should have to prove they can spot potholes to pass the test, according to a motoring firm.

The AA wants poor road surfaces to be included in the hazard perception test because of the damage they cause to vehicles.

It also called for advice on what to do when drivers encounter a pothole to be added to the Highway Code.

Hazard perception is part of the theory driving test and involves candidates identifying something that would cause them to take action such as slow down or change direction in 14 video clips.

The pass rate of the practical driving test fell to a nine-year low of 45% after changes to make the exam more realistic were introduced in December last year.

The AA advises motorists who spot a pothole to slow down if necessary but keep an eye on the rear view mirror, stay in lane and avoid big swerves.

A survey of a small sample of driving instructors found the majority have broken down during a lesson at least once in the past 12 months because of pothole-related damage, and many have to adapt lessons to avoid certain roads where there are too many potholes.

Some learners have even had to abandon a practical driving test because their car was damaged by a pothole, the AA was told.

Damage to tyres, wheels and suspension are the most common problems.

AA president Edmund King said: “It is a sad indictment of our poor road conditions that instructors are having to adapt their lessons to avoid potholed roads. More troubling is the fact that lessons and tests are being abandoned because of pothole related breakdowns.

“This is damaging to learners’ confidence and to instructors; whose livelihoods depend on having a fit-for-purpose road network and an undamaged car.

“The situation is so serious that the hazard perception test and Highway Code need to change to reflect the state of the roads that learner drivers have to learn on.”

Picture: PA. Potholes cause a huge amount of damage to vehicles each year – and the situation is not improving.