Why does it take so long?
One of the most regular things I hear is, "My dad is wondering why it's taking so long. It only took him 10 hours".
- When I took my test in 1991 the Driving Test was only 30 minutes long. Today, the test includes a 40 minute drive — twice as long.
- Cars had no frills; even a basic car today is kitted out better than a good car back then.
- Mini roundabouts were hardly a thing when I took my test. Now they are everywhere.
- The independent drive now has the candidate following a Satnav for up to half of their test. We didn't even know what the internet was in 1991!
There are many, many more reasons why it takes longer now. Once you have that licence it is yours for life (if you look after it)!
Why does it cost so much?
Driving schools can use lots of 'gimmicks' to lure prospective pupils in. But if their ongoing rate is low, ask yourself why? It might be that they keep costs low with an older car, or that they are retired and don't teach for a living wage. But it might also be because they're not very good.
The pass rate for the practical driving test is currently 47.4%. I am an A-graded instructor who spends a lot of time and money on Continuous Professional Development to get you through your test first time.
Are things still the same?
"Stop crossing your hands over. You will fail."
Although a 10-to-2 position and push/pull technique is best practice, you most certainly wouldn't fail your test if you crossed your hands.
Although a 10-to-2 position and push/pull technique is best practice, you most certainly wouldn't fail your test if you crossed your hands.
"You should put your handbrake on when you stop."
At no point do you HAVE to apply the handbrake, as long as the car is under control and doesn't roll. The only time it must be applied is when you park up or finish.
At no point do you HAVE to apply the handbrake, as long as the car is under control and doesn't roll. The only time it must be applied is when you park up or finish.
"You have to indicate around every parked vehicle."
Quite often an indicator here can be very confusing, especially near a junction. Question yourself if the indicator is actually needed.
Quite often an indicator here can be very confusing, especially near a junction. Question yourself if the indicator is actually needed.
"Drive slowly on your test so the examiner thinks you're careful."
I've had people fail because they listened to friends and didn't drive as they normally would. Don't change what you normally do just for test day.
I've had people fail because they listened to friends and didn't drive as they normally would. Don't change what you normally do just for test day.
"You'll never check your mirrors once you've passed."
This is actually incorrect for the majority of people. Most experienced drivers pick up on movement in the mirrors naturally with quick glances.
This is actually incorrect for the majority of people. Most experienced drivers pick up on movement in the mirrors naturally with quick glances.
Myth Busting
"They can only pass so many each day."
Of course this is not true. It is commonly used as an excuse by people who fail, but nobody who passes ever mentions quotas.
Of course this is not true. It is commonly used as an excuse by people who fail, but nobody who passes ever mentions quotas.
"Learners can't be punished for speeding."
Points go onto your provisional licence and carry over to your full licence. The law states the driver of any vehicle is liable for breaking traffic laws.
Points go onto your provisional licence and carry over to your full licence. The law states the driver of any vehicle is liable for breaking traffic laws.
"The theory test is easy, don't worry about it."
In 2015/16 the theory test pass rate was just 49.3%, with only 28% first-time passes. More people fail than pass, so swot up beforehand.
In 2015/16 the theory test pass rate was just 49.3%, with only 28% first-time passes. More people fail than pass, so swot up beforehand.
"Stalling results in instant failure."
You do not fail automatically for stalling unless you do so repeatedly or unsafely. If you stall, don't panic — gather yourself and move off slowly.
You do not fail automatically for stalling unless you do so repeatedly or unsafely. If you stall, don't panic — gather yourself and move off slowly.