07.09.07 Theory tests made tougher to improve road safety
Young drivers, in particular young males, have over twice as many accidents as older, more experienced drivers. It takes a full twelve months before their accident rate starts to reduce and two years before it equals that of more experienced motorists.
In July 1996, it became compulsory for learners to pass the driving theory test before being able to apply for a practical test. In Nov 2002, the hazard perception section of the theory test was introduced as part of the Government’s attempt to reduce by 40% the number of fatalities and serious injuries on the roads by 2010. 14 video clips are shown to the candidate on a computer and learner drivers have to identify 15 developing hazards. The earlier they are aware of a developing hazard the more points are scored.
On September 3rd this year the multiple choice section of the theory test was expanded in an attempt to produce safer drivers. Currently candidates have 40 minutes in which to answer 35 questions. In order to pass, they need to answer at least 30 correctly. The new test will take 57 minutes and candidates will need to get 43 out of 50 correct.
The pass mark is still the same at 86%. The aspects examined are:
- Driver attitude
- Traffic signs and regulations
- The effect on the driver of alcohol, drugs and fatigue
- Safety and environmental aspects
The fee for the test increased as well, from £21.50 to £28.50. Full information on booking a theory test is available on the Direct Gov website.
In an attempt to reduce the number of deaths, accidents and casualties on our roadways other suggestions are being considered. These include:
- Making “P” plates compulsory
- Restricting driving at night for less experienced drivers
- Reducing the speed limit for newly qualified drivers
- Lowering the permissible alcohol level for a period after passing the test
- Introducing a minimum learning period
- Making professional lessons compulsory
- Raising the age at which you can learn to drive
- Restricting the number of passengers (who are often a distraction) carried by new drivers
But will this make any difference to road safety?
Your Comments
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the only way to improve road safty in young drivers is to limit the horse power of the vehicle they can drive till the age of about 30 years of age
I have recently been hit head on whilst I was stationary by a young male drive coming round a corner who did not have his feet on the pedals and then pressed the wrong one and therefore smashed into me. My newish car was damaged although not hugely - the point is "What if". I taught both my sons to drive in the early stages in my car on very quiet side roads - one of the first things I drummed into them was where the brake was and made them practice stopping when I told them after checking their mirrors. The young man who bumped into me must have been treating this very real and dangerous machine as some kind of "toy" car i.e. no control needed.
I would ask that all young male drivers if involved in any kind of incident go back to square 1 and retake their test with a huge insurance rise.
My 16 year old son, who already holds a full tractor licence has always had it drummed into him that any vehicle is a potentially dangerous instrument. Limiting the size of engine until they are 30 is unrealistic, perhaps limiting it for the first 5 years of their licence would be better then anyone who is a new driver would have to have gained experience before driving something bigger.
At the same time, the elderly also cause many accidents they are as dangerous as many young, yet they still have massive cars, perhaps they also should have to retake a test after 70!