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You know how sometimes you see an idea and think ‘that is completely dopey.’ Then after a while you think, ‘actually that wasn’t such a bad idea’ but then after further mental analysis decide it was pretty dopey after all? Just me then eh? But this is what I thought when I read an article based on the proposal by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) as the driving test reached its 80^th birthday earlier this year.

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They suggested that we should incorporate eco driving into the driving test. Using a scheme similar to that used by Austria of all places. They carry out an initial assessment, as we do, but after a probationary period they carry out a further examination made up of 5 parts. Moving towards dopey. During the probationary period they operate zero tolerance towards driving offences and blood alcohol levels.

Not so dopey, then the new drivers undergo 2 x fifty minute improvement lessons within 2 to 4 months of the first practical test. A day’s further training with a drive psychologist and 2 more 50 minute advanced improvement driving courses complete the test. It all sounds very admirable (and expensive) but with gallons of testosterone flushing around the arteries of our young drivers will all this make the slightest of difference?

Having said that I would like to see all new applicants, as a prequel to their theory test, have to watch the films shown on the speed awareness courses. So summing up I think the idea is pretty dopey and I’m not alone. Graham Hurdle, MD of E-training World pointed out that the driving test has massively evolved since its introduction in 1935 but if we tighten things up too much it will drop the pass rate which would have a substantial effect on the economy as driving keeps business moving (no pun intended).

The driving test can only ever be a snapshot of a driver’s ability at the time he or she takes their test but would the proposals prevent more accidents amongst new drivers? Probably not! If you have a view drop me a note. By Graham Hill

If someone you know hasn’t yet applied to take their driving test they had better apply pretty quickly or expect a much tougher theory test next year. The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) plans to make the theory test tougher to pass following complaints that the test was too easy. Even though pupils had access to every question and answer used in Read more »

Should eye tests be mandatory for drivers? A major insurer thinks so linking eye tests to licence renewals making them mandatory every 10 years. RSA’s ‘Fit to Drive’ campaign examines the link between drivers’ eyesight and road safety and has also asked that new drivers should have an eyesight test when applying for their provisional licence. At the Read more »

Are learner drivers better at driving than the instructors? It’s a worrying thought especially if you are learning to drive and reliant on the instructor to ensure you pass first time. Auto Express has obtained figures from the Driving Read more »

Who would be a driving test examiner? I certainly wouldn’t if the latest statistics regarding serious and dangerous faults found during examinations are anything to go by. The information provided by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) shows that over 1 million serious or dangerous faults were logged during 1.5 million tests taken last year. Read more »

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Have you seen a road sign recently meaning ‘no overtaking’? Did you know that’s what it meant? Apparently 23% of drivers don’t according to a recent survey carried out by Goodyear. Along with many other deficiencies the well known tyre manufacturer surveyed 5,000 motorists and found that there were many instances where drivers were Read more »

You can forget going green with your next car in order to save fuel and kick out fewer CO2’s according to the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM – is it me or does that sound like a cat food?). They suggest that drivers and businesses could save much more by simply using better, more efficient driving techniques, such as advanced anticipation, intelligent route planning and speed control which if used together could Read more »

If you have a friend or family member likely to take their driving test this year they may need to get a move on and get it done by October when the test gets a lot tougher. The biggest change to the current test will be the need to drive the car around a town simply following road signs in order to promote ‘independent decision making’ in new drivers. This new part of the test is seen as ‘effortful, mentally demanding Read more »

Impersonators who sit driving tests for others have been warned that if caught, they face tougher sentences. The driving standards agency issued the warning following the sentencing of Palwinder Singh Johal at Oxford Crown Court to two years in jail and a recommended deportation notice on completion of his sentence. By Graham Hill