
This from the AA; interesting to note that not looking properly is the number one reason – possibly number one when it comes to car accidents and motor claims too.
New government data shows observation at junctions was the number one reason for failing a car driving test this year. The annual figures released by the DVSA found learners were most likely to be caught out on issues with mirrors, junctions and responding to signals like traffic lights and signs. Junctions and mirrors have remained the top two reasons for test failures for the past five years. However, in 2019/20 faults for steering, reverse parking and moving off safely all ranked higher than this year’s data.
The top 10 reasons for failing a driving test in 2020/211 were:
- Junctions (observation)
- Mirrors (change direction)
- Junctions (turning right)
- Response to signals (traffic lights)
- Control (steering)
- Response to signals (traffic signs)
- Response to signals (road markings)
- Move off (safely)
- Positioning (normal driving)
- Move off (control)
The AA Driving School also polled qualified drivers on which parts of a practical test they would find most difficult. The survey found one in five felt parallel parking, also known as reverse parking, would be the hardest to demonstrate if they had to re-take the test today.
MAJORITY OF WOMEN ARE FINE WITH PARKING
One third of women said they would find parallel parking the hardest part of a driving test (32%), compared to just 16% of men. However, men were more likely to say they would find driving at an appropriate speed more difficult (10% men vs 5% women).
Robert Cowell, AA Driving School Interim Managing Director said: “Driving test slots are like gold dust right now due to an ever-growing backlog. As a result, learners may risk attempting a practical test before they’re ready rather than face an extended wait and fail on these common test faults. Countless learners have been caught out by poor observation and mirror skills, which sound simple to most experienced drivers but don’t come naturally to everyone.
“It’s a good reminder to anyone with a test on the horizon to spend some extra time practicing cockpit routines like ‘mirror, signal, position, speed, look’ to get into good habits early. Learning to drive is a vital life skill and it’s important learners take the time to develop their experience at the right pace so they become safe, confident drivers.”
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