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So you think you can drive?

29th May 2014 Print

More than three quarters (76 per cent) of experienced motorists would fail their driving test if they took it today, reveals a new study of 50 experienced motorists.
 
The study, by Direct Line Car Insurance, found that drivers who failed their test recorded on average three serious or dangerous (major) faults, with one participant receiving 10 major faults. Under normal test conditions, drivers awarded a major fault (behaviour deemed to be of potential or actual risk to the examiner, public or property) would fail their test instantly.  The average number of minor faults recorded by those who failed was 16, with one driver receiving 42 minors.  To pass your driving test motorists need to record 15 or fewer minors (driving faults that are considered not potentially dangerous).
 
Amongst the more serious faults, one motorist drove at 40mph in a 30mph zone, and another failed to see the kerb when doing a three-point turn. One driver even failed to spot a pedestrian by not properly checking their blind spot, forcing the pedestrian to move back onto the pavement.

Top five reasons why drivers received dangerous and/or serious faults (majors)

1. Use of speed
2. Moving off - safely
3. Use of mirrors - signalling
4. Reverse parking - observation
5. Control - gears

Top five reasons why drivers received minor faults

1. Control - gears
2. Moving off - safely
3. Use of mirrors - signalling
4. Parking break / MC front break
5. Use of mirrors - change direction

Source:  Direct Line Car Insurance
 
The vast majority of drivers were awarded minor faults for a lack of concentration behind the wheel and a lack of control over the vehicle, most commonly using the wrong gear and failing to check their mirrors. One driver received 14 minor points for misuse of gears.
 
Complacent driving and a lack of concentration at the wheel could be caused by an over-reliance on in-car driving aids, such as parking sensors or blind spot monitors.  Further research by Direct Line amongst 4,000 UK adults reveals that more than two thirds of UK drivers (68 per cent) rely on driving aids behind the wheel, with almost half (48 per cent) of motorists stating that they use a sat nav.
 
A previous study found that UK motorists who use a sat nav don’t look at the rest of the road for 22 per cent of their journey. This could indicate that the prevalence of sat navs may be one of the reasons why so many of the drivers who participated in the study received points for poor observation and speeding.
 
The survey also found that parking sensors were the third most commonly used driving aid, with a quarter (25 per cent) of those surveyed saying they use parking sensors. Drivers’ over-reliance on car parking sensors could also be one of the reasons why a high proportion of test participants failed due to poor observation when reverse parking.

Most commonly used driving aids - % of UK motorists that use them

Sat nav 48%
Automatic wipers 26%
Parking sensors 25%
Automatic lights 20%
Magnified wing mirrors 11%

Source: Direct Line car insurance
 
Rob Miles, director of Motor at Direct Line commented: “While drivers gain experience with age, it’s easy to pick up bad habits that could be potentially dangerous and put other road users at risk. Driving aids are becoming increasingly common and when used correctly, can result in a safer, more comfortable driving experience. However, it’s important that drivers don’t rely too heavily on these aids, as it can be to the detriment of both their overall ability and concentration on the road ahead.”
 
“Our study showed that a significant number of faults were caused by a lack of attention to detail. It is important that every time a driver gets behind the wheel they remain alert and focused for the whole journey, otherwise they risk injuring themselves and others.”