Happy Birthday Driving Test - 75 today

The driving test is 75 today, and the What Car? Driving School is calling on the Government to allow learner drivers to experience motorway driving before taking their test.

“It’s ludicrous that as soon as learners get their full licence they can drive on the fastest and arguably the most intimidating roads in the country without having any relevant experience,” said Paul Atkinson, of the What Car? Driving School.

“Motorways can be hugely daunting, and many a learner has to take a deep breath when joining a motorway for the first time in their driving career. Statistically, motorways may be safer than country lanes, but if an accident does happen it can be much more serious. Inexperienced drivers would benefit from time with a professional approved driving instructor on a motorway to gain greater confidence. Motorways are just not the place for inexperienced solo drivers.”

The What Car? Driving School believes that the driving curriculum needs to be continuously revisited to reflect changes in motoring.

“Looking further ahead, learner drivers are going to need expert tuition to get to grips with some of the new technology that is on the way. For example, driving an electric car that has a different braking system to traditional cars and makes virtually no noise in pedestrian areas is something that needs to be addressed. How to handle cars capable of extremely high speeds is another situation that must be looked at,” said Atkinson.

Top 5 new driver motorway dreads

Joining and leaving the motorway
Speed
Aggressive driving and tailgaiting
Wet weather and night driving
Contraflows, narrow lanes and close concrete barriers