Thumbs up to proposed driving test changes

Young learner drivers are concerned with the current driving test and support the government in bringing in proposed changes suggested by the Driver Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
Learner drivers aged between 17 and 24 were asked their thoughts on suggested changes by the DVSA.Learner drivers aged between 17 and 24 were asked their thoughts on suggested changes by the DVSA.
Learner drivers aged between 17 and 24 were asked their thoughts on suggested changes by the DVSA.

That’s according to new research from Marmalade, a leading provider of cars and insurance for young drivers.

The research, conducted this week, questioned learner drivers aged between 17 and 24 about their thoughts on suggested changes by the DVSA.

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The majority of respondents (62%) believed that manoeuvres such as ‘reverse around a corner’ and ‘turn in the road’ should be replaced with real-life scenarios, such as driving into and reversing to a parking bay.

Over half (54%) of the learner drivers surveyed thought that candidates in driving tests should be asked to follow directions from a sat nav, and believed that the test needed to reflect more real life scenarios, including pulling over for emergency vehicles.

Young drivers also identified other areas of the both the learning and test format which they think need to be addressed. These included the requirement to drive on motorways as well how best to overtake on a dual carriageway. The theory test was also an area of contention with young drivers, with many wanting to see changes implemented such as improving the computer software for the hazard perception section of the test.

Crispin Moger, CEO of Marmalade, said: “This latest research of our learner drivers is very telling and I would support the overwhelming majority of our learner drivers who believe that changes need to be made to update the test, to bring the process in-line with day-to-day driving. Encouraging more focus on real-life scenarios in the test will only help young driver safety and ensure the UK’s novice drivers are well-equipped to deal with modern day driving and distractions.”

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Bobby Hopkinson, a 17 year-old learner driver said: “I think having sat nav as part of the driving test is a really good idea. It’s a distraction to follow the directions and look at the screen as well as drive safely! To have it as part of my lessons would mean I would be more experienced at using it, hopefully making me safer.”

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