Car Insurance
Would you be able to pass your driving test again?
It’s a question that many of us dare not ask ourselves, probably because the answer would be a resounding no. In fact, over one third of UK motorists fear they would fail their driving test, if they were made to retake it.
Until 2005, the British driving test remained largely unchanged for over 60 years, from when it was first introduced in 1935. Since then, the cars we drive, the way we drive and the roads upon which travel around the country have changed. Let’s be honest, we didn’t even have a motorway until 1959. Now look at us. Where would we be without our complex network of 3 and 4 lane carriageways?
So it’s hardly surprising that a theory element was introduced. This includes a multiple-choice test comprised of 50 questions. You need to score a respectable 43 out 50 to pass. In addition, there’s also a hazard perception test, designed to see if you know what dangers to look out for on our roads. The pass mark for this part of the test is 44 out of 75. Not much margin for error.
Just as well the test was updated. In a survey carried out by YouGov, to mark the 70th anniversary of the driving test, hundreds of people appeared to be somewhat ignorant of the Highway Code, despite holding a full driving licence and having car insurance which legally allows them to drive any of the UK’s roads.
More than 80 % of drivers didn’t know the stopping distance for a car driving at 70 mph in the wet, let alone in the dry. Alarmingly, 23% thought it was quite legal to overtake on the inside lane of a motorway. And an unknowing 82% didn’t realise it was the passenger’s responsibility to wear a seat belt, if over the age of 14.
Food for thought, indeed. Now where’s that copy of the Highway Code?