Monthly Archives: September 2020

September 16, 2020
How long does it take to become a bad driver after passing your driving test?

A survey shows drivers forget to wear seat belts after only four months of driving.

It takes motorists just 10 weeks to become a “bad driver” after passing their test, according to a new poll.

A survey of 2,000 car owners found the average new road user lets bad habits creep in less than three months after ripping the L-plates off.

And one in 10 admitted they began to forget what they learned two weeks or less after passing their test.Not holding the steering wheel in the correct ‘10 to 2′ position and failing to check their mirrors every time they make a manoeuvre were among the earliest flaws to emerge, while 40 per cent of women believed they had developed bad habits since passing their test, compared to just 32 per cent of men.

The study found women admitted one of their biggest flaws was reaching into their bag to rummage for something while men confessed to tailgating and even running a red light days after passing their tests.

“Passing your driving test is, for many people, one of the hardest things they’ll ever have to do,” said David Carter for Accident Advice Helpline, which commissioned the research. “And for many of us, that testing day could have come years or even decades ago – plenty of time for bad habits to creep in.

“Lots of drivers are happy to admit to bad practices when behind the wheel, most of which are harmless. But it’s important to stay vigilant with observation and safety, as letting your guard down for too long could result in an accident.”

The survey found on average it takes just four and a half months to become a “middle-lane hogger” on the motorway, while others admitted to putting their safety at risk by driving without a seatbelt on the odd occasion, less than four months of having their full licence.

The poll also showed it takes just over five months for drivers to feel comfortable fumbling in their bag for something while driving.The average driver will have run a red light within five months and six days of passing their test, while illegal U-turns take place after five months and nine days.

Fifty-three per cent of respondents agreed that they have more bad driving habits now than the day they passed their test.

David Carter added: “Bad driving habits can compromise safety and the research suggests it’s all too easy to let our driving standards slip.”

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September 2, 2020
How many Test centres are there in the UK?

LEARNERS can now book driving tests again following the hiatus caused by the coronavirus lockdown.

But how many driving test centres are there in the UK?

There are about 380 driving test centres in the UK.

Some operate part-time, but most operate full-time.

If you’re in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, you can now book a driving lesson as the website reopened on Wednesday, August 26.

Each driving test centre has unique driving test routes that are planned by the examiners around the respective local areas.

Test routes will vary dramatically depending on where they are located – with city dwellers more likely to have harder routes because of busier roads.

How do I find my nearest test centre?

Finding your nearest driving test centre is easy.

If you are learning with an instructor, speak to them about your nearest and most suitable test centre.

You can also check which test centres are closest to you using the gov.co.uk website.

When you’re learning to drive, it would be a good idea to practice on the routes which your test centre uses – so that you can become accustomed to the roads.

Which driving test centre has the highest pass rate?

According to DVSA data examined by Driving Test Tips, these are the test centres in the UK with the highest pass rates.

Gairloch Driving Test Centre in the Scottish Highlands is statistically the top pass rate centre – with 86.5 per cent of learners passing their tests.

Nine of the top 10 test centres based on pass rates are all in Scotland or the Highlands – including Mallaig, Isle of Tiree, Inveraray, Ullapool and Islay Island.

Which driving test centre has the lowest pass rate?

Test centres in busy cities such as London often have lower pass rates compared to those with less traffic density and less complicated roads and traffic system.

The driving test centre with lowest pass rate in the whole of the UK is in Birmingham, The Pavilion – with a pass average of 28.6 per cent.

Speke in Liverpool has the second-lowest rate, followed by Birmingham South Yardley and Erith in Kent.

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