Over 400,000 driving tests were taken in the UK between January and March alone and with thousands more learner drivers expected to take their practical tests over the remainder of the year, experts at Bill Plant Driving school wanted to debunk some of the most common driving test myths.
Myth 1: Examiners can only pass a certain number of learners each week
Since 2021, over 300,000 people failed their driving test for the first time and although many people believe it’s because examiners can only pass a certain number of people each week, this isn’t true. If you fail your test then unfortunately it’s down to one or more errors on the day and not due to how many learners the examiner has passed during that week.
Myth 2: Stalling the car is a straight fail
For a long period of time a percentage of learner drivers have been led to believe that if they stall the car during their test, they’ll be given a straight fail, but this isn’t the case. If you were to stall in a dangerous location, such as on a roundabout, your examiner may believe this is worthy of a fail but in most cases it's how you compose yourself and carry on driving that the examiner will pay most attention to.
Myth 3: You’re more likely to pass if you drive at a slower speed
Although many learners believe driving slower than the speed limit will increase their chances of passing, this is false. Driving slower than the speed limit in some areas can be deemed dangerous, especially if other cars are driving at a higher speed. During your test, it’s important to remain at the speed limit as this is what the examiner will want to see.
Myth 4: Learn the test route before you set offSome learners often ask friends or relatives who have recently sat their driving test to show them the route they took in order to practice, but this will provide little benefit. Not all test routes are the same and you have to take into consideration weather conditions, traffic and other factors which may result in the route changing or being different to a previous time.
Myth 5: You’ll be advised to take more lessons than you need in order to pass
Many learners believe driving schools and instructors will make you take more lessons than you need in order to make money, but this isn’t the case. Research has suggested that learners need between 40-50 hours of lesson time on average before taking their test, so your instructor will recommend you book your test when they feel you’re ready.
