There are a few burning questions most of my students ask me when they first get behind the wheel. Number one – ‘When will I pass my driving test?’ or ‘How long will it take?’ And secondly, ‘Will I pass first time?’
It’s a question I unfortunately don’t have a firm answer for. Although I can prepare you to the best of my ability and give you the best possible chance of passing, anything can happen on the day. Sometimes, life just isn’t on your side, nerves get the better of you, or you’re simply having a bad day. Let’s face it, failing your driving test is rubbish – nobody likes to fail, and just the word ‘fail’ sounds and feels negative. But as with every perceived negative experience, a failed driving test gives us an opportunity to learn and grow.
Failing first time is more common than you think
When people ask you about your driving test, one of the questions they follow up with is ‘Did you pass first time?’ Passing first time comes with something of a badge of honour, given the sometimes challenging and unpredictable nature of the driving test itself.
Although passing first time is the goal everyone naturally aims for, figures from the DVSA show that it is much more common to fail than to pass your driving test. In fact, one in two drivers per year are unsuccessful.
Over recent years the pass rate percentage has hovered between 45 and 50% annually. The figures are also skewed by gender – statistically, males pass with fewer attempts than females and consequently have a higher pass rate. Lastly, age is a factor – figures show that pass rates decease the older you get (with a 10% difference between 17- and 18-year olds alone).
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t aim to pass first time, or that it isn’t possible. But it does show us a few things both about the test itself, and about standards of driving tuition in the UK.
Being fully prepared to take your driving test is key
It’s easy to look at the numbers and feel dispirited or disheartened – but bear in mind that many different external factors are at play here beyond individual performance alone.
One thing I strongly feel is influencing these figures is a lack of consistently high standards of driving tuition. The DVSA are currently looking into raising standards and reforming the system through a new set of guidelines (more on that here), but at present, far too many students are able to attempt their driving test without proper tuition and support, or a good grounding in the basics of safe and competent driving.
ADIs are subject to regular assessment, but many still get by doing the bare minimum, coaching students on how to pass their test without imparting the essential skills and knowledge to back that up safely in the real world. This is where fails (and real-life incidents on the road) can occur – through a lack of preparedness and understanding of potential hazards and how to avoid them.
Students are also often encouraged (and allowed) to attempt their test far too early. I always try to explain to students (and their parents where necessary) that the process should not be rushed – attempting to pass your driving test when you aren’t ready is a waste of time and money – and it affects your confidence if you do fail.
Passing first time is possible – but don’t worry if you don’t
If you’ve had several attempts at the driving test but still haven’t passed yet, don’t get disheartened. I firmly believe that everyone can pass their driving test with the right tuition and support.
Often I find that students who come to me in this situation have been let down previously or haven’t had their individual needs or learning styles catered to. Lots of people suffer with anxiety or nerves, which can greatly affect them on the day.
In order to get you to pass your test, we need to ensure that your standard of driving is good, but also that we mentally prepare you for the test situation itself, which can cause people to become forgetful, fearful or confused and drive in a way that doesn’t fully reflect their true competence.
Bottom line: the odds statistically may be against you – but with the right support and proper tuition, you can go into your driving test confidently and competently, greatly increasing your chances of passing. Passing well, and driving safely, should always be the aim.