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Driving myths: the driving test
Learning to drive is an incredibly stressful thing to have to do, the culmination of the process being the dreaded driving test. Given the significance of this moment it's not surprising that a whole load of myths have grown up around it.
So who to believe? Well, in the first of a series of stories debunking driving myths we look here at some of the most common misconceptions about the driving test and put them to the test.
To help sort fact from fiction we talked to Mike Richardson, an assistant chief driving examiner with the Driving Standards Agency and man with over three decades experience of teaching and testing both learners and examiners.
Myth: examiners have a quota of people they have to fail
"It's totally untrue," says Mike. "We have a system that might flag up if you're getting a 95% pass rate and your colleagues are all getting 65% but it's entirely possible you just had a good run of candidates." Put simply you'll pass or fail on the strength of your driving.
Myth: you could do the test in a Ferrari if you wanted
The rules for cars eligible for the test are strict and you're best off in a recognised driving school car. If you want to use your own car check the DirectGov website for a comprehensive list - a number of learner-friendly superminis aren't allowed. Banned cars include the MINI convertible, Ford KA convertible, Toyota iQ and VW Beetle convertible.
Myth: you'll fail if you stall
Perhaps the most common myth of all. Stalling isn't necessarily an instant fail, depending on the circumstances. If you do it pulling out of a junction then, yes, you're out. But there are situations where, dealt with properly, a stall won't necessarily count against you.
Myth: you can practise the test route
Driving test routes are no longer published and there's a greater emphasis on 'independent driving'. "It's one thing to actually be confident within one small comfort zone but driving is for life," says BSM instructor Gary Lamb. Mike Richardson agrees: "We always say there is life beyond the driving test."
Myth: you'll fail if you cross your hands on the wheel
People get very hung up on the widely taught 'push-pull' steering technique and you'll often hear crossing your hands will result in failure. But not necessarily. Mike confirms that examiners are looking for car control and the correct amount of steering input - how you achieve it isn't as black and white as is often thought.
Myth: you should adjust the mirror so the examiner knows you're looking
Don't bother. Examiners are professionals and spend all day every day assessing learner drivers - they know when you've looked and when you haven't and this most common reason for failure will be obvious to them. Best advice? Methodically check your mirrors!
Myth: it's easier to pass at some test centres than others
Actually this one is true but not for the reasons you may think - affluent areas where pupils can afford more lessons tend to have higher pass rates, for instance. Take heart though: if you do pass in more challenging conditions you'll be the better driver for it. And, Mike points out, "the assessment is the same even if the conditions aren't."
Myth: you can just wing it with a few lessons
Technically you don't actually need to have had any driving lessons and could learn with friends or parents. And though many may tell you it's possible, given the complexities and subtleties of the modern driving test, the official line recommends a combination of proper lessons and private practise.
Myth: they don't do tests if it rains
Actually poor weather can halt driving tests, as can poor light. So if the conditions are particularly bad - especially if there's snow or ice - you should check with the test centre on the day. If it's cancelled you'll get another appointment at no extra cost but you probably won't get the money back if you're paying to use your instructor's car.
Myth: everybody knows better
Friends and parents will be all too willing to chip in with advice and sure-fire tips they believe will see you through your test but Gary Lamb advises caution. "Try not to listen to horror stories," he says, "When people have passed they don't tend to volunteer information. The test isn't as bad as you think!"
Question troops, how many remember your driving tests and teachers?
Learning to drive is an incredibly stressful thing to have to do, the culmination of the process being the dreaded driving test. Given the significance of this moment it's not surprising that a whole load of myths have grown up around it.
So who to believe? Well, in the first of a series of stories debunking driving myths we look here at some of the most common misconceptions about the driving test and put them to the test.
To help sort fact from fiction we talked to Mike Richardson, an assistant chief driving examiner with the Driving Standards Agency and man with over three decades experience of teaching and testing both learners and examiners.
Myth: examiners have a quota of people they have to fail
"It's totally untrue," says Mike. "We have a system that might flag up if you're getting a 95% pass rate and your colleagues are all getting 65% but it's entirely possible you just had a good run of candidates." Put simply you'll pass or fail on the strength of your driving.
Myth: you could do the test in a Ferrari if you wanted
The rules for cars eligible for the test are strict and you're best off in a recognised driving school car. If you want to use your own car check the DirectGov website for a comprehensive list - a number of learner-friendly superminis aren't allowed. Banned cars include the MINI convertible, Ford KA convertible, Toyota iQ and VW Beetle convertible.
Myth: you'll fail if you stall
Perhaps the most common myth of all. Stalling isn't necessarily an instant fail, depending on the circumstances. If you do it pulling out of a junction then, yes, you're out. But there are situations where, dealt with properly, a stall won't necessarily count against you.
Myth: you can practise the test route
Driving test routes are no longer published and there's a greater emphasis on 'independent driving'. "It's one thing to actually be confident within one small comfort zone but driving is for life," says BSM instructor Gary Lamb. Mike Richardson agrees: "We always say there is life beyond the driving test."
Myth: you'll fail if you cross your hands on the wheel
People get very hung up on the widely taught 'push-pull' steering technique and you'll often hear crossing your hands will result in failure. But not necessarily. Mike confirms that examiners are looking for car control and the correct amount of steering input - how you achieve it isn't as black and white as is often thought.
Myth: you should adjust the mirror so the examiner knows you're looking
Don't bother. Examiners are professionals and spend all day every day assessing learner drivers - they know when you've looked and when you haven't and this most common reason for failure will be obvious to them. Best advice? Methodically check your mirrors!
Myth: it's easier to pass at some test centres than others
Actually this one is true but not for the reasons you may think - affluent areas where pupils can afford more lessons tend to have higher pass rates, for instance. Take heart though: if you do pass in more challenging conditions you'll be the better driver for it. And, Mike points out, "the assessment is the same even if the conditions aren't."
Myth: you can just wing it with a few lessons
Technically you don't actually need to have had any driving lessons and could learn with friends or parents. And though many may tell you it's possible, given the complexities and subtleties of the modern driving test, the official line recommends a combination of proper lessons and private practise.
Myth: they don't do tests if it rains
Actually poor weather can halt driving tests, as can poor light. So if the conditions are particularly bad - especially if there's snow or ice - you should check with the test centre on the day. If it's cancelled you'll get another appointment at no extra cost but you probably won't get the money back if you're paying to use your instructor's car.
Myth: everybody knows better
Friends and parents will be all too willing to chip in with advice and sure-fire tips they believe will see you through your test but Gary Lamb advises caution. "Try not to listen to horror stories," he says, "When people have passed they don't tend to volunteer information. The test isn't as bad as you think!"
Question troops, how many remember your driving tests and teachers?
I was driving tractors when I was 5. As for the driving test I used my dads 85' Ford Ranger, spent about twenty minutes on the backstreets of Smithfield, Va. and passed on the first try. As far as being nervous I really don't remember.
