In the world of the learner driver and driving test, there have always been myths propagated by those that have endless knowledge on the subject……….
A good example is “crossing your hands on the steering wheel and you will fail”. This classic has been around for years and is simply not true. Crossing ones hands whilst steering has never been marked on the DL25 ( Driving Test Report Form). However, a candidate must always be in control of the vehicle, so candidates best be able to steer!
Next, is the “drive slowly and you will pass”. Again, not true. Failure to make adequate safe progress on a driving test, will result in a serious fault and a fail will be recorded.
Controversial subject just now.
Every now and again, D.V.S.A examiners hold “surgeries” at local Test Centre’s, giving trainers the opportunity to raise issues and concerns about all manner of Driving Test related issues.
At the last surgery held at Sevenoaks Test centre, the DVSA examiners brought up the subject of “ making progress”, or putting it another way, candidates failing to make lack of progress.
On a local Driving Instructors What’s App forum, just a few days ago, there was uproar about an Instructors candidate that failed a test for not getting up to 60 MPH on a National Speed limit Road. The case above was particularly controversial.
Candidates are expected to be able to set a safe speed, within the limit. So sometimes a road may have a 60 MPH limit, however because of its width or layout, 40 or even 30MPH would be a safe speed. In the failure case detailed on the Whats App group, the Instructors thought that on the road in question, the 50 MPH that the candidate achieved was adequate and safe.
It is a judgement call, but DVSA are clearly concerned that new drivers that drive too slowly, may lack the skills to set a safe speed within the speed limit. In addition, driving unnaturally slowly, within the limit can raise frustration levels and cause other motorists to take chances with unsafe overtakes etc.
So in summary, ensure you receive an adequate number of Driving Lessons and are able to drive at an appropriate speed, within the speed limit
