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DSA Figures Add Weight to Driver Re-Testing Argument

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST

New figures collated by the DSA (Driving Standards Authority) reveal that in 2010-11 examiners recorded 1,660,206 errors by candidates that were serious enough to mean a failed test.
 
According to an article published in the Telegraph, many instructors also claim that a large proportion of learner drivers, particularly male drivers, find it easy to master the basics required to pass the test but are unlikely to maintain these standards once they have passed.
 
It's an opinion that is borne out by the facts. UK car insurance firms classify young male drivers as the greatest risk, with data showing that motorists in this particular category are nearly three times more likely than young female drivers to have a conviction in their first year.
 
If a large proportion of drivers are simply learning the basics necessary to pass the test, what does this say for the safety of our roads?
 
Andrew Kwan, Head of Litigation at Manchester's Clear Law Solicitors, a firm which specialises in road traffic accident claims, commented: 'If some drivers are just good at passing the test and if, once they've passed, their training goes out of the window, that's pretty worrying for the future of UK road safety.
 
'However, new measures are being brought in all the time to ensure we minimise the number of accidents happening on our roads, and surveys demonstrate that drivers are behind them.'
 
A recent survey showed that two-thirds of younger motorists, aged 16 to 24, agree that drivers in their 60s should have to re-sit their driving tests. It also showed that over a third of drivers believe motorists should have their eyesight tested every year.
 
Mr Kwan continued: 'We should be doing everything in our power to make our roads safer and ensure that UK drivers maintain the skills they learn during their test. Whatever the changes end up being, there's certainly an important debate to be had.'
 
Manchester's Clear Law Solicitors specialise in car accident claims, whiplash injury claims and road traffic accident claims. Call the firm on 0808 120 9608 or visit its website at: http://www.clearlawonline.co.uk