This is something heard everyday, and yes over 30 years ago this was true – drivers passed in a short time.

Wondering why it now takes people so long now?

Well the test is now 40 minutes long, during the 70’s and before we saw a 25 minute test.

Before 1999 test candidates could make unlimited driver faults, any serious or dangerous fault of course would have failed.

But now you can only make 15 driver faults even not being serious or dangerous if 16 faults this leads to a fail.

Counting the amount of times a test candidate misses a mirror check – or roll back a fraction on a hill, it is so easy to get 15 faults in 40 minutes.

The test now has more manoeuvre’s, 15 years ago no one had to be tested with reverse parking, I wonder how many of the early 70’s drivers would say yes to be able to park at test standard.

To raise the driving standards, to reduce the high number of accidents, the test is now much stricter.

Traffic has increased.

Can you remember in the early 70’s, did we see families with 2 or 3 cars to each family.

We now see very high insurance costs.

The family car may not be available for young Billy to practice in.

The only car is the training car.

Could your dad pass the test today in 10 lessons? If the answer is ‘No’, then why not.

Remember this is still only a basic minimum standard test in today’s driving scene, but needs lots of practice.
Are we really ready for the open road in a lethal weapon on wheels, a killer in the wrong hands, drivers with the wrong attitude, have you really been prepared – what about skid control – did you ask your instructor to train you on a motorway after passing your test (learner drivers are not allowed to drive on motorways).

Do you really feel prepared?

Have you thought how nice it will be for your parents to see you reach a good old age?

So next time you hear the phrase:
“I only took 10 lessons to pass”

Always remember they probably would need a lot more now to get to the standard of today’s driving test.

If you are learning to drive, then don’t forget that spending up to £1,000 to pass will still be the cheapest part of your driving career.

Insurance and car purchase will cost £1,000s