Revealed: Worrying Number of Learners Involved in Crashes During Driving Test
By Blind Spot DriveBlog
Revealed: Worrying Number of Learners Involved in Crashes During Driving Test
Taking a driving test is already a nerve-wracking experience for most learners, but new data from the RAC Foundation has unveiled an additional concern—being involved in a crashes during driving test itself. Alarming statistics show that nearly 1,500 crashes have occurred during driving tests between 2020 and 2023. This article delves into these concerning figures, the implications for learner drivers, and the potential solutions that could improve road safety.
Outline of the Article
- Introduction
- Overview of the issue: Crashes during driving tests
- Key statistics: 1,500 crashes over four years
- Understanding the Driving Test Crash Data
- Breakdown of crashes by year
- The impact of lockdowns on crash numbers
- 2023: The Worst Year for Driving Test Crashes
- 538 crashes recorded
- Injuries reported in 17% of cases
- Who’s to Blame?
- Lack of clarity in crash data: learner vs. other motorists
- The role of experienced drivers in causing crashes
- Learner Driver Anxiety and Test-Day Stress
- How anxiety can impact learner driver performance
- Tips for staying calm during a driving test
- The Impact of Lockdowns on Crash Data
- Decline in tests taken during the 2020-21 financial year
- How fewer tests may have resulted in fewer crashes
- Calls for Graduated Driving Licenses (GDLs)
- What are GDLs?
- International evidence supporting GDLs
- How GDLs Could Help Reduce Crashes
- Restrictions for new drivers: Passengers, night driving, and alcohol limits
- Positive outcomes of GDL systems in other countries
- The Role of Driving Instructors in Crash Prevention
- How instructors can help learners avoid accidents
- The importance of proper training and preparation
- What Should Learners Expect on Test Day?
- Common challenges faced by learners during their test
- How to be better prepared for the driving test environment
- Staying Safe After Passing the Test
- Why the first two years of driving are the riskiest
- Defensive driving tips for newly qualified drivers
- Why Graduated Driving Licenses Are Not Yet Mandatory in the UK
- Current UK policies on GDLs
- Arguments for and against the introduction of GDLs
- Improving Learner Driver Safety
- Other potential solutions to reduce crashes
- The role of technology in improving road safety
- Conclusion
- Recap of the key points
- The importance of staying vigilant on the road
- FAQs
- What should I do if I’m involved in a crash during my driving test?
- Can I fail my driving test because of an accident?
- Are Graduated Driving Licenses effective in reducing accidents?
- How can I stay calm during my driving test?
- What should I expect after passing my driving test?

Revealed: Worrying Number of Learners Involved in Crashes During Driving Test
Taking your driving test is a big milestone, but it’s often fraught with anxiety. Nerves can get the best of anyone, and now, new data reveals an even more unnerving reality—being involved in a crash during your test. Over the last four years, there have been nearly 1,500 crashes during driving tests in the UK, according to the RAC Foundation. With 2023 alone witnessing a record 538 accidents, it’s time to explore what this means for learners and how we can improve safety.
Understanding the Driving Test Crash Data
Between 2020 and 2023, learners were involved in 1,488 crashes while taking their driving tests. This alarming figure highlights a troubling issue—are learner drivers, or even other road users, properly prepared for the realities of driving? The data doesn’t specify who was at fault in these incidents, but it certainly raises eyebrows about the safety of learners on the road.
2023: The Worst Year for Driving Test Crashes
Of the 1,488 crashes reported over the last four years, 2023 was the worst, with 538 crashes recorded. Even more concerning, in 17% of these cases, injuries were reported. That’s 247 accidents where someone—either the learner or another road user—was hurt. The rising number of crashes suggests a growing problem that demands attention.
Who’s to Blame?
Interestingly, the crash data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) doesn’t specify who is responsible for these accidents—whether it’s the learner or another motorist. Some might argue that experienced drivers, overconfident after passing their own tests, could be the ones causing some of these crashes. Steve Gooding, Director of the RAC Foundation, points out that these incidents serve as a reminder that no one is immune to the risks of the road, regardless of how many years they’ve been driving.
Learner Driver Anxiety and Test-Day Stress
There’s no denying that learner drivers face immense pressure on their test day, and for many, this anxiety can affect their performance. Imagine sitting behind the wheel, fully aware that your driving skills are being scrutinized, only to be involved in a crash. This level of stress can be overwhelming, but there are ways to manage it. Simple steps like practicing breathing exercises, visualizing success, and preparing thoroughly can help learners stay calm and focused on the road.
The Impact of Lockdowns on Crash Data
An interesting detail in the crash data is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020 and 2021, when lockdowns were in full force, fewer driving tests were conducted. For instance, in the 2020-21 financial year, the number of driving tests dropped by a staggering 72.7%. With fewer learners on the road, fewer crashes were recorded during those years—110 crashes in 2020 and 307 in 2021. The drop in accidents during these years may have provided a temporary respite, but as the number of tests ramped up post-lockdown, so did the crash rates.
Calls for Graduated Driving Licenses (GDLs)
The rising number of crashes during driving tests has reignited the debate around Graduated Driving Licenses (GDLs). A GDL is essentially a tiered system that places restrictions on new drivers to help them gradually build their experience. International evidence suggests that implementing GDLs could reduce accidents involving young drivers by as much as 20-40%. Given these promising statistics, many are now calling for the introduction of GDLs in the UK.
How GDLs Could Help Reduce Crashes
GDLs typically include restrictions on new drivers, such as limiting the number of passengers they can carry, banning them from driving late at night, and enforcing a zero-alcohol limit. These rules are designed to keep new drivers out of high-risk situations, allowing them to gain more experience on the road before they face these challenges. Countries that have implemented GDLs have seen a significant reduction in accidents involving young drivers, making it an appealing solution for improving road safety in the UK.
The Role of Driving Instructors in Crash Prevention
Driving instructors play a crucial role in preparing learners for their driving tests and ensuring they understand the importance of road safety. Proper training can help learners feel more confident and capable behind the wheel, reducing the likelihood of accidents. Instructors can also offer valuable advice on how to handle difficult driving situations, such as dealing with aggressive drivers or navigating complex road systems.
What Should Learners Expect on Test Day?
Test day can be a daunting experience for any learner driver. Common challenges include navigating unfamiliar routes, dealing with test-day nerves, and staying focused despite the pressure. It’s important for learners to be well-prepared, both mentally and practically. Reviewing key driving skills, understanding the test route, and practicing with an instructor can help boost confidence and reduce anxiety on the big day.
Staying Safe After Passing the Test
Passing the driving test is a huge accomplishment, but it’s important to remember that the first two years of driving are often the most dangerous. Newly qualified drivers are more likely to be involved in crashes as they adjust to the realities of driving without supervision. Defensive driving techniques, such as maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles and being aware of potential hazards, can help new drivers stay safe on the road.
Why Graduated Driving Licenses Are Not Yet Mandatory in the UK
Despite the growing support for GDLs, the UK has yet to implement this system. Critics argue that GDLs may unfairly penalize new drivers by placing too many restrictions on them, while others believe that the benefits of reduced accidents far outweigh any potential drawbacks. The debate continues, but with the number of crashes rising, the push for GDLs may soon gain more traction.
Improving Learner Driver Safety
Beyond GDLs, there are other potential solutions to reduce crashes during driving tests and beyond. Advanced driver training courses, increased use of in-car technology such as collision avoidance systems, and greater emphasis on road safety education could all contribute to making the roads safer for learner drivers.
Conclusion
The alarming number of crashes during driving tests in recent years highlights the need for greater attention to learner driver safety. Whether through the introduction of Graduated Driving Licenses, better training, or simply increased awareness of the risks, it’s clear that more needs to be done to protect learner drivers and other road users. As the numbers continue to rise, the question is not if changes should be made, but when.
FAQs
What should I do if I’m involved in a crash during my driving test?
If you’re involved in a crash during your driving test, remain calm and follow the examiner’s instructions. Your test may be rescheduled depending on the severity of the accident.
Can I fail my driving test because of an accident?
Yes, you can fail your test if the accident is deemed to be your fault. However, if another driver is responsible, it won’t necessarily result in a fail.
Are Graduated Driving Licenses effective in reducing accidents?
Yes, international evidence shows that GDLs can reduce accidents involving young drivers by 20-40%.
How can I stay calm during my driving test?
Practice deep breathing, visualize success, and ensure you’ve had enough preparation. Staying focused on the task at hand will help ease your nerves.
What should I expect after passing my driving test?
After passing, you’ll enter a probationary period where gaining experience is key. Be cautious during your first two years, as this is when you’re most likely to be involved in a crash.
Main image by aleksandarlittlewolf on Freepik
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