Learner drivers could be spared the ordeal of having to convince a driving examiner of their ability to reverse around a corner or parallel park under plans being considered by the Conservatives. Performing a three-point turn could also disappear from the test under the proposals.
This will be music to many a motorists ear as well as bringing back horrendous memories from qualified drivers having been subjected to this torment. Because reversing is so illogical many women, being more logical, find this hard to master, hence the old jokes. However, this is made worse when a stony faced examiner is sitting next to you on the driving test slowly turning you into a mould of jelly. Under the present arrangements, learner drivers have to perform two out of three of the manoeuvres successfully to pass the test.
Instead, under plans drawn up by Robert Goodwill, the party’s roads spokesman, these tasks would be ‘signed off’ by a qualified driving instructor before the test took place.
The Conservatives’ proposals would still require all three to be completed successfully, but before the test itself. The 10 minutes left free in the test would be dedicated to more time on the road in traffic. To ensure the elements were ‘signed off’ correctly, observers would check that the manoeuvres were being properly assessed by driving schools.
The Tory initiative was announced as the Government holds a wide-ranging consultation on reform of the driving test.
A very sensible suggestion. So far so good regarding the reforms.
Jackie Violet - Female First