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Motoring news

Second time 'lucky' for safe drivers

18/02/2010

Learners who pass their test on the second attempt go on to be the safest drivers, a new survey suggests.

The poll of 6,200 people, conducted on behalf of tyre maker Continental, asked drivers about their motoring history and skills. It found that those who passed on their second attempt were less likely to be stopped by police, and tended to have fewer points on their licence.

The study also suggests that second-time passers are less likely to pick up bad habits, such as speaking on a mobile phone, alarming passengers with their driving, or suffering from bouts of road rage.

Those who passed on their first attempt were the most likely to feel confident teaching somebody else to drive, and the most competent in performing manoeuvres such as three-point-turns or hill-starts. However, Continental director of safety Guy Frobisher said that "some might be over-confident and that can quickly lead to recklessness".

Conversely, drivers who needed four or more attempts to pass their test emerged as the most likely to be stopped for speeding, run a red light or even drive the wrong way down one-way streets. The survey also suggested that they had the highest level of car insurance claims.

"It seems that second time around is perfect when it comes to the best drivers," said Frobisher.

"Perhaps this is down to [them] concentrating more and taking into account different road conditions and other drivers."

In research published by Admiral last year, 47% of drivers said that they had passed their test first time, compared to 30% who had needed two attempts. Meanwhile, 61% believed that they would pass a test if required to sit one today.