Why is learning to drive so difficult?

There are a few factors to consider when looking at why it’s so difficult to pass. Armed with statistics, I will be examining these factors and working out why it can be so tricky to learn to drive.

When you first start learning to drive, you are bombarded with information, road signs, manoeuvres, gear changes and steering, to name a few.

The Driving and Vehicle Standard Agency (DVSA) list the top 10 reasons learner drivers fail their test:

• Junctions (observation)
• Mirrors (change direction)
• Control (steering)
• Junctions (turning right)
• Positioning (normal driving)
• Move off (safely)
• Move off (control)
• Response to signals (traffic lights)
• Reverse park (control)
• Response to signals (road markings)

Once passed, moves on the list such as mirror checks and positioning all become automatic.

There are a lot of driving skills in this list to remember, and these are just some of the reasons why learner drivers don’t pass first time.

Your instructor will always correct you if you make an error like these ones, however keeping these factors in mind from the beginning will help make them habit and hopefully increase your chance of passing first time.

Another factor to consider is age. Pass rate statistics indicate that 56.6% of 17-year-old males passed their test on their first attempt in 2016, whereas only 47.7% of 27-year-olds passed their test on the first attempt.

At 17, you have the benefit of time; taking lessons after or during free periods in school or college could be a lot easier than juggling learning with a full-time job. Teens will more than likely have more free time to practise outside of the lessons with an instructor.

But not everyone chooses to learn the minute they turn 17; lots of people decide to take to the road later on in life.

This can prove beneficial, as an older learner will have had more experience of the road as a passenger. They may already know a little about road signs, and traffic signals. In addition, growing older means more maturity. It could be argued that as an older person you would be more cautious and careful on the roads, and be more aware of risk.

Of course it’s not all about the practical test; before you get that far you have to pass the theory test. The statistics for theory tests are similar to the practical with a pass rate of 48.2%. Exams are always a bit nerve-racking, but preparation is key.

In your lessons remember to look out for road signs and markings; don't be afraid to ask your instructor if you're not sure of their meaning. Also keep an eye out for DVSA-approved learning materials. These are extremely helpful and test you as you go along, hopefully helping to reduce those test day nerves.

What can I do to make my driving experience easier?

Even though everyone learns differently, it is always going to be a difficult process. However, I found these few things useful while I was learning:

• After a few months of lessons I was lucky enough to get my own car, this was very useful to practise in and I found everything I was learning in my lesson was sinking in. If you don’t have your own car, there are other options. If you have a provisional driving licence, a family member or friend over 21 can take you out in their car providing they have been driving for over three years – see our guide on supervising a learner driver for more information
• Finding the right instructor for you is very important. Every instructor’s teaching style is different and you may not gel with certain ways of teaching, so if you’re not getting on with their teaching style look around for someone different
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask to practise anything again, after all, you are paying for these lessons. However, you must listen and respect your instructor, remember, they are qualified and you are a beginner
• Prepare for your theory test, during your lessons look out for road signs and ask about the meanings, or look them up afterwards if your instructor didn’t mention them. Read through the Highway Code and invest in some up-to-date theory materials. The DVDs are excellent for your hazard perception and you can even download apps that test your theory knowledge

There is no specific formula for passing your test the first time. But using these techniques may assist with the process and make everything a little bit easier. Good luck!

If you enjoyed this, you might also be interested in this guide: Intensive driving courses: are they worth it?