Taking your driving test is nerve-inducing enough but new data unearthed by the RAC Foundation reveals there is another potential threat – being involved in a crash.

According to exclusive data, there have been almost 1,500 crashes in driving tests over the past four years.

Between 2020 and 2023, learners were involved in 1,488 crashes with 2023 the worst with 538 crashes recorded. In 17% of cases – 247 accidents – a person was injured.

However, it should be highlighted that the figures sourced from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency do not say who was to actually blame for the accident, i.e., the learner or another motorist.

“This is a stark and unwelcome reminder that life on the road can be unforgiving. Of course, many of these crashes are likely to have been caused not by the candidate but those who have already passed a test and think that doing so has made them the perfect driver.”

• Steve Gooding, Director, RAC Foundation

Bigger picture

Perhaps most worryingly, the figures could have been worse but because of the lockdowns in 2020 and 2021, there were far fewer learners out on the road taking their test.

For instance, in the financial year 2020-21, there was a 72.7% decline in the number of driving tests taken – 436,044 – compared to the 1,599,566 undertaken in 2019-2020. That meant accident rates were lower in both those years:

  • 2020: 110 crashes
  • 2021: 307 crashes
  • 2022: 533 crashes
  • 2023: 538 crashes

Call for Action

The surprisingly high numbers of crashes during driving tests has led to renewed calls for the introduction of Graduated Driving Licences (GDLs) to help keep learners safe once they qualify.

“Whatever stage of our driving lives we are at, and whenever we are behind the wheel, we need to remember our responsibilities,” explains the RAC Foundation’s Steve Gooding. “However, newly qualified young drivers are particularly vulnerable and disproportionately involved in crashes. International evidence shows a graduated licensing system could improve safety.”

Way to go?

Described as “a progressive licensing system to support young drivers by limiting high-risk driving situations”, data from around the world shows that GDLs reduce fatalities from crashes involving 17- to 19-year-old drivers by 20-40%.

GDLs typically place restrictions on new qualified drivers for the first two years of their driving careers. Restrictions can include:

  • Restrictions on the number of passengers the new driver can have in their car
  • Ban from driving at certain times of night
  • Zero-alcohol limit (so no half-pints in the pub before driving home).

A failure to comply with these restrictions could result in fines, points on your licence or being forced to take your driving test all over again.

Calmer driving

While the idea of crashing during your driving test can ramp up stress levels even further, do remember the chances of having an accident are very low.

To help keep yourself calm on the big day, check out Theory Test Pro’s guide to dealing with driving test nerves.

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