Are Young Drivers Unprepared After Their Driving Test?

It's been a hot topic in the news over the past few months, and more and more figures are being released which represent that young drivers may just be unprepared for the roads after their driving test. A recent survey by Ingenie Insurance on young people and crashes showed that 81% of young drivers do not think learning to drive prepared them for a crash. Meanwhile, 71% of new drivers forgot the basic steps of how to deal with a crash, leaving their vehicle’s engine running and only 23% remembered to put on their hazard warning lights. Almost three quarters of those involved in a crash failed to obtain the other involved party’s details, 82% did not acquire witness information and 71% of young drivers forgot to record the registration numbers of other vehicles involved. 10% of young drivers forgot to give their own details after a crash because they were too shaken or upset by the incident and a further 6% of young drivers just drove off in panic – both of which are illegal! These figures prove that young drivers are not getting enough education about what to do in real life situations after their driving test. In January this year, The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) released a statement with the Under 17 Car Club Charitable Trust. The statement stated: "The driving test as it stands does not equip young drivers to go out on the road safely. You can go out and pass your tests knowing only the roads in a small local area. As such, it doesn't give young drivers the skills they need for a life on the road." The IAM thinks that a graduated licensing system might be the answer. Neil Greig, IAM director of policy and research, said: "The driving test needs to become a much more integrated part of a graduated licensing system that picks up on best practice from around the world. "For instance, Austria has a 'second phase' licensing system, where young drivers come back in the 12 months after the test for a further three interventions to examine attitude changes and skills." This method will allow first time drivers to voice any concerns that they may have and give them the opportunity to learn how to deal with these. On the other hand, analysing new drivers attitudes and concerns earlier on in the process can help to spot trends in new drivers and introduce new laws on how to resolve these. We feel that learner driver insurance really does work to practically educate young drivers on what life on the roads is actually like. It provides a raw, real life experience of driving with no dual controls. It also allows learners to practice as much as they like, on a variety of roads and in the dark which can effectively work to develop a driver to get used to the roads and become comfortable with venturing out after their driving test. Let us know what you think. Are you a young driver who has struggled since being on the roads alone? We would love to hear your thoughts!