Driving instructor explains whether it really is easier to pass your test at certain times of day

Surely, you've got to be barking mad to want to be a driving instructor?

Dealing with learners unable to even drive in a straight line - coupled with the obvious safety risks of being on the road? No thanks.

But for Sergiu Ardelean, it's the perfect job.

Based in Huntington, Cambridge, Sergiu became a driving instructor largely because of what's happened in his personal life - though his love and passion of cars played a big part, too.

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When he was younger, Sergiu’s mum was involved in a bad accident which involved a drink driver. Following that, one of his closest friends was involved in a similar accident.

"Both my mum and friend’s car accidents were devastating incidents that shaped who I am today," Sergiu explained.

"It’s something that impacts my career and is a big reason behind why I want to help others learn to drive safely and responsibly. Drivers need to be more alert and sensible when behind the wheel."

He was also inspired after the poor experience his girlfriend went through with her driving instructor, recognising an issue with 'instructor culture', and knowing something needed to change.

“I was a bit surprised how fast she [Sergiu's girlfriend] was thrown on the test,” he said. "From her experience, I could see how there’s an unfortunate driving instructor culture of sending people to take their tests when they’re not necessarily ready.

"Driving instructors really need to assess and think, are they confident to drive safely? Can they comfortably do a one-hour commute, alone, during rush hour and [deal with] the many hazards that can occur?"

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Thanks to his work in the field, Sergiu has become an expert in the process of learning to drive - including all the myths and stories that come along with it.

We've all heard them - 'oh that's a nice route, you'll pass with no problem!', or 'make sure you don't do that on your test, you'll have absolutely no hope'.

Sergiu knows that not all of these rumours are true, so he's taken it upon himself to debunk some of the more common ones.

One belief is that when it comes to taking your driving test, it can be easier to pass when you're taking it at a certain time of day.

On the surface, this makes sense. If you're going to embark on the dreaded test in the middle of the day on a weekday, then it will of course be quieter than if it was the weekend or rush hour. Less cars, less chance to make a mess of your test, right?

That's not exactly how the test is measured though, as Sergiu explained to LADbible: "Test routes are simply subjective to road conditions and traffic situation.

"You may get a route that may feel simpler from a learner’s point of view but regardless, your examiner will ensure to test you as an ‘all around’ complete driver."

Another thing Sergiu wants to make clear is that you don't have to be absolutely flawless in order to succeed - we're all human, after all.

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Many people believe that a slight touch on the curb or an unfortunate stall will end in a fail, but Sergiu explained: "Not true. If a pupil stalls, so long as they regain control and avoid rolling the car and sort the issue in good time they will not fail. Likewise, if they brush the kerb they won't fail within the limits of reasonability. "

There is one myth that has some truth to it, according to Sergiu: the claim that new drivers are more likely to get involved in accidents.

There are a lot of reasons as to why you might get into an accident on the road, but the driving instructor claims distractions are one of the reasons why young drivers might be more prone to them.

"Overconfidence has a huge impact in accidents - especially as you no longer have an instructor by your side as you drive," he said.

"When you’ve passed and are insured to take to the road, new drivers must always remember the importance of safe driving and everything you’ve been taught."

Though younger drivers might sometimes be a bit big for their boots, Sergiu knows how important it is that all drivers know how to be safe behind the wheel, and as a result he can't see himself doing anything else.

He loves his job as a driving instructor, explaining: "I'm passionate as I love cars and driving generally – so being a driving instructor allowed me to bring that passion into my career, whilst also having a job that is rewarding from the sense of helping learners understand the technical side of driving (and being safe!)…"