RAC Says Allowing Learners On Road Without Test Dangerous As 35,000 Sign Petition

The RAC has rejected a petition calling for learner drivers to be allowed on the road without passing a test.

The petition - which has attracted more than 35,000 signatures - argues that instructors should be allowed to determine whether learners are fit to drive, with the pandemic causing significant delays to tests.

But RAC road safety spokesman Simon Williams said such a move would risk 'creating a whole new road safety problem'.

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He said: "As frustrating as it is, it's right that new drivers sit tight and wait to take their tests.

"We know from research just how important being able to drive is for young people, so it's extremely disappointing to see tests being cancelled, but the safety of drivers and examiners has to come first.

"Allowing drivers who haven't taken a formal test out on the road risks creating a whole new road safety problem, not least because young drivers are still significantly more likely than any other age group to be involved in collisions."

Simon's view was echoed on Twitter after a screenshot of the petition went viral.

One person wrote: "Hell of a difference being in a car with an instructor than being out on the road by yourself.

"Plenty of solid drivers fail their tests multiple times by making simple mistakes but mistakes that in the real world would get someone killed."

Another commented: "I may be a learner driver sick of having things cancelled but I would never want to sign that. I know what other learner drivers are like.

"I don't even feel that safe to drive. I certainly don't want people to just get passed without a test."

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But not everyone slammed the petition.

One man wrote: "Seriously though. I am a driving instructor and there needs to be a system in place to improve how this farce has played out.

"Not as simplistic as the above but a system where the learner has to log hours, signed by their instructor, detailing what they have covered.

"That way instead of people who are test ready having to wait months and months for tests the DVSA would be in a position to prioritise learners who are test ready rather than having people who have had 5 lessons and booked a test early clogging up the system."

Another added: "I actually think this could be a shout, I've personally had 7 lessons, I've been driving for years and have had my test cancelled on 3 different occasions this year.

"I've been reassured many times by my instructor that I would pass 1st time."

A DVSA spokesperson told LADbible: "The DVSA is committed to helping everyone have a lifetime of safe driving.

"The Road Traffic Act 1988 only allows a full driving licence to be issued if the person has passed the test of competence to drive. Furthermore, regulations also require driving test examiners to meet certain criteria and pass an initial qualification and examination before being authorised by the Secretary of State to conduct practical driving tests.

"Whilst driving instructors are very well trained to teach learners to drive, it would not be lawful or appropriate for them to conduct tests on their pupils."

Topics: UK News, Interesting, Car

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@jakesmassey