First-time failure rate for driving test jumps to 49.5%

DRIVING standards among Irish motorists appear to be worsening according to a report which reveals driving test pass rates have been continuously falling over the past few years.

Figures released by the Central Statistics Office show that record numbers of learner drivers are failing both the driving test and the driver theory test.

The CSO figures go on to reveal that about one in five motorists on Irish roads are provisional licence holders. A total of 426,219 motorists failed their driving test in the period 2001 to 2006.

The failure rate for first-time applicants increased from 42.5% in 1999 to 49.5% last year. The same rate for more experienced, repeat applicants is even more dramatic — rising from 37.7% to 45.3% over the same period.

Worryingly, the pass rate for the driver theory test — which averaged more than 82% since its introduction in 2002 — dropped to just 76% last year.

Although younger drivers are often believed to be more inexperienced, the failure rate for the driving test is highest among people aged 26 or over.

More than 56% of L-plate drivers aged under 21 passed their driving test last year compared to 48% of older adults.

The CSO data provides strong support for controversial plans by the Government and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to radically overhaul the driver licensing system.

Under plans for a graduated driving licensing system, legislation will be introduced to make it mandatory for all learner drivers to undergo a period of tuition with qualified instructors before being allowed to sit the test.

Last night, the RSA said falling pass rates for both the driving test and driver theory test required further research.

RSA chief executive Noel Brett said some changes to the marking system in both tests in recent years could provide a partial explanation why failure rates were increasing. However, he accepted that many motorists were not preparing adequately for the tests.

“Research has shown that the more experienced learner driver who has engaged a competent driving instructor and a suitable supervisor is better prepared for the test,” he remarked.

Mr Brett said the RSA was well on target to clear the current backlog of more than 122,000 applicants to sit the driving test and bring average waiting times down to 10 weeks by next March.

“Driving inspectors are currently carrying out 6,000 tests per week and this will increase to 10,000 per week between now and March,” said Mr Brett.

The CSO report also revealed that close to 5% of cars submitted for the National Car Test last year failed to meet the required safety standards.