Two thirds of Edinburgh drivers know someone who should resit their driving test

• Longevity of motorists driving ability put to the test

• Those who don’t drive regularly exhibit more dangerous driving

• Two thirds (41%) of Edinburgh motorists know someone who they think needs to retake their test

When it comes to driving, motorists must ‘use it or lose it’, new research has revealed. A recent opinion poll of Edinburgh drivers found that two thirds (60%) know someone who they think needs to retake their driving test, with nearly a third (28%) thinking that we should all have to retake our tests every decade.

Currently, there is no UK law that requires drivers to retake lessons and/or their driving test after taking time away from the wheel. In light of this, Euro Car Parts partnered with the TRL (Transport Research Laboratory) and re-tested three drivers on their driving skills under different conditions. The test found that when it comes to driving, motorists need to regularly drive or risk their driving skills deteriorating to the level of a novice driver.

The Test

Using vehicle simulation technology, the TRL tested the driving skills of three motorists to see if driving ability reduces without regular practice. The research tested awareness, response time, and driving accuracy in normal and distracted driving conditions.

Participants

• Participant A: non-driver (has not driven in eight years, but still holds a full license)

• Participant B: occasional driver (drives three – four times a year)

• Participant C: regular driver (drives two – three times a week)

The Results

Participant A performed the worst across awareness, response time and driving accuracy in both normal and distracted driving simulations. The increase in mistakes was also steeper between normal and distracted conditions for Participant A than both B and C.

Participant C  was the ‘best’ driver across all measurements in normal driving conditions, however Participant B outperformed Participant C in accuracy and awareness in the distracted driving scenario.

Speaking about the research, Bill Stimson, Marketing Director, from Euro Car Parts said: “It’s quite common for young adults to take lessons and pass their test soon after turning 17, despite having little to no intention of getting a car or driving regularly anytime soon. While this research is by no means conclusive or representative of every driver, it’s clear that – unlike riding a bike – driving skills do need to be practised to avoid any deterioration.

“Our advice, for both new and experienced motorists, is to try and get in the driving seat a few times a year minimum, or take refresher lessons if it’s been a period of six months or more, just to make sure your road  knowledge and practical skills stay in tip top condition.”

Ian Macintosh, CEO of RED Driving School, weighs in on whether drivers should be required to retake lessons after long breaks from the wheel: “While we feel that UK drivers should not be lawfully required to take refresher lessons, a refresher course is a good idea for those that feel the need to recap. A driver’s reactions may diminish with a period of time away from behind the wheel, although this depends entirely on the ability of the driver.

“The main concern would be a driver’s ‘sharpness’; the more experienced the driver, the more likely it is for the driver to have acquired critical cognitive skills which help with awareness and reactions. New drivers do not by definition have these skills, which is why we offer RED’s Road Brain Trainer.

“However, if a new driver only drives for a short period of time, or perhaps not at all after passing, any time away from driving will detract from their skills far more than it would an experienced driver.”

To read about the research in full and for tips on how to keep your driving skills up to date and at a safe level, visit https://www.eurocarparts.com/blog/long-time-no-drive