SECOND-TIME PASSERS ARE BEST ON THE ROADS

February 18, 2010

People who pass their driving test the second time round become the safest on the road, according to researchers.

A study in the UK has shown that learner-drivers who only ditch their 'L'-plates at the second attempt have fewer points on their licence and are less likely to succumb to road rage or be stopped by police.

They are also less prone to being cautioned for using their mobile phone behind the wheel, have had the fewest accidents in the previous five years, and are unlikely to scare passengers with their driving.

However, the research also found that those who took MORE than two attempts to pass had more bad driving habits. Drivers who needed a dismal four, five or six tries before being let loose alone on the road had the worst record behind the wheel.

They run more red lights, admit to driving the wrong way down one-way streets and have been stopped by police for speeding more than any other drivers.

They have also had their car clamped, hit stationary objects whiletrying to park and claimed on their insurance more than anyone else.

Guy Frobisher, director of safety at Continental Tyres which surveyed 6200 people on their driving history and skills said: "It seems second time around is perfect when it comes to the best drivers.

'Second-time passers appear to fare better, especially when it comes to driving safely and considerately.
Perhaps this is down to concentrating more and taking into account various road conditions and other drivers.

"First-time passers know how to handle a car but some might be over-confident and that can quickly lead to recklessness.

"Safety should be the priority for all drivers, including making sure the car is roadworthy before a journeyand being aware of issues such as stopping distances being affected by weather."

The nationwide survey of drivers aged from 17 to 65 quizzed them on 20 aspects of their driving life, including who would feel confident teaching others to drive, who had been issued with parking tickets and how often they took their eyes off the road.

The average first-timer passer emerged as being best at driving manoeuvres such as parallel parking, hill-starting and three-point turns.

Those who passed on the second attempt were least likely to drive at a snail's pace, while those who needed six goes or more were cheeky enough to clip a car and not own up.

ONCE-A-WEEK CRIMINALS

First-test aces were least likely to stall and were happy to teach others to drive but those who had three or more tries were guilty of letting their eyes wander off the road ahead.

And topping the list of driving distractions included re-tuning the radio (51 percent), talking to a passenger (49 percent) and listening to loud music (44 percent).

The survey found the average driver broke the law four times a month but escaped being caught and a typical driver had three demerit points on his licence and took at least two years to become a confident driver after passing their driving test. - London Daily Mail