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CALL FOR BETTER DRIVING TEST
This is good news, because it's what MAG has been advocating for a long time now. [Also read comments from 1991 below on the exact same topic].
(Wed 02 Aug 06) http://tinyurl.com/jwnq7
The Driving Instructors Association has issued a plea for a thorough revision of the UK driving test.
The DIA points out that the current test lasts just 40 minutes - much of that time devoted to two manoeuvres – and may cover less than six miles.
It is also a matter of concern that the test focuses on what pupils do with their hands and feet rather than their eyes and brain, and that hazard perception, risk assessment and decision making are not examined.
"A modern approach to driving needs to be adopted, “says DIA General Manager Eddie Barnaville, "and we need to look at lengthening the test and incorporating a compulsory log book system so that driving instructors can assess their candidates' competence in mechanical skills and manoeuvring leaving more time for learners to demonstrate their eye and brain skills in their test. "If we are to reduce road casualties we must invest in the future of new drivers."
Looking through MAG's archives, Elaine MAG’s National Research Officer found an article in Motorcycling Weekly (no longer in print) by Simon Milward from January 1991: - 'The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) says that the accident statistics for 1989, which the Department of Transport (DTp) has just published, underline the need for an updated driver test'. (...)
Commented MAG's Press Officer Simon Milward: 'Although it's interesting to note that the rider casualty rate has dropped nearly twice as much as the driver one, the DTp based its target on the NUMBER of casualties. The fact is that car casualties have risen by roughly a third, whilst bikes have dropped by a third".
(...) MAG has warned riders to be wary of reported DTp plans to update the driving test by the end of 1992. "We want it now, not at some vague time in the future.
Careless drivers are killing riders on a daily basis yet the DTp does nothing but pander to the car industry with more roads, car parks and safety gimmicks" added Milward. (...).
Finally MAG warns that riders represent only 1.5% of road traffic yet account for 12% of casualties.
It is feared the DTp could still use this argument to restrict use of two wheelers even further.
Comment from MAG UK National Research Officer 2006: "Some things never change!"
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