Ireland's high driving test failure rate is being blamed on candidates who lack practice, according to new research. The study from Aviva Insurance Ireland found Irish drivers believe a lack of preparation and nerves are the key reasons for learners failing to reach the required standard during their tests.
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail
According to the latest statistics from the Road Safety Authority, almost half (45 per cent) of tests undertaken in Ireland are failed. Of the 1,000 respondents polled by Aviva, 25 per cent said they thought this high failure rate was down to learner drivers' lack of preparation, while a similar proportion (23 per cent) said drivers often fail because nerves get the better of them.
Other quoted reasons for the high failure rate include harsh testers, who were singled out as the main reason for test failures by 13 per cent of those polled. Meanwhile, nine per cent of respondents said other drivers' shortcomings were the primary reason for test failures, and eight per cent said learners were failing because the test is too difficult or too outdated.
Gender split
The research found a noticeable gender divide among those who blame the failure rate on experience, with men more likely to claim a lack of practice is the main reason behind test failures. Among those who blamed a lack of experience, just 42 per cent were women.
In contrast, women were more likely to cite nerves as a key reason for test failures, with just 18 per cent of male respondents blaming butterflies. That number rose to 27 per cent among women.
A fighting chance
"Doing the legwork in advance of any test you have in life is hugely important," said Aviva's Billy Shannon. "And given the practical nature of the driving test, practice and time on the road is crucial. Without that, you are simply not giving yourself a fighting chance of passing.
"Having said that, even if you have taken all the lessons and tried your best to practice as much as possible, I think most of us will identify with the anxiety and stress that comes with sitting the driving test. It's a huge milestone in people's lives, so the extent to which people believe that nerves are one of the main reasons that people fail is not altogether surprising.
"The results of the survey give rise to some interesting questions around why women seem to suffer these nerves more than men. If it is nerves - rather than lack of ability or preparation - which results in so many failed driving tests, this is a lost opportunity to get more qualified drivers on the road - and to give young people the independence and mobility they need. Perhaps more could be done to help people feel at ease when doing their test."