The vehicle financing company Select Car Leasing has shared a number of reasons why learner drivers were turned away from taking their test.
With long waiting lists, making sure that everything goes alright on the big day can be the difference between passing the practical driving test and having to wait several months for another opportunity.
Graham Conway from Select Car Leasing sympathised with learner drivers, however warned that they must make sure they are prepared for their test.
He explained: “It’s hard not to feel sorry for some of these candidates, when you bear in mind how nerve-wracking the practical driving test is. Having paid out hundreds of pounds on lessons, and with a burning desire to get the freedom that comes with having a full licence, many learners are desperate to get the thumbs-up from the examiner.
“But while your vehicle breaking down or being involved in a collision – as long as it wasn’t your fault – would seem unfortunate, there are other aspects that are not so understandable.”
According to data published by the DVSA, 6,390 learner drivers automatically failed their test in 2023 due to arriving in an unsuitable vehicle or no vehicle at all.
An increase of 113 percent on 2021 figures, all cars that are used for a driving test must be in a roadworthy condition with no warning lights present, capable of reaching at least 62mph and have front seatbelts and headrests.
In addition, there are a number of models that learners are unable to use for their driving tests, with many popular convertibles banned due to their poor all-round visibility.
Cars learner drivers cannot take on a driving test:
- BMW Mini Convertible (2004 – Present)
- Ford StreetKa (2003 – 2005)
- Smart ForTwo (1998 – Present)
- Toyota IQ (2009 – 2015)
- Volkswagen Beetle Convertible (2003 – 2019)
In addition, Select Car Leasing highlighted that, during 2023, 7,956 vehicles broke down during driving tests, meaning the learners behind the wheel failed.
Rising from just 3,195 issues in 2021, the figures could show that the cost-of-living crisis is causing more drivers to neglect basic maintenance, which could lead to more serious issues in the future.
Finally, whilst it may seem obvious, in 2023 some 252 learners also failed their driving test because they forgot to bring L plates to fit onto the vehicle.
