Top 10 things motorists wish learner drivers would learn

A survey has revealed what young drivers need to have as their new years resolutions.

31 December 2018 at 09:20

As 2018 winds down many will be looking to make new years resolutions. A new study has revealed what resolutions many motorists would like their fellow road users to make in 2019.

Young Driver, the UK’s largest provider of pre-17 driving lessons, surveyed 1,000 UK motorists and asked them what skills motorists should get to grips with before they pass their tests.

The most popular response was to learn of the dangers of phone use while driving, with 56 percent of those questioned wanting drivers to be more aware of those dangers. The dangers of speeding and tailgating were also popular responses to the survey. Of course, those elements are already focused on significantly in the learning process, but drivers don't feel like the message is hitting home.

The top 10 things motorists wish learner drivers could be taught more successfully

1. Not to use a mobile phone when driving – 56 percent

2. Not to drive too fast – 49 percent

3. The dangers of tailgating – 47 percent

4. Driving etiquette, such as thanking other drivers or allowing people to filter in – 45 percent

5. How to drive on motorways – 43 percent

6. How to drive at night – 40 percent

7. Not to be a middle lane hog – 40 percent

8. How to park better – 40 percent

9. To always use an indicator – 38 percent

10. How to open a car door in a tight parking space without banging it into the car next to you – 35 percent

Other things highlighted by the survey were the dangers of driving too slowly, which 34 percent of driver ssaid was important, when and how headlights should be used (29 percent), and how average speed cameras work (19 percent).

"It is perhaps strange that motorway or night time driving – skills which are needed by nearly all UK drivers – are not an essential part of the learning process," said Laura White from Young Driver. "It seems motorists think there are things about being a good driver which learners aren’t being taught in a successful way. However, much of it is down to having a greater awareness of other road users and being courteous, a lot of which is gained through experience and not slipping into bad habits."

"Our aim at Young Driver has always been one of safety and increasing the level of experience before drivers get anywhere near a public road. We encourage youngsters aged 10 and upwards to get experience behind the wheel in a controlled, responsible manner – there’s no pressure or rush to pass a test as quickly as possible," she added – Young Driver has given almost 600,000 lessons to 10 to 17-year-olds at more than 60 venues across the UK, using specially created road systems at private venues, with traffic lights, junctions and roundabouts.

"Pupils are encouraged to try different venues and different times of year to experience a variety of driving conditions, and can even try driving on a motorway," White said. "Then when they start lessons at 17 on the road, they already know how to physically drive the car and can give more attention to the wider driving experience. Less time worrying what their feet should be doing means more time spent with an instructor being able to learn how to read the road and other road users."