Editorial: Tougher tests - Fewer passes

It's hardly surprising that since the introduction of tougher practical tests for driver licences, the pass rate has dropped dramatically.

It can only be a good thing because it may well mean that for many years, people who perhaps weren't really ready to be let loose on our roads obtained their licences because our standards were lower.

It shouldn't be easy to get your licence. With a driver's licence come responsibilities and ensuring our young people in particular are actually ready to be drivers is a positive step towards trying to curb the number of crashes in which they are involved.

Actually, the results of the new, tougher tests, are a bit scary, as our story on page A3 reveals. Only 78 of more than 250 people who sat their practical test in Rotorua have passed under the new regime and a quarter of those who failed committed a "critical error" requiring the test to be terminated immediately.

These so-called critical errors included the likes of driving too fast, failing to signal and mounting kerbs. Clearly, not the signs of people ready for licences.

All Access. All in one subscription. From $2 per week

Subscribe now

All Access Weekly

From $2 per week

Pay just

$15.75

$2

per week ongoing

Subscribe now

BEST VALUE

All Access Annual

Pay just

$449

$49

per year ongoing

Subscribe now

Learn more

30

Meanwhile, there are likely to be a few scary moments at intersections in the coming weeks as those who do already have a licence come to grips with new give-way rules.

For some it will simply be going back to how things used to be but for others there will undoubtedly be plenty of confusion and a few more close calls than normal. Getting it right on an online test doesn't necessarily prepare you for all and any eventuality on the real road so a bit of caution and patience will be required.

Caution and patience not being traits for which Kiwi drivers are generally well known, it could be an interesting transition period.

In both the case of obtaining a licence and getting used to new road rules, there will be nerves and confusion at first but practice (and patience) makes as near to perfect as human beings can get.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

email editor@dailypost.co.nz, text DP then your message to 021 241 4568, or write to editor, PO Box 1442, Rotorua.