The Main Reason People Fail The Driving Test
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 มิ.ย. 2024
- The number one reason why people fail a driving test hasn't changed in years and it's observation at junctions. In this video I take a detailed look of why people get this so wrong.
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Ashley, a friend told me a story where they were a passenger with someone who drove the same way at every junction, regardless of risk. One time, their wing mirror was still folded in, but they kept looking over at it, without noticing it was closed. They kept glancing over anyway, presumably because their instructor had told them to keep looking at the mirror regularly, and they were just doing it out of habit without knowing why. People need to take more care. Thanks for helping to make people better drivers!
I've been driving now 23 years. Was a cyclist before having to learn to drive because of starting a family. I almost failed because my instructor didn't include any roundabout practice. I've not had any accidents and through watching mostly your channel have tried to continue to learn as I'm now teaching my 22 year old daughter. There's a track in Dagenham where you can pay £20 and drive around all day, I think it's called CarDrome, my daughter was driving around it quite capably after a 3 hour session and she'd never driven before. It has a roundabout, junctions, traffic lights, parking areas and hill starts. Wish there were more places like it.
That's incredibly useful to know about CarDrome - thanks for mentioning it.
I passed my test in Newton Stewart in 1975. Tests were only conducted on Wednesdays. Mine was in the afternoon when all the shops were closed. NS didn't have any roundabouts. I felt I had an easy time after my previous test in Hammersmith. My driving instructor in NS kept telling me to slow down on the main street when I was under 30 whereas in London I was actively encouraged to drive over the speed limit . And they try to tell us all tests are equal.
Yes CarDrome is great - that's where I first got behind the wheel.
Newton Stewart? I know it, stayed there in 1992. Yeah what a difference to taking a test in Hammersmith!
You are absolutely right, I remember seeing someone taking a driving lesson on Shapinsay on Orkney when I stayed there. A world of difference between driving on Orkney and it a city. Even Dumfries and Galloway has quite a few roundabouts now.
Not relevant to the video but I want to thank Ashley for encouraging patience and assessing risk. I don't drive often but recently I was driving with my dad on a small country road behind a group of cyclists. At one point my dad encouraged me to overtake but the curve meant I couldn't see far along the road so I held back for about 30s. After overtaking safely, a bus came quickly around the next corner and my dad immediately apologised for encouraging me to overtake when there was so little visibility. I was just thinking, "this is just what Ashley would teach...". So yeah your videos do make a difference and help me to feel confident about the decisions I take on the road even when people around me might think I'm too cautious.
My first driving test, 17 years ago, I failed it with 2 minors and one major. I was gutted and felt hard done by, as I’d had a great drive until the major happened.
I look back now and think “it can only take one mistake, no matter how well you think you’re driving”.
One of my pet hates is those that pull up to junctions too fast! Indicating left too early on roundabouts is another!
Or like this morning, turned into my local supermarket car park and someone left their bay, hard right lock on the steering through the give way. A gentle beep from me to say “Yoo-hoo, I am here” followed by a lot of arm waving and frustration from the other driver that I made them stop because they weren’t observing 🤦♂️
also got those thata are slowing down too much or stopping at roundabouts when there is no need.
When I am on a roundabout I often get vehicles approaching too quickly from the left, so I have to slow down until I am sure that they will stop. It costs us both time.
My driving attitude changed once I passed my motorcycle test. I had to adopt the attitude that everyone was trying to kill you, this way it keeps you super aware and super observant.
I passed my motorcycle test in January 1980, the old style one where you just rode round the block and kept an eye out for the examiner waiting to pounce out at you to do an emergency stop. I did hear a couple of tales though about the examiner jumping out in front of the wrong bike and almost getting flattened, don't know if they're true, but they ought to be 😆
Tell you what though, three years of motorcycle riding before ever getting anywhere near a car did wonders for my road sense. Everyone should have to do it in my opinion.
And also, 'make it a non-event'.
I have a really short fuse and I still rage at people when I can't restrain the ADHD temper, but it makes things so much easier when you see something happen before it happens and remedy it before it gets dangerous, and go "see, knew it" with a big, disappointed sigh when they do exactly what you expected.
Sadly, many driving instructors are to blame for the 'arrive and look'. I now do only fleet work, with qualified drivers, driving company cars and vans, with driving experience ranging from just a few weeks, to 50 years or more. The vast majority will 'arrive and look'.
When I was active with learners, and conducting mock tests, most students would 'arrive and look'.
In the early stages, it is easier for an instructor to get the student to arrive, stop, and then observe, while being talked through the process, but this fixes the procedure. Whenever we learn anything new, the way we learn it will fix, becoming difficult to change later. As pedestrians, we were taught to stop at the edge of the kerb, and look both ways, before crossing a road. But by the time we are 17, learning to drive, we have developed that to look on the approach, and not stop unless necessary, varying our arrival to match opportunities. (Although that is developing into not looking, while staring into a phone, but that is another issue.) From the beginning, if we teach them to approach junctions as a pedestrian, they can decide whether to go or stay, and avoid the unneccessary stops.
I have also met lots of drivers, of all ages, who have been taught that a particular type of junction gives a set gear, and this will be applied regardless of visibility. "It's a roundabout, therefore it is 2nd gear."
As always Nigel, a lot of important and correct information in your comments.
Your support is much appreciated.👍
I finally realised, about 10 years ago, that I was approaching junctions too quickly a lot of the time. I “fixed” it each time by slamming on which brought comments like “you rely on your brakes too much”. I’d been doing it for years but never copped on. I passed my test 40 years ago. Great information here Ashley. Thanks.
The 360 camera made me feel ill watching this video. Felt like travel sickness. Anyone else?
I can't speak for anyone else but I failed my first test in large part because it was the most stressful thing I have ever done.
Only probably due to the wrong psychological approach , where you go to show off how safe you are instead. My instructor was good at imitating a formal unfriendly examiner on his mock test.
@@marklittler784 It was so long ago - 40 years! - that I really don't recall more.
I failed my first test because the examiner misconstrued my creeping forward for a better view on a junction with an obstructing wall as me about to race forward. They might not have a failure target, but it definitely feels that way.
@@Max-lf3tx A good case for teaching students to narrate their decisions in real time. I failed my first test because I drove like the people around me. Bad habits, bad move. I did pass second time, but I'm not sure I'd learnt much. As someone said elsewhere, having to pass a motorbike test (I started when learners could ride up to 250cc) and then riding for work taught me a lot.
@@Max-lf3tx That slow, not stopping, creeping forward at "closed" / "blind" junctions that Ashley demos might well earn a 1st time candidate "a fail" from some examiners.
This is exactly why I went out my way to buy a car to learn with my partner, in between lessons and with watching you’re videos and other instructors videos to educate me even more
It's always good to watch one of your videos and get an endorsement of how I've tried to drive for many years, prioritising flow rather than speed. Something more too, like the tip on staggering position for the view on a two-lane approach to the roundabout at 17:47, is a typical Ashley bonus. Cheers.
You opened a can of worms around 20:17. I have just had a view into the way one national carrier works and how it's changed in recent years, adding to the pressure on drivers, making the van a default and even replacing bikes with vans. And this is a company competing with maybe a dozen or so others to make profits out of what used to be considered a public service.
One thing I try not to do at junctions is block side views if two vehicles are parallel and turning left and right. Best to hang back, let the other vehicle go and clear, then hopefully you've a much clearer view of the junction and aren't waiting ages because the other driver doesn't go because you've blocked their view......
I always enjoy listening to your content Ashley. I took three attempts back in 2013 to pass my test. I think the main reasons people fail is down to 1. the presence of the examiner, and knowing that you are being graded constantly, 2. the lack of experience, which I think only really comes after passing the test and 3. as you said, target fixation. That's just my take on it having done it.
This is just the video I needed!
I passed my test two years ago but have recently learnt I have 'clutch down second gear syndrome' plus I've been approaching junctions far too quickly and because of this making the wrong decisions getting me into some bad situations.
I had a lesson with an IAM observer a year after passing but only recently because had a session with another instructor found out where my problems actually come from (the lack of preparation)
I'm now working on this and as a result already seeing a huge difference, I'm smoother, less tense and gaining more confidence.evert time.
It's crazy now it took me over two years to learn this but your video sums it all up and hopefully others like me find this the key! 🙌🏻
Thank you. I will try slowing slightly on approaching junctions, it will be good homework for me.
I used to get caught out on the approach to roundabouts, when I would drive up to a roundabout expecting to find a gap, then having to stop suddenly on the occasions when the gap wasn't there.
Then I discovered, "Planning to stop, looking to go." In other words, drive up to the roundabout in a way that prepares to make a stop, but allowing myself time to carry out observations so I can see if/when I can smoothly transition into an emerge.
Made my driving a lot smoother.
Ashley's going into detail is really helpful.
😊👍
People that rip up to junctions, emergency stop and then look infuriate me. I have to assume they're going to pull out and brake or even stop.
Yeah you simply have to treat it as if they are going to pull out. It’s really bad driving
They weren't big here, but in the States, spinner wheel trims made this ten times worse by giving the wrong visual cues.
Very dangerous to assume anything!
@@adinigel I disagree. You have to make fail-safe assumptions until you have evidence to the contrary. Assuming that a person might pull out without giving way is the safer option; assuming they _will_ give way because of junction priorities is potentially dangerous. That is how I read the OP's comment.
@@PedroConejo1939 you don't HAVE to make any assumptions at all...they are dangerous. Approach carefully and prepare for the worst that could happen...don't assume that it will though!
I'm a 76 year old who has been driving since I was 17 and it's always interesting to view your videos offering advice in safe driving skills. I hope that at some point you could use your influence to make transport ministers and insurance companies aware of the need for police traffic patrols to observe and take action in the event of poor driving standards. Speed cameras only catch those exceeding the legal limit but little else. The costs involved in both injuries and delays caused by collisions could be greatly reduced and investment in the aforementioned would be a mere pittance in comparison.
Keep up the good work.
Larry
Edinburgh
20+ years ago I failed my first driving test for not observing. 1 major and 4 minors in that one category
That made me realise that just because I was moving my head I wasn’t really looking and it sticks with you
Now onto the video
It's honestly one of the things I hate about how I was taught. I was told I had to always look at the mirrors in a certain order. So of course, I did. But I wasn't actually observing, I was just following the motions. Teaching people to just look at the mirrors is not helpful. You should be taught to look at what's behind and the reasons why you look into each mirror.
16:09 I remember one video from you where your viewer went onto a roundabout without slowing as it looked clear and a coach did the same while straght lining from their side and ended up in a collision.
One perfect reason for always slowing for roindabouts even if it looks clear 👍
Also the speeds while on the roundabout. Uncontrolled motorway roundabouts are the worst for this, but it's a widespread problem. High speeds and slow/stationary traffic makes a bad mix.
One of my pet hates is drivers that rush up to a junction, brake hard and then do their observations. I never know whether they are going to actually stop before hitting me causing me to significantly slow down. And then, invariably, they scowl at me because I have slowed down and impeded their progress by, what, a matter of a few seconds. Utter id!ots.
There is one thing worse than "arrive then look"... "arrive then presume" is even more dangerous!
Quite right, you have to think for yourself and everyone else.
Hi Ashley,
Great video I would like to see you do a video about lane changes. I would love to see your thought process on that topic.
excellent and somewhat sobering video Ashley, the desire to shoot through any junction as quickly as possible without regard to risk is very prevalent on the roads
Advanced Level Driving Test requirements needs applied to the Standard Test. When I did my IAM training back in 1998 it really upped my level of observation and skill level, having to commentate during the drive. I have felt since then that is level the Standard driving test should be at.
Lol, on my first IAM test he said "well I've been testing drivers for 17years now and I've never met one like YOU before, you did everything right it's just I asked you what ten road signs were after driving past them and you didn't remember one !" Funny how no ordinary instructors don't get their pupils to read out road signs for at least a couple of lessons.
@@marklittler784totally pointless asking what a previous road sign was, particularly if you've passed the hazard. More important to see the next few signs ahead.
@adinigel. You miss the point. It is all about awareness.
@@kiddywolf1837 really? What point have I missed? And I totally agree it's about awareness. But it is awareness of what is happening now or ahead not what happened a few minutes ago! I will stick with my view and will ask students about upcoming hazards and associated signs as opposed to hazards we have already dealt with - unless something they did could be improved. What is the point if trying to remember previous road signs it's a distraction from what is coming up ahead!
By asking it starts the conversation about awareness and observation. I did not assume anything.
I passed first time 6 weeks after my 17th birthday - was a while ago though, probably a bit easier to pass back in the '90's!
Doing the IAM test some years later taught me a LOT more about observation.
13:50 I think I would have reported that driver. They clearly broke the law. Pedestrians were visibly on the crossing and they pass the stationary vehicle stopped to facilitate the pedestrians crossing. Driving like that is very dangerous.
Just imagine if they had been pushing a pram, pushchair or wheelchair or a child running in front.
Do you report a lot of people?
@@David_Trowbridge I'm not a prolific reporter, but yes, I do. I think it is incumbent on all citizens to do so.
Regardless of whether people are on the crossing or not - it is illegal to overtake/undertake another vehicle at a crossing. This was a particularly dangerous situation as there were people already actively moving across the crossing. Definitely should have been reported. We do not want these id!ots on the roads.
@@cactusbase3088 It's illegal for a motorist to overtake another moving motorised vehicle within zig-zags, but you can overtake a stationary vehicle unless the vehicle has stopped due to people on the crossing.
When people pull up to give ways too fast it can make the cars on the road that they are trying to join think they are coming straight out. I was taught what I thought was correct until I started watching your channel about 6 years ago. In my area the instructors on the whole seem bad, I've seen them go through red lights, pull out in front of you when its not safe. People seem to think that driving is a god given right but its not. I am a much better driver now even though I passed with 0 faults since I found your channel Ash. Keep up the good work
Thanks for your support 👊
I hate people that do all their braking at the last moment, It makes me want to take avoiding action, because I think they are not going to stop.
Sports motorcycles are the worst, they brake hard, and stop within 3-5 metres, with the suspention nose-diving. They know they can stop, but I'm already taking action, because I expect them to cut in-front of me, when they have the give-way.
Don't do it. You will alarm drivers, every time.
@@johnbooth5199 totally agree with you. As my late father used to say you know what you are doing its everybody else that's the problem. Be safe out there.
24:35 A great demonstration of someone making it dangerous for everyone. That's where enforcement is truly needed. Any of the children walking up from the school, crossing that junction are now doing so at a real disadvantage.
Very nice good advice mate, I think there are many problems on the roads today, the main problem in my opinion is some peoples poor bad childish selfish must get in front attitude, another is, a lot of people are in too much of a rush, I see it all the time where I live, people want to turn right from the major road into the minor road, they cut the corner and enter the minor road too fast without observing properly, they enter way too fast, they come in thinking nothing will be there and then they have to slam on the brakes when they almost hit a car approaching the give way lines, people need to chill out and relax more, if you take your time and drive slowly and carefully and safely you’ll actually get to your destination faster but not everyone understands that unfortunately.
It's a big problem here in the Netherlands as well. Here we have "equal" junctions, where traffic from the right has priority (it's actually the default if there is no other priority signalled). There are quite a few where you can't really see into the road on the right, yet people just race past them at speeds where there's no way they can stop if somebody does come from the right (I even occasionally get people overtaking me at those junctions). If somebody then comes from that road with the mindset of "I have priority", that's a big problem. I'm honestly surprised (thankfully) more accidents don't happen because of situations like that.
I passed first time - so long ago now that I can barely remember it. I guessed that observation would be the primary reason for failure. I appreciate you as a source of continued education - this time I learnt how to determine how close I am to a give-way line. I can normally carry a conversation while driving but there are times when it's busy and I find myself having to shut up and concentrate on the driving - are there moments during which you need to do the same? Thanks for educating me in my 34th year behind the wheel!
This brings me back to my driving test and passing for the first time in Nov 1979 when you were just a toddler. I think the advantage was that I had been driving for over 2 and a half years prior to sitting my test. One thing, I thought, to impress my examiner, was to not only make my observations, but to be seen to make them.
Obviously after driving so long, I have made the odd mistake that would fail a driving test, but I try to keep it minimal. 😊
It's key to know where the front of your car is but you might still want to hold at least couple of feet behind a give way line when waiting for your gap at a junction as this gives you the option of a slight move forward. This move can communicate that you're asking for a gap and also means traffic doesn't steer away from your bonnet.
This is something that I am really switched on to when cycling on roundabouts, the number of drivers who race up to the roundabout only looking straight ahead, It can be very alarming and on several occasions I've had to stop because the driver has glanced right at the last moment and not seen me.
It is so important for all people on two wheels to realise that motorists do this a lot
The head don't turn they aim looking
One important thing that I am not sure you covered Ashley is to look each direction more than once and from a different angle (ie. lean forward a bit). A vehicle could be hidden by an object such as another vehicle passed the opposite direction or even the A pillar of the vehicle in that split second the observation is made. Even more important these days when the majority of drivers seem to be breaking the speed limit, or if not, driving too fast for the conditions or risk involved.
I tend to shift in the seat, to get a better view. There was one bend on the test route that could hide an oncoming car in the A-pillar blind-spot, due to it's curve, and relative traffic speeds. Seeing a car mostly dissappear behind the pillar, and stay there for a full second, was alarming!
Thanks Ashley, really useful. Got my first test in 3 weeks.
Best of luck!
@@ashley_neal thanks!
Fools rush in. Wise people allow sufficient time for a decent level of observation.
Regardless of people passing/failing. The standard in general of driving has dropped dramatically since Covid I’ve found. The aggression in people’s driving, disregard for indicators especially at roundabouts, tailgating even though you’re doing the speed limit, middle lane hogging on the motorway. It was absolutely pointless building smart motorways, everyone sits in lanes 3/4.
Ashley, firstly great perfectly timed video, I'm a long time viewer of the channel and have learned quite a lot even without touching a wheel for a lengthy period but only gotten around to do my lessons now! I just want to ask what a reasonable hourly charge would be for driving lessons, I've heard its area dependant so I'm in London if that helps. Cheers man.
Whenever I watch these videos it always surprises me how bad Liverpool is for pavement parking. It seems a majority of cars park on the pavement at least a bit, and plenty are fully on it.
Talk, observe, drive becomes an acquired skill when driving with ROSPA & IAM instructors. They talk out their thinking as driving. Then you have to do the same. This also improves what you are talking about - improving what is the priority concern at any given point. I confess I used to increase my risk with " oo - what's in that skip, anything worth having..." I promise I don't do that now ! Since my training has been quite while ago - I still talk to myself as I drive just to improve/maintain my appropriate risk assessment.
I remember teaching this topic to a pupil who was approaching give ways too fast and missing gaps in the traffic. The first time he got it right we got shunted by a man in a white van,
Sods law!
I usually tell my students people don’t usually fail because they are bad at Junctions or Parking, they fail because they are bad at Observation. The vast majority of driving is about your eyes not the car or your skill. Obviously you still have to have some basic car control but once you have that, it’s mostly observation and getting your self into a good position so you can observe safely. Everything else from there is just repetition.
When you can see the the junctions start planning and looking left and right and forward. Be at a speed you can deal with the information you can see. Don't wait till the line then decide what to do.
My problem with exiting junctions is the power of my cars engine. I used to have a 2009 Citroen C5 2.0, which I loved, it had loads of power, we had a caravan. When I sold the caravan and needed a smaller car I opted for a Hyundai i20 1.4 which has nowhere near the power of the Citroen and am now somewhat reluctant to drive the same way as when I had the Citroen. I now tend to wait for larger gaps before pulling out because I no longer have the power to accelerate quickly to ‘catch the gap’. I agree with everything Ashley says but feel I can’t drive as I used to.
Oh you have got the performance model! I've got a 1.2 I20, and it needs a good run-up to merge into high-speed traffic.
I turn the air-con off, before I approach the slip road. Having the air con on, takes power, and it makes the car feel heavy. It feels like i've got two adult passengers!
Passengers with air conditioning - you need to use all the gears, and have patience.
I did the opposite to you, I went up from a 1 litre picanto which had about as much power as a dead hamster to a 2.2 litre 197hp sorento, can't say I ever had to wait for larger gaps due to lack of power in the picanto, although, I used to emerge and floor it to 20 in first gear 25 if speed limit on road I emerged into was more than 20
The classic risk is that the one attempting to nip into the gap in front might stall, but the other side of the coin now is that there are plenty out and about with rapid acceleration, when judging the space available. One of the good features of electric transmission is that they are essentially immune to stalling, and generally accelerate quickly from rest (road surface permitting).
For me, it was nerves, but I did have one test where I was so focused on entering a roundabout at a safe time I didn't even notice I was still in third gear.
The simple game of eye spy as child teaches you to look for things while moving along then when you do go to learn to drive you already have observation skills and are comfortable looking around you
I failed my first motorbike test because I didn't pull out onto a mini roundabout to turn right and gave way to a bus on my left that clearly was not going to stop.
I tried again and unluckily got the same examiner. He failed me on a complicated junction for starting to creep when lights turned green but I instantly realised they were for a different lane and stopped on the line.
I passed on my third go. Zero faults, different examiner. There were a couple of points I thought he'd fail me on based on my experience with the previous guy but on querying he said that he eas confident in my ability and that he thought the previous examiner should not have failed me.
@17:55, that is an important thing most drivers dont think about is getting the angle correct to see past other vehicles or parked vehicles.
in Dundee, the T junction emerging from Cleghorn street on to City road, there is usually a big white van parked to the right as well as other parked vehicles. it hinders vision a lot. vehicles coming down the steep hill of city road at 30mph are usually not ready or prepared to stop, so many horns get peeped as people start to emerge from Cleghorn but do it blindly because they cant see past the van.
but this is where the slow in, fast out approach and what your video is about, because if you dont go all the way up to the give way and hang back a meter or 2, you can see up the pavement to the top of the hill and count the vehicles coming down the hill and work out a safe gap. still need to creep forward and as my motorbike instructor told me (if you got parked cars either side, the give way line moves forward in line with them so you can pull forward to get vision then emerge when clear) and make sure but it makes life so much more simpler for me when emerging from difficult junctions that other drivers find it difficult and take risks hoping its clear because they were taught to drive up to the give way line and not observe and react to each individual junction.
also come home to 2 crashes in the 2 years i lived near the junction.
I would suggest that you have to take in everything and be flexible in how you do things. My wife charges up to roundabout breaks hard to stop and then looks and decides. Have tried to suggest different ways to drive but she’s stuck in her ways.
Main reason for people failing it they are taught badly. Pass and Go. Pass your test in a week. This is also the reason that there are so many bad drivers on the road. Bad instructors, make bad drivers.
Totally agree. No one is interested in actually driving apart from enthusiasts. It's the mentality "pass my test and the "forget everything I ever learned". There is so much to driving since watching Ashley Neal and just shows how little things can make a big difference I wish his channel was bigger but I think its because his content appeals to an older and more loyal audience. It isn't as appealing to younger people like the other driving channel which mostly do mock tests and how to pass your driving test. Those other channels have blown up.
To a certain extent, Keith, yes. .However, a bigger reason for poor standards is people not driving in the same manner they were taught after they pass
@@ashley_neal I taught my daughter to drive. She then drove me and her mother around for a few hundred miles before she went for a few lesson to find out what was required for the test.
There are a couple of "Give Ways" junctions near me that really should be "Stops".
One thing I find why people stare at the give way line is because they are worried about going over it. I get my learners to like to the sides and then they understand they need to be slower.
I’m always asking can they see the traffic?
I also agree with the standards of the Part 2 test. I’ve had to work on PDI’s driving standards if I first see them at Part 3 stage.
Certainly helps when people with priority don't go flying upto and past junctions totally regardless.
Here's an idea, would you like to go to Norway and have a ride with TeslaBjørn when it's time for his car to "graduate" for the license? We call it to "drive up" for the exam lol "oppkjøring". I'm sure there are some interesting discussions to be had on the FSD when it's released here.
I drove my Dad's (new car) automatic for the first time a week or so ago and I was "caught out" a few times with the fact there is no clutch lag. By that I mean in my manual when I decide to go I've got half a second or so as the bite point is found before the car actually starts to creep. In the automatic as soon as the go pedal is touched IT GOES. One isn't able to follow a car out of a junction in the same way (whether emerging behind one in front or tucking in behind one already on the main road). It is an oft forgotten thing that many people drive different vehicles and sometimes get caught out be an unexpected foible. That particularly applies at junctions with limited visiblity.
You've prob already worked it out, but an auto will naturally creep, once off the brake. Hover over it and let the car do the work, then when you want to go move over to the accelerator.
@@eddyr3691 And the ones with “auto brake hold” do the same, at least on the level. E.g. in the Toyota hybrid ones, just tapping the accelerator releases the brake and it crawls at about walking speed, then it’s up to you how much to open up.
Problem is the same as on motorways where many switch off to everything and everbody else if they have priority instead of coordinating themselves with others and conditions
Make life easier , just do it in an automatic. Passed my test with a manual, but prefer a semi automatic DCT. Can let the car manage the gears but switch to manual mode for instant gear change when needed for overtakes , hazards, spirited ride etc with the press of a button without the hassle of a clutch.
Passed my test first time, but put it down to having no nerves as was just having fun, not bothered if passed or failed, forgot I was even sitting a test at the end; had no idea what the examiner was talking about when he said I passed. Similarly , passed the motorbike and advanced tests first time aswell.
Should we not have some sort of graduated licence?
A 45 minute drive surely can't cover everything to prove that someone is a competent driver.
I was sure I’d failed in the first 5 minutes, pulled out onto the main road and stalled 🫣
Turns out it was fine as I’d stalled whilst “under control” doing a pull over to the left and almost stationary.
First time I’d stalled in months but that’s nerves I guess!
I would suggest observation (or lack of) is why people fail..
Pity you don't have eye-tracking with OSD to show where you're looking and crucially when.
Sometimes it can be better to stop before the give way especially if you’re emerging onto a tree lined road. That way you can see approaching vehicles through the gaps between the trees. At the junction you would have a solid line of trees obscuring approaching vehicles.
I disagree. How can stopping improve your view? Go slower on the approach and observe as you arrive, this will tell you what to do. Stopping where you can't see doesn't.
I would like to take this a step further and address the mental aspect of people who "hood watch" or "bonnet watch" and don't make proper observations. Usually the root cause of this is mental health. Although autism and ADHD do not prevent safe driving, severe anxiety disorders do. Many driving students have undiagnosed anxiety disorders, and don't even know they have a problem until they start trying to drive and end up tensing up. The instinctive thing to do, when you feel your life is in danger, is to constantly check your personal space for predators. Hood (bonnet) watchers are doing exactly this, observing for lions and tigers near their body, rather than looking far ahead down the road, and looking right and left for pedestrians that may cross the road. I would love to see you do a video on the mental aspects of driving, as, for me, this was the single biggest thing holding me back. And there was little to no support for this issue.
Go and speak to your doctor. I had terrible anxiety problems, to the point of getting tunnel-vision. They gave me something to take a few hours before, that temporarily calmed me down. I think it was a beta-blocker, but not sure. I was told to try it beforehand to see if it affected judgement, and it did not.
Sorry it’s a very random question but I know you’re not allowed to park on yellow zigzag lines but can you stop on them when say for example there are road works or a temporary traffic light or a queue of stationary traffic or must I keep the whole area clear at all times?
Noticed something rather odd about the traffic lights on the crossing, pause at 26:15 wonder if anyone else has, because it seems potentially dangerous and misleading. Actually noticed it immediately as well but had to look back to double check I'm not being an idiot
Not sure if this happens as it was 35 years ago when I passed my test, but I do wonder if whilst taking your test you could narrate what you are seeing and and why you take decisions. Although I know the examiner is picking things up, but doing that would help to demonstrate observations. You covered off the talking part as that was one thing that I thought about, as to whether that could be a distraction. It could also help the driver to keep their attention in focus, even when they have passed. I know in recent years I tend to talk under my breath especially in tricky junctions.
I used to speak my thoughts, during lessons, but was told not to do it, as while it shows your thinking, examiners don't want to hear it.
The other thing i hear is be at this speed or gear etc. Truthfully the information you need to take in is happening outside the window not on the dashboard. Trust your eyes they will tell you if you need to slow down or carry on . If you are looking at the speedo you aint observing whats happening
If ever there was a reason to make someone ride a bike for a few months this is it. Your observation at junctions usually develops quickly because the last thing you want it to be stuck at a busy junction and need to clip in your pedals from a standstill 😂 Find the gap, adjust your speed and try to seamlessly join the flow of traffic.
The amount of people you see approaching from a side road at what must be around 30 mph and over shooting the Give Away is scary. Slow and safely should be your first thought. If you can see why would you ever barrel into a junction???
Slow is smooth, smooth is fast!
I failed my first exam because of an oddly hysterical examiner
Keeping standards high is more about retesting drivers every 5 years or so. Many test centres are already failing over half of first time candidates (how much more difficult do you want to make the driving test)?
I learnt my first proper driving with IAM, ( how did you like it Ashley?
What did you take from your HGv class 2 licence? Any new wisdoms?😅).
But as European, school cyclist,and practising more sports than any UK citizen could afford in" private school ") i was used to a lot more than UK drivers( bad weather, no mumsy driving traching, professional teaching and much more motorway work/ night driving for my European licences , here they cannot even come up a slip road properly in their German sports cars as mind still on sofa at home).
Majn problem Here now: peiple are not interested in driving, its an American- like service driven society , they want to arrive, be served, dont wan tro be active ( proper driving requures lits of acrivity of the mind, forward thinking, observations, thinking for others, loosing own advantage , conceding space and sometimes priority.
Combine that wirh general undereducation in physics, law , mechanical engineering understanding ( not mych beeing produced here anymore, consequently no skills) , lack of investment from selfservjng selfish government and third world health care, you have a society struggling with respecting each other.
I remember my assesor accusing me of not looking left when i pulled out in a roundabout. He was talking nonsense but failed me anyway. Another test i had 0 minors but 1 major because the assessor gave a confusing instruction that then stressed me out, should have jist ignored him and drove straight on and ignored his instruction to change lane and turn right as it was nolonger safe to do so.
in this video you mentioned the 5 main skills that are relevent to how quickly people learn. I feel like i've watched a lot of your content, but don't feel like i'm aware of the 5 skills you're referring to. Can you elaborate please?
And i suppose this follows given that the majority of accidents happen at junctions.
Failed my test because the guy said (twice) go right in a tone suggesting there was some wrong way to do it, anyway we were coming upto a dual carriage way and I started to turn right because I thought that’s what he meant but he hit the brakes and I was correcting my steering to where I should’ve gone hard enough for me to hit my head on the steering wheel at 15mph, wasn’t necessary his fault but still a little bitter about it because he didn’t let me finish my correction but oh well
Observations is only learnt properly after you've passed and get more experience on the roads. You can teach the theory until your blue in the face but until you learn 'we're coming up to this junction so I need to look x, y and z'. Its a chicken and the egg problem
No! No, just No.
Stop diving sideways and watch the road!. 😂
Seriously that new camera is a no, no!
I past my test first time a few months ago
I’m really curious now, how do driving instructors get assessed, is it they drive and talk like they were guiding a student, does the assessor act as a student, curious now 🤔
An examiner sits in the back and observes a proper lesson.
@@ashley_neal sometimes its the simplest answer 🤷🏼♂️ thanks
why is it that so many instructors seem to be ok with teaching with clutch down, into 2nd routine. where did they learn to be an instructor? obviously not from you! If so many instructors are allowed to be at that level then how can we expect the driving standard to improve??
I failed my army driving course. The equivalent of 120 lessons. Was told by the examining NCO that driving just wasn't for me. Like other things in life not everyone is good at everything.
Never have been a driver. Yeah had to put up with some restrictions but was for the best. I've never been part of Kar kultur. Same can't be said of motorists. Lost count of the number of times I 've nearly been smoothed by pavement parkers, red light jumpers and other homicidal maniacs.
I failed my first car test for "failing to make proper progress." Did feel that was a bit unfair, given it was the middle of winter, some of the roads had barely been ploughed and gritted, and on the same day, there was a fatal car crash just a few miles from the test centre.
But this was probably on a clear open section?
@ashley_neal honestly not sure, it was 30 odd years ago, and the examiner never gave any further information. It's a rural test centre, so not many decent roads.
real issues is, they stay bad at observations after they pass, many even get worse...... and chose to do nothing about it.
I inherited pet peeves from by dad.. the man actually blows a gasket when people slow down/stop unessacarily at roundabouts... if they had stopped staring at thier bonet/speed/phone/whatever, theyd realise they didnt need to.
I find an inordinate number of drivers sit way too far back from the junction while waiting to emerge - I'm talking well over half a car's length, often more. It doesn't give a clear message, and hinders observations.
'Plan to stop - be prepared to go'......
Failed my first test as I did not stop for a pedestrian at a pedestrian crossing due to nerves.
I stopped for my pedestrian crossing but the pedestrian didn’t want to cross so I went to continue at the same time the pedestrian decided to cross.
Examiner pressed the brakes and an instant fail for observation…less than 5 minutes into the test
Not that it made any difference as I still picked up 4 minors for observation on the rest of the test
@@smilerbobrushing your decision instead of double checking
@@wrightwoodworkIndeed. I stopped to allow them to cross and while they were showing no signs to cross (looking behind them) I started to go
Having more experience behind me helps to understand the unpredictable nature of humans 😉
@@wrightwoodwork I got 4 minors for undue hesitation. (I was an amateur racing driver at that point). I did not hesitate, it wasn't clear so I kept checking until it was.... some examiners are just out to fail you.
@khalidacosta7133 @khalidacosta7133 I'm going back 30 years. My instrucor .. told me don't be too confident or nervous if the examiner thinks you are too confident they will fail you. Hesitation can be a bit of grey area they are thinking get on with it and you are thinking I don't want a serious. At the end of the day the result wasn't what you wanted. Like when you raced I'm sure the results weren't always what you wanted. The thing is you move on to the next race and forget about it . Failed driving test move on and don't let it get to you could you maybe of have started looking sooner or postioned better so you could see easier. It's all very well complaining about the result but the examiner decision you have to accept
14:38 Habitual driving, or complacency, in my opinion is almost as bad as mobile phone use. You are not paying attention as the brain has already decided that because the last 99 times we did this there was nobody there so we can go a little quicker, a little wider and don’t need to look for anyone. We then aren’t ready for that time when someone is there.
Treat every journey as the first time using that road *but* use memories for the layout of the roads and not how many people have used it before
Would there be a way of getting a speedometer on these videos Ashley? Would really help as a viewer I think
Personally, I don't think it would help. My reasoning behind this is you don't need to look at the speedo to see what speed to do safely. The speedo only tells you what speed you are doing.
@@ashley_neal Very good point, thanks for the reply!
Nerves……ruined my test, fell apart
That is an issue facing every driving instructor when assessing whether a candidate is 'ready' to undertake the test. Sometimes overcome by having the student assessed before 'test', by another [more fearsome?] instructor? Exam nerves, once a condition ignored by educationalists[in times past] are a real issue in all forms of education.
@@alastairqueen7973 I rode like a god during training, little things like leaving the indicator on or leaving it a little late to indicate….but on the whole rode perfectly, once the examiner said “make a note of the reg of the car in front of it ever comes in for an mot, you know what to do”…..I knew my ride was over from that point
Ask anything you say…
Well…
Assiming we can get more driving examiners and assuming there is no backlog, what are your thoughts on re-examination of driving as a requirement to having the photocard renewed? I know it is unlikely to ever happen due to the lack of examiners and most likely civil unrest at the thought of a licensed driver having to be assessed again but do you think it would help improve bad habits or not really?
Also, what about a system similar to pilots where a driver has to have a certain amount of hours in certain conditions to be allowed on their own in those conditions? Rain and fog are prime examples where drivers are usually too fast and under prepared
I think it would help, but as you say Bob, it's an impossibility. I just settle for a law to be past for everyone to be a regular watcher of my channel. They probably wouldn't be much new content though because I'd retire to the Caribbean!
@@ashley_neal Your videos should be mandatory for everyone, learner or fully qualified driver and cyclists alike
Keep up the good work and appreciate everything you do 👍
And retirment would be to Iceland or Norway for me…too warm for me in the Caribbean 😉
Hello Ash 🇦🇺
Are all tests recorded in video? So that they can be reviewed? I live in Nelson, Lancashire, and I can show many examples of learners (with instructors in the car) doing crazy things. Drivers in this area are dangerous, so I am assuming that the quick pass thing is contributing to it,. I am not criticizing good instructors, but I do not believe for a minute that there are any in my area....
They are not all recorded and you are not allowed to use any recording to question any of the results
'People approach roundabouts fast and exit slow'. Actually, in most cases they're doing the same speed. Its relative to what they should be doing!
As you know this is a stupid way of dealing with roundabouts. This can be compounded by drivers failing to assess the roundabout early on approach with observation then braking hard to a sudden stop despite it being safe to continue because they have not looked. The second type of bad driver follows too close and is surprised at the guy in front suddenly stopping apparently for no reason now he hits the car in front. This is a standard scenario accident where both parties blame the other.
If you don't stop at a junction how can you check your texts?. Poor instruction Ashley, it's 2024 🤣🤣🤣
Before I start watching: observations
Edit: Called it
Not entirely related but do you find yourself observing friends, family, taxi drivers etc when you’re not teaching them? I can only imagine it’s hard to turn off the instructor mode when you’re in the passenger seat.
My dentist friend says she's always looking at people's teeth eve n when not working so probably same thing here lmao.