There are numerous myths about learning to drive. Here are a few of them:

Myth 1
The minimum age for driving lessons will soon rise to 18.
This story has been going round for years! Recently a government think tank has suggested that people should start learning at 17 but not take their test till 18


Myth 2
The driving test examiners only pass a certain number of people per day.
This is false. Everyone whose driving is good enough passes


Myth 3
It's best to take the driving test at the beginning of the day/week/month in case they have already passed enough people.
False. See above. If your driving is good enough, you pass.


Myth 4
Men are better drivers
Neither men nor women are perfect drivers. As a generalisation women are more careful and anticipate danger better, men are better able to manoeuvre the car. Men tend to require fewer lessons to pass their driving test while Women have fewer accidents and so are often able to get cheaper insurance!


Myth 5
Old people have more accidents than young people
Statistically 17 -25 year olds have more accidents than any other age group


Myth 6
Most people only need a few driving lessons to pass their test
The DSA have stated that it takes most people between 1 and 2 driving lessons with a qualified driving instructor for every year of a person’s life. Latest DSA statistics show that the average person took over 40 lessons and had an extra 16 hours private practice

Myth7
People who have just passed their test are better drivers than older people
People who have just passed their test are in fact more likely to have an accident

Myth 8
Driving Schools make you take more lessons than you really need.
The main cause of people failing their test is people taking the test before they are ready, usually meaning they needed more lessons.

Myth 9
The Theory Test is just commonsense
Some answers may involve common sense or general knowledge but not most of them. For instance common sense won't tell you that the minimum tyre tread depth for cars is 1.6mm. The only way you'll know that is by learning it!

Myth 10
Intensive or crash courses gaurantee you will pass
No one can gaurantee a pass! Intensive driving courses work well for some people, less well for others. Some driving schools will pay for your retest if you fail first time, but they cannot gaurantee a pass!