Shocking statistics over learner drivers
A 7News investigation has revealed that close to a thousand Sydney learners fail their driving tests every week, with the experts convinced it is due to bad advice.
This year, 49,000 learners have failed at their first attempt.
In 2013 219,973 people were tested and 43.8 per cent failed.
So far in 2014 111,372 have been tested and 44.1 per cent have failed.
Mark Toole, a driving instructor with the NRMA, said: “They don't stop at stop signs, they exceed the speed limit and during their test they fail to indicate.”
Young Sydney driver Alex Pittaway succeeded on his third attempt and now does refresher courses.
He said: “There is always lots of nerves and it's always harder to do something when you've got somebody else peeering over your shoulder."
Young women were also outperforming males. While 48 per cent of women failed their first attempt nearly 52 per cent of men were rejected for their P plates, which is consistent with the higher number of males in crashes.
The worst learner drivers and those who failed at least ten attempts were at Fairfield, Bankstown, Liverpool, Holroyd and the Hills Shire.
A misunderstanding of the roundabout rules is one of the main reasons learners are failing but instructors say licensed drivers are setting such a bad example.
Mr Toole added: “You must give way - and be prepared to give way to traffic already in the roundabout be it right or left."
Parents can be the main culripts for passing on bad habits and the Government recommends professional tuition.
