Fluctuations in pass rates

murrayp4

Driving test pass rates vary by 35%


DAVID LABANYI

THE ROAD SAFETY Authority (RSA) has said it is unable to provide an explanation for a drop of up to 35 per cent in pass rates at a number of its driving test centres between 2008 and 2009.

Pass rates at Dublin’s Raheny driving test centre dropped from 57.7 to 37.7 per cent in 12 months.

Significant falls were also recorded at Churchtown in Dublin, where pass rates declined from 59 to 42 per cent, at Naas in Co Kildare, where the number of successful applicants dropped from 60 to 40 per cent, and Nenagh in Co Tipperary, which saw a fall from 69 to 49 per cent.

While the overall average pass rate declined to 51.7 per cent in 2009 from 57 per cent in 2008, there were significant variations at different centres, including some where the pass rate increased.

A spokesman for the RSA said a number of factors were involved, including differences in driver experience and competence as test waiting times declined. The recession also impacted on access to a vehicle and the ability to pay for lessons, he added.

However, he was unable to explain why some centres have seen significant falls, while others have seen increased pass rates.

“These things fluctuate. The changes [in pass rates] coincide with the fall in applications and in the number of tests we do.”

The most difficult place to pass a driving test in 2009 was Rathgar in Dublin, where just 30.6 per cent of applicants were successful. This compares to Sligo, with a 67.1 per cent success rate.

The Comptroller and Auditor General noted the “considerable” variation in pass rates in a recent report and said it raised concerns about testing consistency.

The report also noted that 33 of 50 RSA test centres had testers who had a pass rate that diverged by 10 per cent or more with the average at the centre.


Test centre Pass rates

(2009)

Highest

Sligo 67.1%

Tuam 65.6%

Ennis 63.4%

Lowest

Rathgar 30.6%

Carlow 37%

Kilkenny 37.6%

Source: RSA

Permabear

This post has been deleted.

Emerson

I've spent a fortune on lessons (probably 50!), my teacher is reasonably happy with my performance. We do the route plenty of times before the test and on the morning. I don't cut out, I pass through the gears fine, use my mirrors, 3 point turn, reverse around the corner pretty flawlessly.

So few if any faults, then comes the test and bam. Everyone comes back into the room (normally 3 lessons go on at one time) and you hear all geting told sorry by their respective teacher. I'm now onto my 4th test.

Each time I feel they are tediously petty and mainly get me on reaction to hazzards (eg. last time truck with shedded load on a roundabout with a parked van behind it - I indicated around it.. what more could I do.. and having to pull in behind the many, many parked cars on two way streets of the Churchtown route at peak times to allow opposite site traffic).
I'm at the point where I really don't know what I can do to pass.

They are very rude and unhelpful when you ask for any sort of information on where you are going wrong afterwards. The sheet is fairly vague on what has gone wrong. I feel extremely uncomfortable in their presence. The first time I did the test when we started the car I said I was nervous and he agressively responded, "Yea.. we get nervous too pal." My mistake in speaking. No level of reassurance.

The price has doubled, the pass rate dropped, L plate drivers can't practice on their own legally unlike previous generations (severe handicap). I see it as to a certain extent profiteering and a complete middle finger from a section of society who already have their licence. I'm practicing all the time now solo as I can't keep spending hundreds on lessons at the same level as for previous tests. Fingers crossed every day practice will stand to me in the "rection to hazzard" department.

Pandoras Twist

Great... I'm taking my test in rathgar on Tuesday. Filled with confidence so I am


edit: Theres also been a massive increase in people taking the test in order to become taxi drivers/ open up other occupations that need a licence

stevenmu

Emerson wrote: »

L plate drivers can't practice on their own legally unlike previous generations (severe handicap).

I think this is a very large part of the reason for the drop in pass rates. With no disrespect meant to any driving instructors, I would imagine it's very difficult to pass the test having only ever driven during lessons.

When I did my first test it was fresh on the back of a bunch of lessons and a few pretests, I went into the test with my head full of all the things the instructors had taught me, and I failed because I hadn't had the time to let it sink in and become natural, I was so busy running through checklists of things in my head I missed out some simple things.

When I did it the second time I had been driving on my own for a few years, so all I had to do in the test was drive the same way I did day in day out, except for maybe a few exaggerated head movements to show I was checking mirrors. Most facets of driving had become second nature, so when I did have to think about specific things required for the test I had the capacity to do so easily. I passed the test very very easily.

Professional lessons are very important, but so is putting in the time to get a good feel for driving and letting things like gear changes become automatic.

daveharnett

Emerson wrote: »

L plate drivers can't practice on their own legally unlike previous generations (severe handicap).

I'd agree with you that not being able to drive on your own makes life more difficult for learners. Like the previous poster, I passed after lots (~5000 miles over 3 months) of time behind the wheel, which made everything a lot easier.

Don't get me wrong, requiring learners to pass the test before driving accompanied is a huge step forward, but I'll acknowledge that it does make passing the test more difficult and expensive. I can understand some frustration at the "Do as I say, not as I do" message.

I think you may be overestimating the effect of the new rules though. Does anybody know how many learners are complying with the rules? I still see learners driving unaccompanied (sometimes on motorways) every day.