MOTORISTS are being challenged to see if they could cope with the new driving test being introduced later this year.

From May, all driving test candidates will fail if they make more than 15 driving faults during their test drive.

Up to now the only reason to fail the test was if the candidate committed a serious or dangerous driving error.

Currently 36 million drivers hold driving licences in the UK, and ex-Driving Standards Agency deputy chief driving examiner John Ayland believes most would fail to reach the present pass standard.

Mr Ayland, who is now chief driving examiner for DIAmond Advanced Motorists, said: "If you have a son, daughter, other relative or friend who is learning to drive, you owe it to them to find out just how safely - or not - you really do drive.

"Everyone knows that new drivers have more accidents than more experienced, usually older, drivers. But with the higher standard demanded of new drivers, it is the older drivers who may need to look to see how safe they really are."

He said the £30 DAM test is based on the Driving Standards Agency recommended syllabus for learning to drive.

Candidates have to negotiate a 25-mile test route covering a variety of roads and traffic conditions. They also have to reverse round a corner, both to the left and to the right, turn in the road and accurately reverse-park.

A dangerous, or serious, fault, or more than six driving faults, will result in failure.

He said your driving licence is not at risk and even those who fail will benefit from good advice in the debrief.

Mr Ayland said all professional driving instructors teach up to the DAM test standard. More information is available from DIAmond Advanced Motorists, PO Box 3333, Croydon CR9 4ZN.

Story date: Wednesday 10 March

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