Driving Test Standards?

Question

I have noticed many accidents and near misses on the roads and some of them I see are mostly foreign drivers. I've also heard that the majority of Driving Examiners in Britain are pretty strict and OTT and will fail you on miniscule of things.

What I would like to know, are foreign drivers who come over here to Great Britain exempt from taking our rigourous test?

We all know that Britain has one of the highest level of driving test standards in the world, and what is worrying is that places such as India, Bulgaria etc expect you to pass if you are capable of driving in a straight line.

How do you think that the Government should tackle this problem, that would enable everyone to get a fairer deal, rather than foreign drivers being let loose on our roads?

(This is a genuine question, and should NOT be taken as me being racist)

Answer 1

You don't reference any statistics.

To get a sensible answer you would need to show how many foreign drivers are involved in accidents.

Also "We all know that Britain has one of the highest level of driving test standards in the world"  I don't know this, what proof or statistics support it?

Answer 2

Maybe an effort by the authorities to reduce public tansport costs would encourage under average drivers from car rental.

Answer 3

Forign Nationals are allowed to drive for 1 year on their International License. This is to give them time to take the UK test.

As a Driving instructor i can tell you the vast majority of these people are poor drivers, and completely underestimate the UK Driving test! They hire an ADI, ask for about 5 lessons (i had 1 guy wanted only 1 before his test!!!) and only want instruction in manoevers. Hopeless.

The answer - don't let them drive untill they Pass, just like the rest of us.

Answer 4

Couldn't agree more with Trevor, I am also an ADI, and had a Doctor from India wanting to get his UK driving licence. Now bear in mind he was a Doctor - obviously not stupid - but when it came to learning to drive he had NO idea what was expected of him, and booked his test after just two lessons - he couldn't even drive for a mile without stalling or nearly running into the back of the car in front - never mind perform a turn in the road! How the h**l he is allowed to drive on these road for a year is completely beyond me! Needless to say, i refused to go to test with him as i knew he would lower my pass rate - yes i am selfish lol!!

Answer 5

you don't want world wide standards. Is this like the brits driving on the left side of the road in the usa.

Answer 6

As far as I'm aware, foreign nationals can drive in this country for a year after which time they have to sit a test.

Seems a ludicrous system where, after theday you arrive you can start driving with heaven knows what credentials for doing so. Then one year later you're deemed unqualified until you sit the test. Completely mental!

You are also correct in what you say about the standard of driving by foreigners, there have been many fatalities involving foreigners. I actually hired a minicab driven by a Lithuanian guy and when I arrived at my destination he parked at right angles to the pavement!

Answer 7

It is the test sheet that decides if they have passed or not, however some examiners will pass you although theres so many errors on the paper, and not record all of them. It depends how they feel on the day, what theyve had for breakfast, and how well you have driven the vehicle.