Driving on their own, not knowing their way around and driving in bad weather top the list of the main worries for new drivers in Wales, according to research by car insurance firm Admiral.
The Cardiff-based firm surveyed motorists in Wales about their experience while they were learning to drive and after they first passed their driving test. It found the main motivation for learning to drive is the need to be independent, according to 69% of motorists asked. Almost half (48%) said the main reason they learned was to be able to get to places at their own pace, while 45% said they did it to be able to get to work.
Somewhat unsurprising is the main emotion learner drivers in Wales experience during their driving test – nervousness.
Nearly two-thirds (65%) said that was how they felt when they first took their test, the highest of any part of the UK. However, 12% said they felt confident.
Admiral MultiCar spokesman Justin Beddows said: “It’s perfectly natural to feel nervous when you first take your driving test. What is surprising is the number who said the main emotion they felt was confidence. I certainly didn’t feel confident, and it’s a memory that’s stayed with me for the last 25 years.”
Once they pass their test the majority of Welsh drivers can’t wait to hit the road by themselves and do so the same day. 62% said they went out on their own the day they passed their test. However 7% said they waited at least a month, while 2% waited a year or more.
Admiral MultiCar found that the first solo drive is full of worries for most Welsh drivers. The number one anxiety is driving alone (22%). This is followed by not knowing their way around (19%) and driving in difficult weather conditions and breaking down (both 18%). Only 16% said crashing was their biggest worry.
Mr Beddows added: “Nothing quite prepares you for being on the road by yourself for the first time and it’s almost like you have to learn to drive again without the support of your instructor.
“Our own statistics show that people who have passed their test and move from a provisional licence are unfortunately, more likely to have an accident than a learner driver.”
So do motorists in Wales think they would pass their driving test if they had to re-sit it today? The vast majority are confident in their abilities, with four out of five drivers saying they would pass. Only 20% said they don’t think they would.
This confidence maybe doesn’t match reality however as only just over half of the motorists surveyed said they passed first time. For 35% it took two attempts and for 8% it took three goes.