The French are changing the test too!

[Si]

Taken from "The Connexion":

http://www.connexionfrance.com/new-driving-test-simpler-france-improve-pass-rates-cut-waiting-times-11482-view-article.html

New driving test launches today
March 09, 2010
 A NEW simpler driving test comes into force today in four regions - with other parts of France switching over by the end of May.

The 35-minute practical test is designed to give examiners more freedom to decide on a driver's competence, with less emphasis on simply totting up errors.

As well as deducting marks for mistakes, examiners can add marks if the driver is courteous behind the wheel and drives in a fuel-efficient way. Candidates will need to score 20 out of 30 to pass.

The Centre, Poitou-Charentes, Pays-de-la-Loire and Haute-Normandie will start offering the new test from this morning. It will be extended to the other regions of France in small groups between now and May 3

The marks are split in three categories: understanding the road, knowing and controlling your vehicle and sharing the road with other users.

Drivers can still be automatically failed if they commit a big error such as forgetting to stop at a red light or a white junction line.

The new test also comes with a five-minute "autonomous driving" section where the candidate is given a destination to head towards but no precise commands from the examiner on which directions to turn.

Driving instructors say the new test should make it easier for candidates to pass and will help bring down the average waiting time for a test from five months to three-and-a-half months.

According to new figures, 255 people killed on French roads in February, down 15% on the same month last year. Road safety officials say this is the lowest monthly total ever recorded.

[barrykenward]

Very interesting Si - Thank you..

Regards,

[glossop-lad]

That looks good but if you are still going to work to a variance like they would in the UK its pointless you will still get the same pass rates?

[Si]

I found the article while looking for something else. Cannot vouch for its accuracy.

I liked the fact that examiners seem to be allowed to use a little discretion, and that the authorities seem to be trying to introduce a system where a simple driver error will not automatically result in a fail if the rest of the drive is of a good enough standard.
The Autonomous Driving section seems to be a good idea, where a candidate is asked to drive towards a destination for 5 minutes rather than expect candidates to remember routes and diagrams and then be allowed to intervene if the candidate looks like they are going off-route.

It looks like some thought has gone into this and the end result is quite sensible and meaningful.

5 months waiting list though? Ouch!

[Si]

Found out a bit more.
Sorry its in French.

http://www.leparisien.fr/societe/de-plus-en-plus-de-francais-passent-leur-permis-a-l-etranger-04-06-2010-949886.php

Basically, French students are popping over to Spain and Morocco to take their driving tests there.
They are frustrated at the long waiting times for a french test, and the cost implications (ie you must be registered with a driving school and complete a minimum of 3000k before you are allowed to apply for a test).

[barrykenward]

Hi Si,

Look at this - it was provided by Karen - who is from the North and is/was a member a year or so ago - quite revealing though..

Regards,

[Si]

Barry,
Interesting. I had forgotten about that, thank you!

It would seem that since Karen's report the French test has been increased by 15 mins leading to long waiting times. Some French candidates appear to get round the problem by having a holiday in Spain and taking the test there where it is easier to pass (apparently).

But at least the French authorities recognise that they have a problem and are attempting to rectify it. Some other countrys have agencies that simply deny the problem exists or blame someone else (no names, no pack-drill).

I am suprised that the driving test differs so much when EEC FLHs can exchange their licence from one European country to another at will.

[Cameron Smith]

The most interesting thing to come out of this is the fact that the french have made the biggest improvement into their KSI's of any european country.

Their pupils have to complete 1875 miles (3000km) before being allowed to sit a test.

Assuming 45 lessons average in this country at say 16 miles per lesson that is 720 miles.

As politicians are so keen on globalisation and free trade, Why can pupils in other EC countries go on holiday and sit their test in an other EC country when Britain has a rule that they must be resident for 6 months before being allowed to sit a test here.

We could have a lucrative trade in this country teaching learners from the EC who wish to learn to drive and sit a test here but this area of free trade is being denied to us.

Once again we are discriminated against. Can you imagine the banks having to operate in such a distorted market. Can you imagine not being able to buy a foreign car until you were resident for six months in the country that car was being made in.

Cam

[barrykenward]

Hi Cam,

I like the thinking - Run it by your MP will you - see what response you get!!

Regards,