Study into learner drivers uncovers worrying habits

A study of learner drivers and their habits has raised concerns about how the next generation of motorists is faring on Australian roads.

Conducted by Budget Direct, 1000 Australians who currently hold a driving licence were surveyed about their time as learner drivers, exposing shortcomings in the system which allows them to progress.

While more than three-quarters of learners passed their written test on the first go, with 15.9 per cent getting it on the second try.

However, this success didn't directly translate to securing a provisional licence, with 29.2 per cent of holders needing at least one more attempt to move up from their Ls.

Of those who got knocked back on the driving test, a failing to stop was the most common single reason behind why they didn't pass, although various "other" reasons also played a major part.

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Despite automatic new car sales far outweighing manuals, 55.7 per cent of learners were tested on a manual licence, with both male and female responders more likely to be driving a three-pedal car.

Comparing automatic and manual drivers, there was an eight per cent disparity between the two choices of transmission for which drivers passed the first time, landing in favour of those who row their own.

While the two-pedal auto drivers passed their tests at the first time of asking 74 per cent of the time, manual operators nailed the practical exam in 82 per cent of initial tests.

Even though learners are a high risk on the roads due to their lack of experience, just 5.5 per cent reported being in a traffic incident on their Ls, with 3.7 saying they were at fault while 1.8 per cent were not.

Males were far more likely to be in a crash and at fault compared to their female counterparts though, with over double reporting they were the cause of an incident.

Those who want to see the full results of the study and interact with Budget Direct's data can view it here.