Paris - French learner drivers were confronted with a tough, new theory and highway code test - and failed en masse. Only one in six candidates passed the new test on its first couple of days, and in some towns, everybody failed.
Seven out of 10 candidates, on average, passed a previous, much simpler examination in which the same questions appeared each time. As part of a drive to reduce road deaths in France, which are on the rise after falling for 13 years in a row, the government devised a much tougher theory test with 1000 possible questions. The subjects were widened to include how to drive more economically, first aid and how to spot “vulnerable” road users.
“Obviously, we will have to rethink the questions,” said France's road safety boss, Emmanuel Barbe. He insisted, however, that the results were not as bad as they seemed. The great majority of candidates narrowly failed to reach the pass target of 35 out of 40 questions, he said.
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As before, 35 out of 40 questions had to be answered correctly before French learner drivers could take their practical driving test. Although candidates merely had to choose one right answer out of two, the new test has proved a disaster. Only 16.7 per cent of candidates passed in the first two days after the new tests started on Monday. In some French counties, only one person passed, and in some towns no one passed.
The problem was partly caused by the failure of the government to issue new guidance and software to driving schools in time. Many candidates were poorly prepared according to Barbe. He expected this to change rapidly - especially since, under the new rules, candidates have to pay €30 (R515) to take their first theory test. Previously, they had only paid for a resit.
Questions in the new theory test include the following: “To reduce my petrol consumption, do I take my foot off the accelerator? A. yes. B. no.”
The Independent