The AA is demanding that the theory test hazard perception section has ‘avoiding potholes’ added to the exam. The roadside recovery specialists say that learner drivers should be able to prove they can spot a pothole in order to pass the theory test hazard perception part of the exam…
… Meanwhile, the AA is also calling for advice on what to do when motorists encounter a porthole to be included in the Highway Code.
The motoring firm says that a section on potholes should be included in the hazard perception part of the driving theory test because of the damage that poor road surfaces can cause to vehicles, potentially making them unsafe to be on the road.
The Asphalt Industry Alliance has warned that one in five local roads across England and Wales are in a poor condition as councils face massive funding shortages that affect pothole repair.
What Should You Do If You Spot A Pothole?
The AA advises:
* Slowing down if necessary, but check your rear view mirror
* Stay in your lane
* Avoid big swerves
Meanwhile, a survey involving a small group of driving instructors revealed that many of them had broken down at least once during a driving lesson over the past 12 months because of pothole-related damage. Most of them even had to adapt driving lessons to avoid certain roads because of a high number of potholes. The AA was also told that some learner drivers had to abandon a practical driving test as a result of their vehicle suffering damage because of a pothole. Tyres, wheels and suspension are the most commonly damaged by poor road surfaces.
How Could The Theory Test Hazard Perception Section Change?
AA president, Edmund King, said: “Driving tests and lessons are being abandoned because of pothole-related breakdowns. This is damaging to learners’ confidence and to instructors; whose livelihoods depend on having a fit-for-purpose road network and an undamaged car.” “The situation is so serious that the hazard perception test and Highway Code need to change to reflect the state of the roads that learner drivers have to learn on. There is no
advice for drivers about potholes anywhere in the Highway Code, yet it is one of the most common hazards they encounter,” King added.
If the hazard perception test were to change to include ‘avoiding potholes’, it’s likely that the multiple choice part of the theory test would be updated to include pothole-related questions.
However, a government statement said: “The DVSA keeps the driving test under constant review to make it as effective as possible. We have listened to the concerns of road users and are already providing councils in England with over £6 billion to help improve the condition of our local highways.”
“This funding includes a record £296 million through the Pothole Action Fund – enough to fix around six million potholes,” the statement added.
For now, the government seems intent on providing local councils with the funds to repair potholes. As for changes to the theory test hazard perception section, watch this space!
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