Extra learner drivers than ever earlier than are selecting automated automobiles for his or her driving exams, signalling the demise of the handbook gearbox.
Official data present that the variety of driving exams performed solely in automated automobiles has reached a document excessive, with 324,000 exams performed in automated automobiles final yr.
This was the most important variety of automated gearbox driving exams ever recorded, up 33% from 2022.
Based on statistics launched by the Driver and Car Requirements Company (DVSA), exams performed in automated automobiles accounted for over one-third of the 865,000 driver qualification checks performed within the earlier yr.
Nonetheless, extra drivers failed their exams in automated vehicles than in handbook ones, with 48% of candidates passing in handbook vehicles in comparison with 43% in automatics.
Disappearing manuals
Mark Winn, the DVSA’s chief driving examiner, mentioned: “DVSA consistently evaluations exams for all car varieties to take account of adjustments in know-how, driving habits, rules and freeway infrastructure, in addition to to reply to accident traits.
“We’ve got already began work to have a look at the influence of electrical automobiles on driver and rider schooling and evaluation and to plan for any adjustments that this shift in car sort and use will want.”
Passing an automatic examination disqualifies learners from driving vehicles with handbook gearboxes; they have to move a further check to have the ability to drive handbook automobiles.
An business affiliation referred to as the Society of Motor Producers and Merchants states that in 2022, two out of each three automobiles on British roads had a handbook transmission.
Over the subsequent ten years, new handbook vehicles will grow to be uncommon as the federal government will get nearer to banning petrol and diesel automobiles in 2035.
Check backlog
As a substitute of utilizing a traditional multi-geared gearbox, the motor in an electrical automobile is often linked on to the wheels. This eliminates the necessity for gearboxes.
As a part of an effort to make the vehicles “enjoyable to drive,” Toyota, alternatively, defied this development final yr by stating {that a} handbook or semi-automatic transmission can be an choice on its subsequent technology of electrical automobiles.
The entire suspension of all driving exams in the course of the Covid lockdowns has resulted in a large backlog of exams.
Since then, officers have been working to scale back the backlog; nonetheless, the DVSA reviews that the common wait interval to get a driving check spot is at 15.1 weeks.
Loveday Ryder, the DVSA chief govt, mentioned in January: “We’ve made some good progress, however we nonetheless have an extended approach to go.”
