Boys pass the girls in driving test, VicRoads data reveals

BOYS are in the driver’s seat: Men are passing their driving test at a higher rate than women in Victoria, according to new figures that also reveal which part of the state has the highest pass rates.

Daniel Bin, 18, and Chloe Wood, 18, passed their driving tests with flying colours. Picture: Jay Town.

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BOYS are in the driver’s seat when it comes to getting their licence.

New VicRoads figures show that men are passing their driving test at a higher rate than women in Victoria.

More than 70 per cent of men pass their test, compared to 65.8 per cent of women.

The latest statistics also reveal that drivers in the state’s west have the highest pass rates.

18-year-olds Daniel Bin of Heathmont and Chloe Wood of Nunawading were top of their driving class, both passing first time.

Both took lessons with the RACV Drive School, with Chloe passing her test on her 18th birthday.

The two young motorists defied the trend of young people putting off getting their licence until they were older, in part due to the demands of logging 120 hours behind the wheel as a learner.

RACV driving instructor Michael Waters, who has been helping learner drivers get their licence for almost 40 years, said boys were more conditioned in society to be car aware.

“There’s a perception that a male should be able to drive a car.

“When young boys are growing up when we want to give them a toy we give them a car, and for young girls we give them a doll.’’

Daniel Bin, 18, and Chloe Wood, 18, with driving Instructor, Michael Waters. Picture: Jay Town.

“But that gender difference is starting to change now, and we’re seeing that on the sporting fields for example.’’

Boys were generally more confident behind the wheel, Mr Waters said, while girls were more open-minded and didn’t have too many preconceived ideas about what driving was all about.

The flip side of male driving dominance is the grim reality that young males are generally over-represented in the road toll.

“There’s a while suite of reasons for that,’’ Mr Waters said.

“A lot comes down to self-esteem issues. They know (driving) is one thing they can do and then show off those skills to their peers.’’

VicRoads records also reveal that Victoria’s best drivers are in the west where drivers have a 83 per cent pass rate at centres including Warrnambool, Hamilton, Horsham and Ballarat.

The worst pass rate was at Carlton with barely half of would-be drivers getting their licence.

During the last financial year, the statewide average pass rate was 68 per cent.

The number of learners getting their licence has crept up from 66 per cent in 2014.

VicRoads licensing executive director Dave Shelton said practical driving tests were designed to assess learners in a range of situations.

“Our role is to ensure a person can drive safely before granting them a licence and we take this responsibility seriously,’’ Mr Shelton said.

“Victoria’s Graduated Licence System prepares young drivers by mandating 120 hours of practice in a variety of conditions before taking the drive test and a minimum 12-month learner permit period.’’

Daniel Bin, 18, and Chloe Wood, 18, are ready to get behind the wheel. Picture: Jay Town.

2017 Pass Rates (and change from 2016)

North West Rural (Maryborough, Mildura, Swan Hill, Kyneton, Echuca. Bendigo) 73.6 per cent (up 2.8)

North West Metro 1 (Seymour, Bundoora, Broadmeadows) 68 per cent (same)

North West Metro 2 (Sunbury, Melton, Sunshine) 67 per cent (down 5)

North West Metro 3 (Werribee, Geelong, Hoppers Crossing) 68.5 per cent (down 1)

Western Rural (Warrnambool, Portland, Hamilton, Colac, Horsham, Ararat, Ballarat) 83.8 per cent (up 1.4)

Eastern Rural (Warragul, Sale, Morwell, Leongatha, Bairnsdale) 74.8 per cent (up 0.2)

Eastern Metro 1 (Melbourne Hub — no drive tests, Carlton) 51 per cent, (down 1)

Eastern Metro 2 (Burwood, Heatherton, Mooroolbark) 73.6 per cent (up 1)

Eastern Metro 3 (Pakenham, Dromana, Frankston, Dandenong) 71 per cent (up 0.5)

North Eastern Rural (Cobram, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Shepparton, Benalla) 75.4 per cent (up 0.8)

@IanRoyall

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