Stephanie Agius

How many of you trying to get a driving licence wish they were born some 20 years ago? Our parents remember a time when passing the test wasn't as devastating as it is now. There were fewer road signs and no need to come to grips with your car engine's components for the theory test. Apparently, the examiners weren't as harsh and keen on finding faults as they seem to be now.

From the cones used as markers for parking we have to calculate a 45 degree angle with a car parked in front. What does math has to do with getting a car licence? And why do we need to know by rote what's buried in a 72-page booklet to take a theory test consisting of only 35 questions?

And then there is the practical test which starts with questions like: 'How do you know the tyres are in good condition and the power steering is working'. If you know the answers they can build up your confidence but this soon dips below zero when you start driving. You tend to turn yourself into a tension bubble, mostly because the examiner is judging you and one mistake can either mark a fault or terminate the chance for freedom on the roads. The first step to freedom and independence isn't turning, 18 but driving your own car.

While driving you should only think about the obstacles ahead and what gear you should go for tackling different turns. And don't ever forget the golden rule for taking off: MSM (Mirror, Signal and Shoulder, Manoeuvre). However, that's usually 50% of what we really think about. The other half of our thoughts focus on pleading: Please, don't cross the road now. Please, let there be no cars by the roundabout. Please, let me find no double-parked vehicles. Stay green, we plead with each set of traffic lights. How many times have such prayers ever been answered? After all, have you ever seen anybody stick to all the road rules in the book?

I guess anyone who prepares for the test needs a huge amount of luck because capacity and skill alone don't seem to matter. Parents might think that it's their children's fault when they fail the test due to a lack of commitment or attention but they don't know how much has changed since their time. I would like to see them taking the test now to see how many of them would actually pass with flying colours the first time.