Gamers more likely to pass driving test

Regularly playing computer-based driving games could help you pass your driving test sooner, according to a new study by Privilege car insurance.

However, the survey also showed that these drivers who pass their tests sooner with the aid of some digital practice are more likely to crash within the first year of getting on the road.

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The car cover provider asked 1,994 drivers aged between 18 and 50 as part of the research, concluding that a massive 73% of gamers past their test first time round.

That compared to the average first time pass rate of 58%.

However, over three quarters (77%) of those digital drivers asked also admitted to crashing within 12 months of getting a licence – even if 17% of those between the age of 18 to 24 said they took lots of confidence from playing driving games.

So a word of warning if you’re part of the Playstation generation and have just passed your test…

The study aimed to assess the attitudes of different learner drivers and found that 62% of women said they felt more confident putting in for their test after proper preparation, while just over half (53%) of men agreed that going by the book made them feel more secure when sitting their test.

Despite this, the numbers suggest more men pass first time than women, with 52% of males succeeding at the first attempt compared to 42% of females.

Roughly one quarter of women took at least three attempts to get their full licence, but it seems once successful, the fairer sex is safer on the road with only 18% of women crashing in the first year, compared to 24% of men.

Privilege head of car insurance Charlotte Fielding:

“Our research shows that simulated driving experiences gives learners increased confidence on the road. However, the figure for new driver accidents for gamers is worryingly high, suggesting over-confidence can lead to mistakes. Managing a car and being a responsible driver is not a game and accidents in the real world can have serious consequences.”

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By motoringresearch.com