Mirror, signal … pass? We put the driving test to the test

Wednesday, 23 April 2025

Press reporter Maxine Jacobs has her driving skills put to the test by Kevin Bargent of Safer Driving Driving School.

The Government is considering doing away with the need for a second practical test to get a full driver licence. But how safe are seasoned motorists?

Kevin Bargent, owner and operator of Christchurch’s Safer Driving Driving School, is against the idea of cutting the second practical test.

He believes even seasoned drivers should be re-tested every decade to keep them sharp on the rules of the road.

I passed mine 10 years ago with flying colours - most people do.

Mirror, signal... almost plough into a passing car. Reporter Maxine Jacobs failed her mock driving licence test almost before it had started.

In 2022, 70% of restricted drivers passed the second test to get a full licence on the first go. About 20% passed on their second attempt, and almost 6% passed on their third, according to Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency data.

Surely I’d pass again, right?

No. I failed immediately - because of the “incident”.

Failing the test has made Maxine think more about her driving, and how safe it is.

It was a bit nerve-racking knowing my driving was being watched, but I tried to put it out of my mind, put on my seatbelt, and start up the car outside The Press building.

I thought I had checked my wing mirrors, my rear view mirror, and looked over my shoulder to scan for oncoming traffic before indicating away from the kerb on Gloucester St.

What I didn’t see was the vehicle coming from behind in my blind spot. A commotion commenced, and after what felt like a minute but was probably 10 seconds we were off.

Maxine’s driving was scrutinised by Kevin Bargent from Safer Driving Driving School's, who believes a second practical test should remain.

To his credit, Kevin was very calm about the whole thing and carried on with the test with an open mind.

Across the course of the 45 minutes of scrutiny he noticed I didn’t slow down fast enough for a railway crossing, then slowed down too much for it, I didn’t check my mirrors often enough in some cases, and when we were getting close to the office I began to turn corners with an “open palm”.

I would have passed had the “incident” not occurred, but because it did it was an instant fail, he told me.

To be honest, I was a bit defensive about it at first, blaming the other vehicle. But actually I’m the driver, and it’s my responsibility to keep everybody safe.

It’s made me wonder how many other incidents I’ve been a part of, but haven’t realised.

Something for me to think about when I drive home from work.