16: What do we want from our future drivers?
Problem: doing a drivers test nowadays is all about obscure definitions and far less about being able to actually drive a car.
Theoretical questions include:
-Stop the vehicle means what?
-Road user is who?
-A municipality is what?
-An intersection is not considered to be what?
-If the holder of a driver's license changes his/her permanent residence to the district of another municipality with extended jurisdiction, he/she must notify the relevant municipal authority of the municipality with extended jurisdiction within how long?
The average experienced driver will not be able to pass this test, even if he or she would have an hour to prepare. This causes a lot of stress with the candidates and limits the capacity of our examination system.
Moreover it is totally superfluous. Any theoretical knowledge that is never used will be forgotten within one year. It being a language, mathematics or driving theory.
However, if you check that same candidate for general visual skills in the car, reading of roundabouts, usage of road mirrors, night vision, driving skills under less the optimal weather conditions and/or car control during highway lane narrowing you will find that much is left to be desired.
Solution 1:
Change theoretical exams to such an extend that an average experienced driver is able to pass them with minimum preparation. Focus on practical knowledge instead of theoretical definitions.
Solution 2:
See chapter 6: "compulsory driving career". Use the time between the 16th and 18th birthday to get drivers experience.
