Tall and testing tales

Learners are putting their faith in myth and legend, it seems, when it comes to preparing for the driving test. It's long been an area where superstition is rife.

Now a survey conducted by the RAC has found that drivers sitting the test hold some rather strange beliefs about factors which may influence their success or failure in the test.

Among those reported by instructors working from RAC centres in Britain and Ireland, taking the test early in the week is the most common myth, based on the belief that there's a weekly quota of passes and after that point, everyone else fails.

Others include the belief that it's easier to pass the test in the country because there's less traffic and road works and that, if you are from a smaller community, the examiners are less professional and you have a better chance of knowing them. In fact, the pass rate in Dublin is higher than most other counties.

There's also the misconception that the theory test is just common sense and learners don't need to study it.

According to Robert Taylor of RAC Ireland: "What gets people through the driving test in real life is high quality training, using the best and most advanced tuition methods, and careful preparation.

"We might laugh at some of these odd ideas," he says, "but, in reality, the test candidates who believe in them would be better served concentrating on their training and the test in hand."

Another widely held belief among learners was that taking the test in a driving school car - even if you haven't had lessons with them - gives you a better chance of passing. This is based on the presumption that it shows you have taken time out to have professional lessons.

Among the other misconceptions, according to instructors are:

Don't take the test in December - they'll fail you so as to make sure they have work for January

Tests about noon or mid afternoon will be quick because examiners want their lunch or to get home

Examiners like to fail you on Monday morning

Move your head around violently when checking mirrors to show that you're doing it properly

Females wearing short skirts are sure to pass