Men are better at driving!

The Sun, August 2, 2004

BY VIRGINIA WHEELER

MALE motorists are miles ahead when it comes to passing their driving test — needing 16 fewer hours in lessons than women.

Girls spend 40 per cent more time learning and pay £360 extra on tuition — but even then are more likely to fail.

Forty per cent of women slip up because they cannot reverse properly, an AA survey reports.

In fact, the only manoeuvre they perform better is checking their mirrors, the study shows.

Female learners take an average of 52 hours driving tuition over 14 months before qualifying behind the wheel — compared to 36 lessons in 12 months for men.

Men are also more likely to pass their test first time, with 46 per cent ripping up their L-plates after one attempt. Only 40 per cent of women manage the same.

Linda Hatswell, of the AA driving school, said: “Men have the edge when it comes to the number of hours they spend learning to drive before they pass their tests.

“They are also more likely to pass first time. But women prove safer drivers in the long run.”

Linda added: “Men are more technically minded and pick up practical skills more easily.

“Women interpret what they’re taught and develop their own technique when putting it into practice. This may take longer.”

Celebrity Driving School star Paul O’Grady, 49, describes claims that men are better than women behind the wheel as “rubbish”. The Lily Savage comic said: “Women are much more courteous drivers.”

(Source: The Sun)