More than half of all Mandurah learner drivers attempting their Practical Driving Assessment (PDA) last year failed.
New statistics from the Department of Transport show 5,993 people sat the test in Mandurah in 2018 and 52.6 per cent of drivers were unsuccessful.
Only 47.4 per cent passed.
The figures in Mandurah were better than those out of the city.
Throughout the Perth metropolitan region, 82,809 people sat the test and 55.1 per cent failed.
Out of the nine driver and vehicle services in the metropolitan region, seven had a higher fail rate than pass rate.
The figures did not include instances where an applicant did not show up to their test, did not receive a result or department cancellations.
However the number of learner drivers who passed their test across the area improved by three per cent overall from 2017.
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The most common reasons people fail their PDA include a lack of preparation, insufficient driving experience and or a lack of knowledge about road rules.
- Department of Transport spokeswoman
A Department of Transport spokeswoman said this was most likely thanks to the strengthened Graduated Driver Training and Licensing process, introduced in October, 2017.
“The most common reasons people fail their PDA include a lack of preparation, insufficient driving experience and or a lack of knowledge about road rules,” she said.
“Learner drivers should aim to be well prepared with sufficient driving experience in a variety of conditions when attempting their PDA to ensure they don’t have to resit the test, which puts pressure on both the driver and other people seeking to book a test.
“Learning to drive is all about being well prepared to drive safely and there is no substitute for gaining experience in a variety of road, traffic and weather conditions, day and night.”
There is no substitute for gaining experience in a variety of road, traffic and weather conditions, day and night.
- Department of Transport spokeswoman
The Practical Driving Assessment is a 35 minute test taken on the road with an accredited Department of Transport assessor.
It tests the driver’s ability to operate a car, abide by road rules and respond to traffic hazards.
For more information about preparing for a PDA, visit the Department of Transport website.