DRIVING
What’s it like to sit the modern-day driving test in a vintage car? We mirror, signal and manoeuvre our way through one
It’s early autumn in leafy Leamington Spa and I’m perched on the bench seat of an ancient Vauxhall, in the old-school ‘sit-up-and-beg’ driving position. Beside me, a stony-faced instructor is assessing my own hazard perception as a blind man crosses the road ahead.
It’s a nightmare situation for any learner – do I stop, hoot the horn or get out and help? He is classed as a ‘vulnerable road user’ in the Highway Code, so I – correctly – check my mirror and pull to a halt.
The driving test has changed beyond all recognition since I passed more than 42 years ago. The three-point turn and reverse round a corner are long gone – now a learner can use a rearview camera to squeeze into a parking space, or even follow satellite navigation instructions.
Today, the issue for learners is booking a test in the first place. Striking examiners and a pandemic backlog have created the highest ever demand, piling on the stress for people desperate to tear up their L plates.
To level up the playing field I’m opting to sit a mock test in a car that’s more than 70 years old. The Vauxhall Wyvern was built when the British motor industry was in its heyday. It features pop-up semaphore indicators – in place of the otherwise obligatory arm signals – and an optional radio to hear the BBC Home Service.
For what Vauxhall called the ‘pleasure motorist’, the £479 Wyvern represented terrific value for money. Though named after a mythical winged dragon, I’ve already discovered there’s not much fire about a saloon that lumbers from 0-50mph in 28 seconds. Flat out, presumably downhill with brake failure, it On a steep incline, it instantly runs out of puff.
The car was built in 1950 and shipped to sunny Portugal, which may explain why it has survived rust-free this long. Rescued by a Dutch enthusiast, it eventually found its way back to the Vauxhall Heritage Collection and now resides at the British Motor Museum, in Gaydon, Warwickshire. To add to my woes, it’s left-hand drive. Next to me is instructor Evan Morris of Red Driving School (reddrivingschool.com). He isn’t fazed by the Wyvern’s aimless steering or spongy brakes. ‘You get used to it,’ he says. ‘I did work as a driving examiner but I missed the sense of achievement when one of my pupils passed.’
He tells me observation is the main reason for fails, with use of mirrors when changing direction and lane discipline other major errors. I’m more concerned about the Wyvern’
