Majority of left-handers pass driving test first time

Majority of left-handers pass driving test first time

Left-handers are all right when it comes to learning to drive, according to a study commissioned by the AA Driving School to mark ‘Left-Handers Day 2008’ today (Wednesday, August 13).

The study suggests that being left-handed makes for a smoother driving test. According to the findings, almost six out of ten (57%) left-handers passed their driving test first time, making them 10% more likely than right-handers to pass at the first attempt.

The study also reveals that only five per cent of left-handed drivers believe being left-handed made learning to drive more difficult than if they were right-handed, although a quarter (27%) believe that cars are designed with right-handers in mind.

Well-known left-handed drivers include three times Formula One world champion Ayrton Senna, seven times champion Valentino Rossi and Buzz Aldrin, the lunar module pilot for Apollo 11, the first manned mission to the Moon

Simon Douglas, director of the AA Driving School, said: “Scientists have hypothesized for years that left-handers are quicker to learn than right-handers and, looking back through history some of the most important drivers in the world have been left handed.

“Although fewer students are left-handed, some of our instructors have commented that it's the left-handers that seem to pick up skills like clutch control much more quickly than the right-handers. Changing gears with the left hand can also sometimes be a challenge for right-handers.”

(AA Driving School)