Say yes to cheaper van, home and car insurance

Men and women are equally as likely to pass their driving test, according to a report from Ireland.

Research shows that 52 per cent of Irish women pass their test, which is comparable with 55 per cent of men.

Despite the findings, it is still a common occurrence that female car insurance premiums are lower than those for men, as women are viewed to be safer drivers.

The study, which was published in the Irish Times, also revealed that the number of driving tests taking place has fallen every year since 2000.

A rise in the number of cancellations has been cited as the main reason for this drop, but surprisingly many cancellations were due to a lack of attendance by testers.

"We were aware that thousands of provisional drivers were not turning up for a test, but it now transpires that some driver testers are not turning up either," Olivia Mitchell, Fine Gael transport spokeswoman, told the Irish Times. "No wonder the waiting list is over one year."

The percentage of passed tests in the UK is lower than that of Ireland, with just 39 per cent of women and 46 per cent of men gaining a pass in 2004/05.

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