IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.

IELTS Essay # 1227 - Advantages and disadvantages of repeat driving tests

IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Road accidents are more frequent these days and claim many lives each year. As a result, some people suggest that drivers should take regular driving tests throughout their lives, rather than one single driving test, to improve the situation.

What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of repeat driving tests?
Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words. 



Model Answer 1: (Advantages outweigh the Disadvantages)

The growing number of cars on the roads and reckless driving are the major causes of increasing road accidents these days. Therefore, many people, as well as some politicians, express their view that repetitive driving tests, and not just one test to get and renew the licence, should be in place. This essay outlines some advantages as well as disadvantages of the continuous testing process and opines that this has more benefits.

To start with the demerits of repeat driving tests, this process may unnecessarily impose a burden on people. This is because they will have to prepare for the test, pay for it, and allocate time for the test in order to renew the licence. As a result, many people may tend to avoid the tests, and one day, get pulled over and fined for an outdated licence. Moreover, it will cost money to the authority as well. Therefore, it may not solve the issue easily while both the drivers and the authorities will be under pressure.

To outline the advantages, road safety in a country is a major concern and so is the obligation of legislators regarding this. Increasing vehicular movements and drivers' recklessness are two primary reasons for accidents on the roads. Drivers get outdated and more inept at new road rules and safety practices. For example, with age, many drivers may not see traffic signals and road signs easily. As a result, such drivers may potentially hit other moving vehicles and people. Therefore, repeat tests for driving, from time to time, will definitely improve safety on roads. Moreover, many young drivers do not abide by the traffic rules, and continuous tests would ensure their awareness of safe driving.

In conclusion, reoccurring driving tests improve people's driving accuracy, make them aware of safety and laws, and find out potentially risky drivers. So the benefits of such tests surpass the drawbacks.

[Written by - Kris Nirvana] [Band Score Level - 8.0-8.5]



 

Model Answer 2: (Disadvantages outweigh the Advantages)

Taking appropriate measures to stop road accidents is important due to their direct impact on the social environment, and forcing drivers to take regular driving tests could possibly be one such measure. But, this measure has more disadvantages than advantages. This essay will outline the advantages and demerits of repeat driving tests, and try to explain the reasons why this had more drawbacks. 

To begin with the advantages, repeat driving tests would eventually flush some, if not all, bad, crazy, and dangerous drivers out of the system. It would also put some “restrictions” on those drivers who can not drive properly anymore because of their old age or some debilitating illnesses. It is also possible that regular driving tests would alert or motivate some drivers to become more careful with their driving because of the fear that their driving licenses could be cancelled at any time. 

The major disadvantage of repeat driving tests is that none of its advantages can be ensured or achieved without a high cost, as well as extra effort and time. After all, the state would need to employ additional resources, and thereby an additional budget as well, to take care of the additional driving examinations. In all probabilities, governments would then probably pass these additional costs or expenses on to the vehicle owners or drivers as extra taxes to cut government expenditures. These additional taxes would certainly weigh down heavily on these drivers and vehicle owners.

Now, even if these vehicle owners are ready to carry the burden of extra tax money and time, they would not necessarily be ready to remain under constant fear of being stripped of their driving privileges because of some “one-off” mistakes during the regular driving tests. Essentially, the same sentiment was echoed by a former director of AAA (American Automobile Association) of traffic safety advocacy and research who said that regular driving tests had been shown to reduce mobility by way of drivers voluntarily giving up their licenses due to fear of getting them taken away rather than any legitimate concerns about their driving.

To conclude, the disadvantages of regular driving tests would outweigh their advantages. This is why the authority should think wisely before taking such measures when it comes to repeat driving tests and road safety.



Model Answer 3: (A balanced approach is required as it has both advantages and disadvantages)

These days, road accidents have become a common occurrence, and many people lose their lives each year due to reckless driving. To tackle this issue, some individuals advocate for regular driving tests throughout a driver's life instead of a single driving test. This essay will examine the advantages and disadvantages of repeat driving tests and whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

One of the major advantages of regular driving tests is that they ensure drivers stay up-to-date with the latest driving rules and regulations. As road safety policies and laws change, drivers may not be aware of them, leading to dangerous driving practices. Requiring drivers to take periodic tests would keep them informed and help reduce accidents. Another advantage is that the driving skills of experienced drivers may decline over time due to a lack of practice. Regular driving tests would encourage drivers to maintain good driving habits, thus improving road safety.

However, the cost of conducting regular driving tests may be a significant disadvantage. The expense could discourage many drivers from taking the test, particularly if it is frequent. Moreover, some drivers may feel that repeated tests are an unnecessary burden, leading to frustration and resentment. Additionally, there is a risk of over-reliance on tests as the only solution for reducing road accidents, while ignoring other important factors such as poor road conditions and inadequate infrastructure.

In conclusion, regular driving tests can enhance road safety but the cost and inconvenience of conducting such tests regularly, along with the potential for over-reliance, must also be considered. Therefore, while the benefits of regular driving tests are significant, a balanced approach should be in place to tackle road accidents. 



Model Answer 4: (Advantages outweigh the Disadvantages)

The number of automobiles on roads is increasing rapidly these days which is aligned with the number of road accidents. Consequently, some opine that all driving licence holders must take a driving test periodically rather than taking it only once in their life. The following essay will discuss both the positive and negative sides of the repeat driving test. Personally, I believe that this process has more benefits than drawbacks.

It is undeniable that taking a repeat driving test would have some distinct disadvantages for people. One of the major drawbacks is the time and preparation it would require. In addition, people would have to pay every time to take the test. Finally, they also believe that it would cost more for the government as they must provide additional manpower, logistics and facilities in the driving test centres.

Despite all the negative aspects, performing a repeat driving test would have some significant benefits for everybody. Firstly, by having a repeat driving test, each driver would be updated with driving regulations. Secondly, drivers would be more cautious when they drive as their licenses will be checked regularly. Thirdly, it will reduce the number of traffic accidents because the driver's physical condition would also be examined as a part of the test. For example, each driver's eyesight would be examined as some drivers might have poor eyesight which may cause accidents. Thus repeat driving tests will drastically reduce road accidents.

In conclusion, conducting a driving test periodically has some drawbacks, but I do believe that it has more benefits for everybody. It is expected that regular driving tests will reduce the number of road accidents to a great extent.

[Written by - Darwin Sugiharto] [Band Score Level - 7.0+]

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 4.04 (24 Votes)

Fatima
Road accidents are more frequent these days and claim many lives each year. As a result, some people suggest that drivers should take regular driving tests throughout their lives, rather than one single driving test, to improve the situation.

What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of repeat driving tests? Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.

The frequency of traffic accidents is increasing at an alarming rate these days. A popular solution, to counter this situation, is to make people take driving tests multiple times in their lifespan. There are some pros and cons to this practice which will be discussed in this essay. In my opinion

A clear advantage of taking driving tests repeatedly is that it will refresh citizens' driving knowledge and enhance their confidence. In addition to that, there are constant enhancements in cars and driving experiences, so taking driving tests, again and again, will keep drivers up-to-date with the current advancements.

Having said that, there is one major disadvantage of taking driving tests repeatedly, and that is the inconvenience of drivers and authorities. People with busy schedules and on-the-go lifestyles will find it very difficult to appear for a driving test each year. Moreover, if people keep taking tests after frequent intervals, the workload on the license issuing authority will increase considerably.

In my opinion, the merits of repeat driving tests after set intervals are far greater than the demerits as human life is more valuable than the minor inconvenience of drivers and the licensing authority. A few days ago, I witnessed an incident in which a very elderly driver was driving a car approaching a U-turn; the driver took a sharp left turn near the U-turn without giving an indicator. As a result, the car behind him crashed right into his vehicle. Both the cars were damaged and the drivers suffered from minor injuries. This accident could have been avoided if the old-aged driver have taken his driving test very recently and refreshed his driving technique.

In conclusion, I would like to state that there are certain benefits and drawbacks of repeat driving tests. However, reasons and critical thinking will let people realize how valuable it can be to retake the test to save human lives.

Kasun Madusanka Silva
@Darwin Sugiharto - Nice essay.