Motoring personality James May, widely known for his tenure on the BBC's Top Gear, has failed a contemporary driving test, despite holding a licence for 46 years. The 63-year-old undertook the challenge to evaluate how the current driving examination differs from the one he passed in 1980.
May documented his attempt on his YouTube channel, James May's Planet Gin, featuring videos of him navigating roads around Salisbury and Wilton. He admitted going into the test without preparation or revision, stating, "I haven't revised for it. I haven't learnt anything about it. I'm just going to do it and see if I can pass."
His lack of preparation ultimately proved costly. During the test, May was recorded exceeding the speed limit on two separate occasions: once at 46mph in a 40mph zone and again at 33mph in a 30mph zone. These infractions were deemed 'serious faults' by the examiner, leading to an immediate failure.
Despite his extensive experience behind the wheel, which includes countless epic road trips and car reviews during his time on Top Gear and later The Grand Tour, May accepted the outcome amiably. He acknowledged his speeding errors during the test, commenting, "I did 42 then. Sorry, but that was my eagerness to join the flow of traffic and not be a hazard." He also touched upon the prevalence of modern distractions, comparing them to radio or mobile phones.
The examiner, while chatting casually with May about various topics including his television career, ultimately delivered the news of his failure, citing the two serious speeding faults. May concluded his video by advising viewers, "Do as I say, not as I do."