Man takes a driving test in an electric car and has one key takeaway by the end of it

Learning how to pass a driving test is one thing, but doing it in a Polestar 2 electric car changes the rules entirely.

In a recent video, the host of YouTube channel Driving School TV Francis Noakes headed to Coventry Driving Test Centre to experience exactly that.

Together with local instructor Darren, the pair took on one of the UK’s more talked-about test locations.

By the end, the test feels more like a lesson in modern driving than an exam.

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EVs make a lot of sense for driving instructors

Almost immediately, regenerative braking becomes the star of the video.

The Polestar 2’s one-pedal driving mode allowed the car to slow dramatically just by lifting off the accelerator, reducing the need to touch the brake pedal at all.

As the drive progresses, the host finds himself timing junctions and roundabouts by feel, turning the test route into a challenge of smoothness rather than speed.

It quickly becomes clear that EVs reward anticipation more than reaction.

The conversation soon drifted beyond the test itself, and into the realities of EV ownership.

Darren explained why electric cars make sense for instructors, citing fewer moving parts, reduced maintenance, and far lower running costs.

His weekly charging bill for the Polestar 2, thanks to off-peak electricity rates, comes in at just £7 ($9.40).

This was an amount that visibly surprised Francis, and puts traditional fuel costs into perspective.

That said, the video doesn’t gloss over the drawbacks.

Charging convenience remains a major hurdle, especially for drivers without access to a home charger.

Public charging infrastructure was also discussed candidly, along with concerns around reliability and availability.

The duo also shared a thoughtful exchange about the environmental impact of EVs.

While EVs are not a perfect solution, both agreed that they represent a meaningful shift away from tailpipe emissions.

The driving test took a backseat to the EV experience

Coventry itself added tension and humour to the experience.

The test route itself is known for its complexity, with multiple YouTube comments revealing that the pass rate hovered at a dismal 37 percent.

The city also had a reputation for car crime, and stories of car theft during lessons kept the driver on edge.

Still, by the end of the drive, one conclusion stood out above all else for Francis: electric cars made driving genuinely enjoyable.

In particular, the instant torque and one-pedal control turned even a stressful driving test into something engaging.

If charging were easier, Francis admitted that he would make the switch without hesitation.

Of course, a study showed that only using public EV chargers isn’t as bad as it may appear, so he might change his mind in the future.

Check out his full experience here:

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