London, May 5 (IANS) Women need an average of 21 lessons before they pass their driving test, compared to just 17 lessons for men, a new study has said.

The findings also revealed 57 percent of women have to take a second test, compared to less than 54 percent men needing another attempt.

While women are more likely to be nervous, men are more likely to try to befriend or flirt with the examiner in order to get their pass certificate.

"For years, people have argued over whether men or women are the best drivers," telegraph.co.uk quoted a spokesman for comparison website www.confused.com, which carried out the study, as saying.

"And men can now claim victory with these results showing that they are certainly the quickest learners when they get behind the wheel of the car."

"With women getting more nervous about their test though, maybe this explains why men have more success. Despite their confidence, it's interesting to see that men are the ones flirting with the examiner, especially as it is stereotypically women who are meant to do this," he said.

The survey involving 3,000 drivers revealed the average man passes his test at the age of 19 and eight months, while the average woman has to wait until she is 20 years and six months.

It also showed women are most likely to suffer with their nerves with 92 percent saying they were terrified before their test, compared to just 78 percent of men.