## Introduction and Methodology Performance on the driving test depends on multiple factors: technical preparation, emotional control, and crucially, the driver's physical and mental state. Among these, sleep and prior rest are often underestimated. To quantify their impact, we conducted an observational study with 500 participants who took the driving test at evaluation centers in Metropolitan Lima during 2023. We recorded hours of sleep the night before, self-reported sleep quality (scale 1 to 10), and test results (pass/fail). Additionally, reaction times were measured using a simple computerized test before the exam. Data were analyzed with logistic regression to control for variables such as age, gender, and practice hours. ## Summary of Key Metrics | Indicator | Value | |-----------|-------| | Sample size | 500 drivers | | Data collection period | 2023 | | Overall pass rate | 68% | | Pass rate with <5 hours of sleep | 45% | | Pass rate with 7-8 hours of sleep | 82% | | Difference in reaction time (insufficient vs. sufficient sleep) | +0.3 seconds | | Odds ratio of failing per each hour less of sleep | 1.35 (95% CI: 1.18-1.54) | ## Key Findings 1. **Dose-response relationship:** For each hour less of sleep the night before, the probability of failing increases by 35% (OR=1.35, p<0.001). 2. **Critical threshold:** Sleeping less than 5 hours is associated with a pass rate of 45%, compared to 82% with 7-8 hours. 3. **Reaction time:** Participants with insufficient sleep (<6 hours) showed an average reaction time 0.3 seconds longer, which can be decisive in maneuvers such as emergency braking. 4. **Sleep quality:** Reporting sleep quality ≥7 was associated with a 73% pass rate, while quality <5 was associated with 51%. ## Detailed Results ### Analysis by Hours of Sleep We grouped participants into categories: <5 hours, 5-6 hours, 7-8 hours, and >8 hours. The highest pass rate was observed in the 7-8 hour group (82%), followed by >8 hours (76%), 5-6 hours (61%), and <5 hours (45%). The difference between the optimal group and the <5 hour group is 37 percentage points. **Bar chart:** Pass rate by hours of sleep category. Bars show a peak at 7-8 hours and a sharp drop at <5 hours. ### Impact on Common Errors We analyzed the types of errors committed. Drivers with insufficient sleep committed 40% more infractions for not checking mirrors, 55% more for incorrect signaling, and 60% more for failure to yield. This suggests that lack of sleep affects sustained attention and decision-making. **Table: Errors by sleep group** | Error | <5h (average) | 7-8h (average) | Difference | |-------|----------------|-----------------|------------| | Not checking mirrors | 2.1 | 1.5 | +0.6 | | Incorrect signaling | 1.8 | 1.2 | +0.6 | | Failure to yield | 1.5 | 0.9 | +0.6 | | Poor parking | 2.3 | 1.8 | +0.5 | ### Reaction Time Analysis Reaction times were measured in milliseconds. The group with <5 hours of sleep averaged 620 ms, while the 7-8 hour group averaged 320 ms (difference of 300 ms, p<0.01). This difference is critical in emergency situations where every millisecond counts. ## Analysis by Category ### Age and Sleep Young drivers (18-25 years) reported fewer hours of sleep (average 5.8h) than older drivers (26-40 years, average 6.5h), and also showed a lower pass rate (61% vs 72%). However, within each age group, the sleep-performance relationship remained significant. ### Gender No significant differences were found in hours of sleep between men (6.1h) and women (6.0h), nor in sleep-adjusted pass rate. ### Practice Hours vs. Sleep An interesting finding: even with many practice hours (>30 hours), drivers who slept <5 hours had a pass rate of only 55%, compared to 88% for those who slept 7-8 hours with the same practice level. This indicates that sleep is an independent and powerful factor. ## Recommendations Based on our findings, we present the following recommendations: 1. **Prioritize 7-8 hours of sleep** the n

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