Driving Test Changes From October 2010: independent driving and less manoeuvres

What’s happening to the driving test from October 2010?

There will be two important changes to the driving test commencing 4th October 2010:

1) a new section on independent driving,

2) a reduction in the number of reversing manoeuvres candidates will need to do.

Driving Test October 2010 Changes
The UK Practical Driving Test is changing in October 2010! There will be two important changes to the driving test from 4th October 2010: 1) independent driving, 2) a reduction in the number of reversing manoeuvres
The new independent driving section of the driving test will test how you make your own decisions when driving. The examiner will ask test candidates to drive independently for around 10 minutes by either following traffic signs, a series of directions, or a combination of both. If you’re asked to follow a series of verbal directions, you’ll be shown a diagram to help you.

The length of the driving test will not be extended, so in order to allow time for the independent driving section, from 4th October 2010 candidates will only need to perform one reversing manoeuvre instead of two as in the current driving test.

Here’s what the Driving Standards Agency have said about the new independent driving section of the driving test:

“From 4 October the Driving Standards Agency is introducing changes to the practical driving test. This involves all vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, buses and lorries.

During your test, you’ll be asked to drive for around ten minutes by following either traffic signs, verbal directions or a combination of both. The examiner can also show you simple diagrams.

The aim is to show that you can handle road and traffic conditions safely, while following a series of traffic signs or verbal directions. It doesn’t matter if you don’t remember every direction, or if you go the wrong way – this can happen to the most experienced drivers.

If you ask for a reminder of the directions, the examiner will be happy to confirm them to you. If you go off the independent driving route, nothing will be marked unless you commit a driving fault.

Sandra Dodson, Driving Standards Agency: “A lot of people worry what will happen if they go wrong.

“First of all, they can ask the examiner, just as they can now: ‘Which way was it you wanted me to go at the end of the road? Am I still following the signs for Edinburgh?’

“That’s just the same as they could do now. There’s no problem with that and the examiner will respond accordingly.

“If they do go wrong, again, that happens today in the present test. It doesn’t matter – there’s no fault, unless of course a fault has occurred whilst going wrong. The examiner will simply get them back on route.

“If the route, in the independent section, is actually obscured at some point by trees, a building or even a large parked vehicle, the examiner knows that and they will say: ‘The sign’s obscured but you need to take the next left.’ They’ll let them continue to drive independently after that point.”

The new driving test is designed to focus less on manoeuvres and more on the kind of realistic driving experience that you might encounter day to day.

New drivers will need to navigate and make decisions, so the new test gives you the chance to show that you can drive safely in any conditions, preparing you for the first time you drive on your own.”

What happens if the candidate gets it wrong when they’re driving independently…
The DSA say:

“If the candidate goes off-route during the independent driving section, the examiner will get the candidate back on route and continue with the independent driving section wherever possible. The test won’t be terminated.

If the candidate looks like taking a wrong turning, the examiner will control the situation as they do now and preferably step in before the candidate goes off route. If that’s not possible, the examiner will help the candidate get back on route as soon as possible by guiding them with normal directions.

Independent driving is not a test of the candidate’s orientation skills. If the candidate goes off route, but does not commit a fault, there’s nothing to assess. Any faults that did occur would be assessed under the circumstances at the time – as usual. There is no change to assessment.

There will be times when, due to poor or obscured signage, the examiner may have to intervene. If this happens the examiner would say, ‘There are no signs here. Just continue ahead please’ and then, ‘Now, carry on following the signs to ………….’

If the candidate asks for a reminder of the directions, the examiner will be happy to confirm them. Driving independently means making your own decisions and, just like when driving with friends, this includes deciding when it’s safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation on where you’re going. ”
Can satellite navigation be used during the independent driving section of the new driving test?
No, you will not be allowed to use a sat nav during the independent driving section of the driving test.

The DSA state:

“A sat nav gives directions in much the same way as the driver trainer, or the examiner, so it’s not appropriate to use for independent driving.”

“You can’t use a sat nav for independent driving as it gives you turn-by-turn prompts. Independent driving tests how you make your own decisions.”

Source and Further details: http://www.squidoo.com/driving-test-october-2010-changes