Driving Test October 2010 Changes - Independent Driving

Independent driving will become part of the practical driving test from October 2010.

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."

Source: DirectGov - Driving tests are changing in October (Published: Monday, 23 August 2010)

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