Independent Driving on Driving Test

As you may have heard in the press, there are going to be some changes to driving tests in the coming years. One of these changes, independent driving, came into force on 4th October 2010. We want to give you as much information as possible about this and also dispell any rumours about what it involves.

Firstly, the DSA have trialled the new test in some areas of the UK, including Dundee. They say they found no significant change to pass rates. However, with one extra thing to think about during the test then we expect it will make the test slightly harder. However, it is a very useful skill to have out on the road. Our instructors have been informed how the new test will work and will shortly be starting to teach in this way so to candidates who we expect to sit the new test. We will also introduce it to pupils who may not sit the new test as it is a useful skill to have anyway once you pass.

The new test will be the same as the current test but will now include around ten minutes of independent driving. This will involve the examiner asking you to follow road signs to a particular place or asking you a series of directions to get to a particular place rather than giving one direction for each turn. Please remember it is a test of how safely you drive not a test of your memory so, as long as you do so safely, if you forget a direction or go the wrong way then you will not fail your test. In addition, the test will reduce the amount of reversing exercises you have to complete from two to one. This allows the test to take a similar length of time as it does at present. Test fees will remain the same.

Anyone who wants to try and avoid the new test will have to bear in mind that we would expect waiting times, which are already quite long, to increase in the lead up to the new test as candidates attempt to avoid the new test. SO if you really want to pass before October you’ll need to book lessons now!

Please watch the video below, produced by the Driving Standards Agency, about how the new test will work.

Further information from the DSA is available using the following link :-

http://sharing.govdelivery.com/bulletins/GD/UKDSA-D179E

We hope this information has been useful to you. If you have any further questions or feedback regarding this or anything else on our site please don’t hesitate to contact us.