The driving test will have several modifications starting from December 4th 2017. From this date onwards, the test will include the part when a learner driver will need to follow directions from the satellite navigation and a part when different manoeuvres will be tested. According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) these changes will ensure that new drivers possess the skills needed to be able to drive safely and independently in modern environment. Initially these changes will only concern the car driving test, but may be introduced to the other driving test categories later.
Driving test changes on the 4th of December 2017 will consist of the following:
1. Independent part of the driving test will last 20 minutes.
Currently the independent part of the driving test (when you need to drive without the directions from the examiner) lasts only 10 minutes. This part will be increased to 20 minutes, which will allow the examiner to better evaluate the ability of the examinee to drive independently.
2. Following directions from a satellite navigation during the independent part
In addition to the increase in duration of the independent part of the driving test, the examinee may be asked to follow directions from a satellite navigation.
The examinee won’t have to set the route – the examiner will do it for him/her. The examiner will also provide the satellite navigation device. You will not be allowed to use your own satellite navigation device during the driving test.
Only one in five driving tests will not use satellite navigation. Instead, the examinee will be asked to follow road signs.
If you fail to follow some of the directions from the satellite navigation, it won’t matter as long as you drive according to the traffic rules.
3. Answering ‘show me’ question while driving
During the driving test you will be asked 2 vehicle safety questions also known as ‘show me, tell me’ questions. The ‘tell me’ question will be asked in the beginning of the driving test, before you begin to drive. The ‘show me’ question will be asked at some point after you begin to drive. To answer this question you will need to show to the examiner how you would perform required safety task. For example, the examiner may ask you to wash the windscreen or the rear window using the car controls.