The driving test format will be changing in 2010 to test more the way we drive, rather than just complete a series of instructions.
The good news for many learner drivers is that the current 2 manoeuvres required on your driving test will be reduced to just 1 reversing exercise.
This will allow more time to be spent on accessing the overall driving standard of the candidate, whilst not increasing the time of the driving test.
However, the major change comes in the format of a new category called ‘independant driving’.
Essentially what will now happen is that a candidate will be given a series of instructions/directions to follow and will be expected to either follow road direction signs to a local place, or be given 3 or 4 directions to follow in the format of, ‘at the end of the road turn left, then at the end of the new road turn right, then at the roundabout take he 3rd exit’.
This new exercise will last for no more than 10 minutes during the driving test and will asses a candidates ability to ‘read’ the road ahead and make correct decisions based on their understanding of road layouts and directions, which is exactly what they will need to do whilst driving on their own without supervision from a driving instructor.
09/12/2009 at 09:47 am
It’ll be interesting to see how the DSA set this up. The main problem I can see is many places have poor road signs, and some pupils might find it difficult remembering the directions.
I currently do something similar with all my pupils and it does help, but not everyone does it the same.
Hopefully they won’t be marked down if they follow the wrong directions, so long as they do it safely.
Rob
18/12/2009 at 07:38 am
Its really good news for the learner drivers and the concept of introducing new category independant driving is good.
12/03/2010 at 02:32 am
I’m sure this new approach will make the lesson more specific for the learner.I started out my driving lesson two weeks ago and i’m really enjoying the course.
26/03/2010 at 01:13 am
Sounds more interesting and time efficient.The time was reduced but still make the driving lesson more specific.Following the road instructions and signs are very important to any driver.
12/04/2010 at 05:28 am
It’s like the combination of 2 manoeuvres compiled in one.It is more fun and practical in time spent.I’m so excited to try this new way.
26/05/2010 at 05:13 pm
It really will be more time efficient, this will actually make the learners think more before performing a maneouvre.
08/06/2010 at 08:31 pm
What do the pupils with heavy dyslexia do when it comes to road signs and remembering directions?
Instead of using the 10 minutes saved to do a silly road sign thing why not make dual carriageways and fast country road compulsory? This is where the 17-21 years old new drivers are killing themselves and others. Not getting directions wrong! Silly change in my opinion, more though needed please DSA
Ed www.lewesdrivinglessons.com
26/07/2010 at 01:31 am
How about letting our instructors decide when we get a license? After 2 nerve racking tests and 2 fails I am just about ready to put a gun to my head.
03/08/2010 at 03:19 am
This is good news for local candidates, but not so good news if you are tavelling to test centre from another town or neaby village and you are not familiar with test routes.
21/08/2010 at 12:10 pm
Driving lessons would be more fun and meaningful if the driving test will be changed. Independent driving lesson is much more helpful than the typical driving test. And students will learn faster and more clear with the new driving test. However, the government should also repair those road signs to avoid any accidents.
30/09/2010 at 09:56 pm
I actually agree with this - after all, once you’ve passed your test most people will, at some stage in their lives, end up having to find their way to an unfamiliar place and will have to navigate through unfamiliar roads safely.
08/10/2010 at 11:02 pm
Well apparently, early reports from the first week seem to indicate that the independent driving is all going pretty smoothly
19/11/2010 at 09:08 am
Very happy to hear this news.
15/12/2010 at 12:29 pm
I also agree with Tracey, This new category will help leaner drivers to drive more independently on the road once they have pasted their test.
21/12/2010 at 09:08 am
I think its greatonce you’ve passed your test most people will, at some stage in their lives, end up having to find their way to an unfamiliar place and will have to navigate through unfamiliar roads safely.
also Its great how they only get 1 manouvre so the test is more about driving and not messing about with reversing to much.
27/12/2010 at 08:38 pm
Well it’s been going for a few months, and so far none of my pupils have failed during the independent driving part. It really does help people focus more on their driving.
12/01/2011 at 06:27 am
I guess that gives me more concentration to the student.It’s like having them in one but all information and practices are still there.
27/01/2011 at 12:05 am
Really pleasant article you have pulled out for beginner and i totally agree with comment made on this article about new rules execute regarding independent driving. As applicant, when you go for driving test just be calm and cool. Do not worry and just carry out your natural driving, like usually you perform with your driving instructor. As new driver i have learnt heaps of things online, which I would like to share link with you http://free-theory-test.addbucket.com. Have safe driving and god bless you. I am sure passing driving test is not too hard if you do not loos your self-belief.
I hope this website should bring more and more information regarding driving test.
22/02/2011 at 01:31 am
In UK,learner drivers must pass to obtain a full driving licence.[1] Different tests are available for users of different vehicles, from car drivers, to motorcyclists and HGV drivers.
09/05/2011 at 12:53 pm
Great post! I agree that this new approach will make each lesson more specific to the learner.
03/06/2011 at 07:01 am
It is good if we let drivers to take test first before driving personally. By this, we can test drivers ability to handle cars.
23/06/2011 at 05:30 pm
We have found the new driving test to be great. As long as our pupils are well prepared then they will pass with ease. It also means they are a lot safer on the roads when they get out by themselves. I think that Pass Plus should be made compulsory next as this would give new drivers additional confidence and awareness in busier situation. Paul
28/06/2011 at 05:48 pm
Now that we have had independent driving as part of the driving test for a while, its clearer that the driver needs to have an overall view of whats coming up the road and for many learners its an extra skill that they need to master to ensure that they are drivng safely.
09/07/2011 at 10:35 am
have seen it many times during driving lessons in London where learner drivers just get totally confused at roundabouts, not remembering who to give way to, which lane to use, should I indicate or not, what about exiting, I’m turning right, why do I have to first go to the left?
14/07/2011 at 05:59 am
The program teaches students to avoid accidents by thinking and looking ahead. Street Survival is unique in that it offers students instruction in their own cars so that they learn the limitations of their ‘daily drivers’ and that information is transferred immediately to what they drive every day.
16/07/2011 at 12:59 pm
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
19/07/2011 at 02:43 pm
New format is great. Most learners find it easy because they are usually aware of local roads anyway so for them to read road sign and follow is no probleb.
20/07/2011 at 03:43 pm
The best driving school will find a way to make driving students interested in what they are being taught. This is much easier than it sounds, of course, but it is nevertheless something that can be accomplished.
12/08/2011 at 02:12 pm
Its really good news for the learner drivers and the concept of introducing new category independant driving is good.
13/09/2011 at 04:08 pm
New format is great and much easier for most learners as they know the area already.
http://www.drivingpianolessonsnelson.co.uk/driving-lessons-accrington
20/01/2012 at 11:53 pm
Think it was a great idea. Seems to be going well.
05/02/2012 at 01:58 pm
veryy good