Practical Test news

09/06/10 Independent driving explained From 4 October 2010, learner drivers will be tested on independent driving as part of the practical driving test. During their test, candidates will have to drive for about 10 minutes, either following a series of directions, following traffic signs, or a combination of both. To help candidates understand where they’re going, the examiner may show them a diagram. It doesn't matter if candidates don't remember every direction, or if they go the wrong way - that can happen to the most experienced drivers. 04/06/10 Independent driving: the facts Independent driving will become part of the practical driving test in Great Britain in October 2010. It's tasking the candidate to drive for about 10 minutes, either following a series of directions, following traffic signs, or a combination of both. To help the candidate be clear about where they’re going, the examiner can show them a diagram too. It doesn't matter if candidates don't remember every direction, or if they go the wrong way - that can happen to the most experienced drivers. Newspaper reports The claim in some newspapers that independent driving would lead to a fall in the driving test pass rate is based on early research where conditions did not reflect the eventual design of the new element of the test. Subsequent trials with a larger number of participants and more closely reflecting the conditions in the planned new test showed no significant fall in the pass rate. Video shows independent driving DSA has published a short video on its YouTube channel explaining more about independent driving. Watch the video