Did you know that, from the 4th of December 2017, there will be four significant changes to the UK driving test?
Sat Nav Usage
Using sat nav has become the norm in recent years, whether built-in or a dedicated device, or even an app on their phone. Consequently examiners will test a drivers’ ability to use a sat nav as an alternative to following road signs. You can’t follow directions from your own sat nav during the test – you have to use the one supplied by the examiner. The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) says that this will teach new drivers to better manage distractions.
Independent Driving
This is the ability for a driver to follow a diagram or map with a marked route. The point is less one of following the route correctly and more one of assessing the driver’s ability to keep calm and drive safely. Currently this section of the test lasts about 10 minutes, but from December it will be extended to 20 minutes. Again, this change is to better assess candidates’ skills in a real-life situation.
More ‘real-life’ scenarios
The current driving test is known for testing manoeuvres such as ‘reverse around a corner’. These will be replaced with manoeuvres that candidates are more likely to encounter in day-to-day driving, such as driving into and reversing out of a parking space.
Changes to Test Questions
The current question session at the beginning of the driving test involves proving knowledge such as checking indicator lights are working, and adjusting headrests to be in the safest possible position. From December this will change to questions such as ‘where do you find the recommended tyre pressures for the car? We believe the changes to the test are positive, and do seem to better reflect real world driving conditions.
DVSA Chief Executive, Gareth Llewellyn, said:
"It’s vital that the driving test keeps up to date with new vehicle technology and the areas where new drivers face the greatest risk once they’ve passed their test."
Licences and Renting from SSH
We are always keen to encourage good driving at SSH and hope these changes will bring the skills required of new drivers for todays roads up to date. Remember all our vehicles have minimum age and licence requirements – get in touch with our team if you have any questions prior to booking on 0800 285 1414 or by emailing info@sshselfdrive.co.uk