Show Compare List
Previous Vehicle Next Vehicle

Join Our Mailing List

Please don't submit links within the form, Thank you.

Thank You!

Your email address has been added to our mailing list.

Driving Test Changes In December 2017

Driving Test Changes In December 2017

Posted on:

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) have confirmed that from today (Monday 4th December), changes to the driving test are now in effect.

The changes have been introduced to ensure new drivers have the skills and knowledge to help them lead a lifetime of safe driving. The test will now involve the driver to follow a sat nav for 20 minutes and to participate in a range of different manoeuvres as well as other activities; read below to find out all of the changes.

Following Directions From A Sat Nav

During the independent driving part of the test, most candidates will now be asked to follow directions from a Sat Nav. However, 1 in 5 driving tests will still need to follow road traffic signs and won’t use a sat nav. The examiner will provide and set up the route for you on the sat nav, however don’t worry if you make a wrong turn, the route will recalculate (unless you make a fault whilst doing so).

Independent Driving Time Increased

Prior to the changes, the independent driving part of the test lasted around 10 minutes. This has now been increased to 20 minutes which is roughly half of the driving test time. During the independent driving part of the test, you drive without turn-by-turn directions from the examiner.

Changes In Reversing Manoeuvres

Although ‘reverse around a corner’ and ‘turn-in-the-road’ reversing should still be taught by your instructor, these are no longer required in the driving test. The 3 possible manoeuvres which are now included are:
• Park in a bay
• Parallel park at the side of the road
• Pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for 2 car lengths and then re-join the traffic.

Answering A Vehicle Safety Question Whilst Driving

During your driving test you will be asked 2 vehicle safety questions also known as ‘show me’ and ‘tell me’ questions.

The ‘tell me’ question will be asked at the beginning of your test before you start driving and you will need to explain how you’d carry out a safety task.

The ‘show me’ question will be asked whilst you’re driving where you will need to show how to carry out a safety task (i.e. how to wash the windscreen).

Other Points To Consider

The pass mark is the same as the previous test; you’ll pass your test if you make no more than 15 driving faults and no serious/dangerous faults. The length of the test will remain the same at 40 minutes and the cost of your test will not change.

If you’re about to take your test or know someone who will be and want to find out more information about the changes, contact our Richard Hardie Centres today. Our friendly team of experts are always on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Winter Driving Questions Unveiled: Part 1

Winter Driving Questions Unveiled: Part 1

Posted on: 15th Nov 2017

With the cold winter days fast approaching and the dark nights now here, driving can be a daunting experience. Whether you’re driving to work, the shops or travelling to a relative’s home for Christmas ensuring your car is in full working condition is essential. Sometimes though, we forget some of the rules of the road during the colder months; rea...

Richard Hardie Staff Race To The Finish Line At The Great North Run 2017

Richard Hardie Staff Race To The Finish Line At The Great North Run 2017

Posted on: 14th Sep 2017

Last weekend (Sunday 10th September) some of our fitness fanatic staff completed the Great North Run, which is the largest half marathon in the UK with over 57,000 runners participating each year! Do you want to find out how our team got on? Read their inspiring stories below…

A Guide To Child Seat Laws

A Guide To Child Seat Laws

Posted on: 29th Aug 2017

Check out our handy guide on the new child seat laws and everything you need to know about choosing the correct seat for your child.

Valentine’s Day Road Trip Ideas

Valentine’s Day Road Trip Ideas

Posted on: 13th Feb 2017

Looking for something extra special to do this Valentine’s Day? How about a road trip? The UK has some wonderful places, especially around the North East. Here we share with you those places and how to make your Valentine’s Day that little more special.

Richard Hardie Raise over £378 for Save the Children

Richard Hardie Raise over £378 for Save the Children

Posted on: 30th Dec 2016

On Friday 16th December 2016 our Richard Hardie Centres in Ashington, Durham, Newcastle, Silverlink and Sunderland, flaunted their Christmas Jumpers to raise money for Save the Children. We had a great day playing various fundraising games and in all we raised £379.72 between our five Centres in the North East!

Winter Driving Tips

Winter Driving Tips

Posted on: 22nd Dec 2016

Here are our top winter driving tips to get you and your car through the next few months.

Taking Your Car Abroad

Taking Your Car Abroad

Posted on: 23rd Aug 2016

Our top tips on how to prepare for your European driving holiday.

Richard Hardie Durham to Complete Demanding Two Day Coast 2 Coast Challenge

Richard Hardie Durham to Complete Demanding Two Day Coast 2 Coast Challenge

Posted on: 15th Aug 2016

Some of the team at our Durham branch are embarking on a gruelling two day challenge later this month to support and raise money for excellent charities close to their hearts. The team are doing the Coast 2 Coast starting at Whitehaven on the 26th August and finishing the challenge at Sunderland on the 28th August 2016.

Abarth and Fiat Anniversary

Abarth and Fiat Anniversary

Posted on: 29th Jul 2016

The end of this month will see the 44th anniversary since Fiat and Abarth merged.

Chris Moody Celebrates 25 Years at Richard Hardie

Chris Moody Celebrates 25 Years at Richard Hardie

Posted on: 1st Jul 2016

Chris Moody celebrates 25 Years with the company on 1st July 2016. Chris originally started as an YTS apprentice for 2 years at the Chester le Street branch and then became employed on the 1st July 1991. Since then Chris has had many promotions from then and became Group Parts Manager in 2001.

Is Your Car Ready For Summer?

Is Your Car Ready For Summer?

Posted on: 27th Apr 2016

Our cars take a bit of a beating over the cooler months. Follow our tips to ensure your car is ready for long summer drives!

New Abarth 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition

Posted on: 5th Nov 2015

Recently a new special edition of the Abarth 595 has been launched to celebrate the brand becoming the official sponsorship and car supplier of the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team.

Fiat 500 Abarth: What

Fiat 500 Abarth: What's It Like To Drive?

Posted on: 30th Jun 2015

You’ll have read reviews of the Fiat 500 Abarth before, of course. But anyone considering buying the performance supermini might like to know what it’s like to actually drive one.

Abarth To Launch Spicy 500X?

Posted on: 12th Jun 2015

The iconic Fiat 500X was launched to a great fanfair in Turin last autumn, with its sophisticated technology and driving capability. It was the first crossover in the 500 family and came in two handy editions: City and Off-Road.

The History of the Abarth 500

Posted on: 24th Apr 2015

Today the Abarth brand is synonymous with impressive motoring engineering and design excellence.

Abarth to appear at UK supercar event

Posted on: 2nd Sep 2014

Following it’s road debut and starring role as the ‘Official Car’ of the Gumball 3000 Rally and appearance at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed the Abarth 695 biposto will attend the Salon Privé event at Syon House on the 3rd to 5th September 2014.

Big star, small car! Clint Eastwood in his FIAT500

Big star, small car! Clint Eastwood in his FIAT500

Posted on: 26th May 2014

He can afford any car on this earth but forget a Lamborghini, the only Italian motor Clint Eastwood wants is a Fiat. The 83-year-old mega star arrived on set in Venice, California, in the Fiat 500 Hatchback.

Abarth 595 Special Edition

Abarth 595 Special Edition

Posted on: 28th Apr 2014

Fiat have launched a special edition Abarth 595 to celebrate the car’s 50th anniversary. The original Abarth was unveiled at the Turin Motor Show in 1963, which propelled the original Fiat 500 into hot hatch territory.