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.
