Practical Test as of 4th October 2010

The practical Test will be progressively strenghened over several years. One of the first changes is the introduction of assessment of competence to drive independantly, known as ''Independant Driving'' to be introduced from 4th October 2010

Newly qualified drivers are expected to be safe and competent drivers,but many pass the practical test without having been exposed to a wide range of driving conditions, in particular driving by themselves without the benefit of an instructor or accompanying driver.

Be able to develop the ability to make driving-related decisions regarding all aspects of the driving task and in particular those relating to navigation decisions and dealing with road and traffic hazards.

Move away from reliance on cues from driving instructor or examiner to initiate appropriate mirror/signal/maneuver procedure.

D.S.A. proposes to test Independant Driving by:

1. Asking the candidate to follow road signs to a particular place or landmark.

2. Asking the candidate to follow a short number of directions, as if from someone they had stopped to ask directions from.

3. Asking the candidate to follow a combination of both methods, depending on local road conditions.

(When giving the candidate a number or directions as at 2), the examiner will normally give three and certainly no more than four, separate instructions at any time. Once they have followed, the examiner will ask the candidate to pull over to be given the next instructions, again normally three to a maximum of four.

Independant Driving is not being introduced as a replacement for the current method of testing drivers; it is being designed as a component part of the test, which should last approximately 10 minutes out of the overall test duration of 38/40 minutes.

As with the current driving test, it is hoped that the candidate will be able to follow the correct route, but deviation from the route will not be penalised unless driving or serious errors are made, in which case the candidate will be marked accordingly.

With regards to manoeuvres the D.S.A. wants candidates to spend more time being assesed on the roads and driving interactively in traffic. Reducing the number of manoeuvres, which generally tested in quiet suburban back streets.
With affect from 4th October 2010 candidates will be required to:

Click on the link below:

How the test will look from 4th Oct 2010