This information was published by the DSA on June 9th 2010 and explains the forthcoming changes to
the driving test...
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.
Some newspapers have claimed that independent
driving would lead to a fall in the driving test pass rate. This claim 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.
The
length of driving tests and test fees will not change when independent driving is introduced in October. Driving test fees
can be found on the directgov web site.
All categories of practical driving test will include around 10 minutes of independent driving.
For approved
driving instructor (ADI) qualifying tests, this will be in the part two (driving ability) test.
From October,
car test candidates (category B) will have to complete one reversing manoeuvre rather than two. The manoeuvre will be selected
at random by the examiner from:
- turning in the road
- reversing around a corner
- reverse parking
(either on the road, or into a bay)
An emergency stop exercise will still be conducted on one in three tests.
Manoeuvres
in all other categories of tests will not be changed. Candidates for the ADI part two (driving ability) test will still have
to complete all the manoeuvres.
DSA already has procedures to identify special needs and disabilities when tests
are booked online or over the phone. The examiner then knows which type of special needs the candidate has so reasonable adjustment
can be made.
For independent driving this could be asking the candidate which method they prefer for the section –
in other words, following signs, or a series of directions (a maximum of three) which are supported by a diagram approved
by the British Dyslexia Association. In some cases this will be shortened to just two directions.
DSA recognise there
are many ways of developing perfectly road-safe coping strategies in order to navigate from A to B and is satisfied that examiners
will manage the situation accordingly. Independent driving is a significant road safety addition to the practical driving
test but will not prevent candidates from holding a licence.
DSA is determined that no member of society should suffer
detriment due to any change we introduce.
Driving examiners are very experienced at dealing with candidates who
speak little or no English and they'll be able to manage the situation accordingly.
For example, sometimes this
will include writing place names so it is clear to candidates where they are being asked to drive to. To help all candidates,
when asked to follow a series of verbal directions the examiner can show a diagram, so that they can picture the route they've
been asked to take.
Just as currently, the candidate can have an interpreter along with them on their test if they
wish. Since 6 April 2010 ADIs have been able to act as an interpreter for their own pupils.
If the candidate
goes off-route during the independent driving section, the examiner will get the candidate back on route and continue with
the independent driving section wherever possible. The test won't be terminated.
If the candidate looks like taking
a wrong turning, the examiner will control the situation as they do now and preferably step in before the candidate goes off
route. If that's not possible, the examiner will help the candidate get back on route as soon as possible by guiding them
with normal directions.
Independent driving is not a test of the candidate's orientation skills. If the candidate goes off route,
but does not commit a fault, there's nothing to assess. Any faults that did occur would be assessed under the circumstances
at the time – as usual. There is no change to assessment.
There will be times when, due to poor or obscured signage,
the examiner may have to intervene. If this happens the examiner would say, 'There are no signs here. Just continue ahead
please' and then, 'Now, carry on following the signs to .........'
If the candidate asks for a reminder
of the directions, the examiner will be happy to confirm them. Driving independently means making your own decisions and,
just like when driving with friends, this includes deciding when it's safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation on
where you're going.
Independent driving is designed to test the learner's ability to drive unsupervised and
make decisions without guidance and in unfamiliar contexts. DSA is therefore taking the opportunity to review the appropriateness
of current route publication practices.
The independent driving section of the test is approximately 10 minutes when
you will be asked to drive making your own decisions. A sat nav gives directions in much the same way as the driver trainer,
or the examiner, so it's not appropriate to use for independent driving.
