Learner drivers are now 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.
All
categories of practical driving test will include around 10 minutes of independent driving.
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.
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 has therefore taking the decision
that test route will no longer be published on the internet.
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.
