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Proposed changes for 2017 to practical Driving Test

Subject to review, the proposed changes could be introduced as early as Summer 2017.

There are 4 main proposals:

1. Extend the independent driving part and make use of satellite navigation

The time allocated to the independent drive will double to 20 minutes, using Sat Nav as an alternative to road signs, not instead of. Because some candidates will still be asked to follow road signs, they need to receive training in both areas.  Sat Nav can be distracting and the screen and spoken instructions need to be interpreted against what can be seen ahead.  Research suggests that over 50% of motorists rely on satellite navigation, so there is a clear training need to prepare new motorists.

The preferred position for the device will be in the centre of the windscreen, at the lowest point you can access vision, so that it doesn’t distract from driver.   On test, DVSA plan to use a matt that will sit on the dash.  If there’s a specific request, it can be located on the right-hand side of the driver.

2. More challenging road and traffic environment

By spending less time on quiet low-risk side roads, performing the pre-set manoeuvres, more time will be available to cover a wider variety of roads, in more complex traffic conditions.  It is expected that test routes will be extended on average by approximately 2 miles enabling more use of faster roads and possibly rural roads.

3. Replace the manoeuvres with real-life procedures

Candidates will be expected to perform an exercise involving parking on the right hand side of the road.  This will involve judging when it is safe to move across to the right-hand side of the road, stopping accurately, then reversing a short distance, before pulling forward to re-join the traffic safely.   Candidates will also be expected to drive forwards into a parking space, then reverse out.

Both of these manoeuvres have some controversy associated with them.   While most ADIs wouldn’t regard either as best practice, they are commonly required tasks. These are not dangerous manoeuvres, they are higher risk, and new drivers need to know how to manage this.

The skills taught for the current pre-set exercises are easily transferrable to the new manoeuvres.  These are an ability to control the car at slow speed, position it accurately, and be able to respond to other traffic sensibly.

4. Questions about operation of controls on the move

Operating an ancillary control is an everyday thing that people do when they are driving.  Therefore, a question will be asked at a suitable point on the move, such as “when you feel it is safe, show me how you would switch on the headlights” or “when you feel it is safe, show me how you would turn on the heated rear screen / rear windscreen wiper”.

Changes to training

Changes to the driving test will improve the training given to learners by their instructors.  Training to deal with risks will better prepare candidates for the real world.  There have been so far, over 4,500 learners take part in the DVSA trials.  Broadly speaking there is support from the ADI industry and the candidates themselves, although not everybody agrees with certain changes. Ultimately, the ongoing research will decide whether these changes should be implemented or not.  Information about this can be found here.  The consultation continues until Thursday 25 August and can the survey can be found here