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Changes to the UK Driving Test

From Monday 4 December, the independent driving section will be extended to approximately 20 minutes with four out of five tests being guided by SatNav.  This will enable longer and more mixed test routes. 1 out of 5 tests would still use “following signs for…” routine and will similarly be extended to 20 minutes.
DVSA’s will use a TomTom Start 52 Sat Nav.  The graphics on the screen are uncluttered and clear.  The device will be mounted on the dash with a grip mat.  The battery will power the SatNav for a full day without a recharge.
The existing pre-set parking manoeuvres are retained, with the examiner opting to choose one exercise during the test.  The turn-in-the-road and corner reversing exercises have been taken out of the test.  One of the “show me / tell me” questions will be conducted on the move.
Two new manoeuvring exercises will be introduced:
1. “Pull up on the right” – candidates will be requested, while on the move, to pull up in a safe place on the right. Candidates will then be asked to reverse a distance of approximately two car lengths and then drive away returning to the normal flow of traffic when safe to do so.
2. “Parking in a bay in a public car park”. Again, on the move, candidates will be asked to drive forward into an open space on the left or right, then, having parked, reverse out to the left or right, and drive away.
To read the DVSA’s advice and guidance … click the image above.