Driving Test to be Revamped
The UK driving test is to be revamped in an effort to
make it more relevant to real world driving situations.
The change, which comes into force in October, is
the inclusion of a ten-minute journey that the pupil
must make unassisted, known as the 'independent
driving' section. Depending on where the test is
taking place, the examiner will tell the learner to
either follow signs for a city centre or landmark, or
give them a series of directions.
When directions are given, the examiner will also
have a set of cards to mark out the route, as a visual
prompt for the learner.
The point is not to make learners memorise
directions, but to evaluate how they cope with driving
as they would after passing the test. Therefore, the
examiner will not guide them during every turn and
junction.
Early research by the Driving Standards Agency
indicated the new section would lead to a fall in pass
rates.
However, the learner will not fail the test if they get
lost or make a wrong turn. In those circumstances
the examiner will guide the learner back on course.
A DSA spokesman said: "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."
Other changes to the test will include more focus on
high risk driving, like turning right across traffic and
using slip roads. In addition, only one of the three
low speed manoeuvres will need to be taken, rather
than two
Ack; Auto Express
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