Since the 4th of October 2010 independent driving has become part of the standard practical driving test. In this independent driving section the learner driver will be tasked with driving to a specific location following instructions, signs or a combination of both.
The independent driving section is now included in the following practical driving tests:
Car
Motorcycle (module two)
Large goods vehicle (LGV)
Passenger carrying vehicle (PCV) tests
Approved driving instructor (ADI) driving ability (sometimes called part two')
Taxi
To make time for the extra 10 minutes you only need to carry out 1 reversing mounuver but obviously they still need practise all of them as on the day the examiner can pick any reversing mounuver.
The aim of independent driving is to test the ability to drive unsupervised, and make safe decisions without guidance in unfamiliar driving situations; therefore, no use satellite navigation aids (satnav) are permitted.
You can ask for a reminder of the directions while doing the test and the examiner will confirm them to you. If you go off the independent driving route it won't affect the result of your test unless you commit a driving fault.
If you go off the route or take a wrong turning, the examiner will help you to get back on the route and continue with the independent driving. If there are poor or obscured traffic signs, the examiner will give you directions until you can see the next traffic sign - you won't need to have a detailed knowledge of the area.
ADI Approved driving instructors have been prompted to prepare their learners, especially those on crash course driving lessons .