subject: New Section For The Practical Driving Test [print this page] From October 2010 the Driving Standards Agency driving test will have a new section, which will consist of 10 minutes of independent driving.
The independent driving section of the test has been introduced to simulate more realistic conditions for the driver being tested. In practice this means that the driver will be given a route by the examiner, and they will have to use road signs, spoken instructions, or a combination of both, to follow the route. This part of the driving test will take around ten minutes.
Previously, examiners have told the student where to go as they are driving along, but now they will ask the student to take a certain route and let the student find their own way. The examiner may use a diagram to highlight the route as an aid.
The objective is to get the student to show that they can follow road signs and directions as well as drive the car in a safe and competent manner. Students will not be marked down if they go the wrong way, or miss a turning, they will be judged on their ability to take remedial action in the event of deviating from the prescribed route.
This new part of the test is a welcome addition as it gives the students a more independent role when driving and they should be ready to take decisions when driving on their own. The Driving Standards Agency web site has very helpful information on this new section of the driving test which can be found on their official website at: http://www.direct.gov.uk/. All other sections of the driving test, theory and practical will remain the same and information on these can also be found on the Driving Standards Agency website.
Official statistics show that new drivers are far more likely to be involved in an accident in the first two years of driving than experienced drivers, and this is a concern to everyone. The Driving Standards Agency is working to lower this figure, and this is seen as another way in which to make new drivers more confident and competent to take to the road. Along with the Pass Plus qualification, this must be seen as a positive move in the training of new drivers.
