What In-Car Tech You Can and Can’t Use in the Driving Test

By Blind Spot DriveBlog

What In-Car Tech You Can and Can’t Use in the Driving Test

Outline

1. Introduction to In-Car Tech in Driving Tests
2. The Evolution of Car Technology
   • Advancements in safety and driving assistance tech
   • Technology becoming standard in modern vehicles
3. Importance of Knowing Which Tech Can Be Used in Driving Tests
4. Sat Nav: Allowed with Conditions
   • Use of sat navs since 2017
   • Restrictions on personal sat navs
5. Parking Sensors: Permitted with Limitations
   • Why parking sensors are allowed
   • Ban on parking cameras during tests
6. Electronic Handbrakes: A Green Light
   • Relaxed rules since 2010
   • Proper use of electronic handbrakes in the test
7. Hill Start Assist: Making Hills Manageable
   • How hill start assist helps
   • How to demonstrate control despite the tech
8. Lane Departure Warning: A Controversial Topic
   • The debate around lane departure technology
   • Potential impact on driver awareness
9. Blind Spot Monitoring: Encouraged to Avoid
   • Importance of manual checking over tech reliance
   • Possible penalties for over-reliance
10. Adaptive Cruise Control: Not Allowed
    • How it affects speed management
    • Reasons for its exclusion in tests
11. Autonomous Braking Systems: Passive, But Penalized If Relied Upon
    • Passive support but potential penalties for dependence
12. Automatic Parking Systems: Off-Limits
    • Rationale for disallowing self-parking tech
    • Need to showcase personal parking skills
13. Speed Limiters: Turned Off Recommended
    • Maintaining speed control manually
    • Examining reasons to avoid this tech in the test
14. The Call for a Standardized Test Vehicle
    • Discussion on fairness and standardization
    • Feasibility challenges
15. Conclusion: Balancing Technology with Skill
16. FAQs

What In-Car Tech You Can and Can’t Use in the Driving Test

Driving tests have evolved to reflect new car technologies, some of which are now integral to everyday driving. But when it comes to taking your driving test, not every feature in a modern car is allowed to lend a helping hand. This guide will walk you through what tech you can and can’t use, helping you know what to expect when you hit the road for that all-important test.

The Evolution of Car Technology

Modern vehicles come packed with tech that was once seen only in luxury models. Now, features like lane assist, blind-spot monitoring, and even parking sensors are found in cars across all price ranges. These advancements aim to make driving safer and more convenient, but there are restrictions on which tech you can use during a driving test.

Why It’s Important to Understand In-Car Tech Rules for the Driving Test

Using certain tech features can make tasks like parking or maintaining lane position easier. However, examiners assess core driving abilities that rely on the driver’s own skill and awareness rather than automated assistance. Misusing technology could lead to unnecessary test penalties or even failure, so understanding these guidelines is essential for a smooth test experience.

Sat Nav: Allowed with Conditions

Since 2017, sat navs have been permitted during driving tests. For around 20 minutes, most test-takers will follow a sat nav’s directions in the independent driving portion. However, the device is provided by the examiner—personal devices, including those on smartphones, are not allowed. Currently, the official device is the TomTom Start 52, ensuring uniformity and accuracy for all test candidates.

Parking Sensors: Permitted with Limitations

Parking sensors can make parallel parking less stressful by beeping to alert you of nearby obstacles. While you’re allowed to use these during the test, parking cameras are not permitted. This is because cameras may provide too much assistance, potentially limiting your ability to gauge distance and maneuver the vehicle independently.

Electronic Handbrakes: A Green Light

Cars with electronic handbrakes have been permitted in tests since 2010. This system is especially helpful in hilly areas, where electronic handbrakes make hill starts easier by holding the car in place until you’re ready to move. However, you’re still expected to demonstrate that you know how to operate it correctly, especially when parking or moving off.

Hill Start Assist: Making Hills Manageable

Hill start assist helps hold the car steady on an incline, making hill starts much simpler. While this feature is allowed, you should show that you can execute the maneuver without depending solely on it, maintaining control over the car’s movement to prove you’re skilled at handling different gradients.

Lane Departure Warning: A Controversial Topic

Lane departure warning systems alert drivers when they drift out of their lane, which is a valuable safety feature. However, relying too heavily on this tech might make it harder for drivers to develop essential lane-keeping habits. For this reason, it’s best to turn off lane departure warnings during practice to ensure that you’re fully prepared to stay in your lane on your own.

Blind Spot Monitoring: Encouraged to Avoid

Blind spot monitoring is another helpful tool but can be tricky during a driving test. Examiners expect drivers to physically check their blind spots instead of relying on alerts. If you’re seen neglecting this, it could be considered a driving fault, so manual checks remain a must.

Adaptive Cruise Control: Not Allowed

Adaptive cruise control manages your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the car ahead. While fantastic for long-distance travel, it isn’t suitable for the dynamic nature of driving tests, where candidates are expected to demonstrate full speed control on their own.

Autonomous Braking Systems: Passive, But Penalized If Relied Upon

Autonomous braking systems can apply brakes if they detect a potential collision. While you won’t be penalized if the system activates passively, relying on it could be seen as a lack of control, particularly if it engages during routine traffic conditions. Thus, showing proactive braking awareness is still essential.

Automatic Parking Systems: Off-Limits

Automatic parking systems, or self-parking features, are entirely banned in driving tests. Examiners expect candidates to perform parking maneuvers, such as parallel and bay parking, without assistance. Demonstrating these skills is a key part of passing, so practice without relying on auto-parking technology.

Speed Limiters: Turned Off Recommended

Some cars allow drivers to set a maximum speed using speed limiters, but turning this feature off during a test is advisable. Candidates need to prove they can maintain appropriate speeds independently, adjusting to the flow of traffic without automated restrictions.

The Call for a Standardized Test Vehicle

As car tech continues to advance, some have proposed that test centers provide standardized vehicles for the test. This approach could reduce the risk of some candidates having an advantage due to advanced tech. However, this idea has challenges, such as the cost of maintaining a fleet and the difficulty learners might face when driving an unfamiliar car.

Conclusion: Balancing Technology with Skill

While tech can be a great help, driving tests are about showcasing skill, control, and safety awareness. Practice without relying too much on tech and focus on honing your basic driving abilities. This approach will not only prepare you for the test but also make you a more competent, confident driver in the long term.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use my own sat nav for the driving test?
No, personal sat navs are not allowed. The examiner will provide a TomTom Start 52 for the test.

Q2: Are backup cameras allowed in the driving test?
No, backup cameras are not permitted, though parking sensors that beep are allowed.

Q3: Do I need to turn off lane departure warnings for the test?
It’s recommended to avoid relying on lane departure warnings, as the examiner will expect you to maintain lane position independently.

Q4: Can I use adaptive cruise control during the test?
No, adaptive cruise control is not allowed in driving tests. You must manually control your speed.

Q5: Is it okay to use hill start assist?
Yes, hill start assist is allowed, but you must show that you can handle hill starts smoothly.

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