The New Driving Test: What Examiners Really Think Of It
By Blind Spot DriveBlog
The New Driving Test: What Examiners Really Think Of It
The New Driving Test: What Examiners Really Think Of It
Outline of the Article:
- Introduction
- Brief overview of the new driving test updates
- Initial concerns from both driving instructors and examiners
- The Controversial New Manoeuvres
- Introduction of new driving tasks
- Specific focus on “pulling up on the right-hand side of the road”
- Concerns about safety and practicalities
- What Examiners Think of the New Driving Test
- Insight from driving examiners
- How examiners’ views have evolved
- Reflections from experienced examiners like William Young
- The ‘Pull Up on the Right’ Manoeuvre: A Closer Look
- Why this new manoeuvre has raised concerns
- Potential safety issues
- How examiners are trained to handle these situations
- Initial Hesitations: What Examiners Were Worried About
- Timing issues with the new test
- Difficulty in executing the new manoeuvres under test conditions
- Personal accounts from examiners like Dave Wedgewood and Laura Unwin
- How Examiners Adapted to the Changes
- Training and preparation for new test guidelines
- Insights from examiners who were initially skeptical
- The Independent Driving Portion of the Test
- How the new test incorporates more independent driving
- Benefits of using a sat-nav during the test
- What examiners think of the new “independent driving” segment
- What Examiners Look For During the Test
- Detailed look at examiner assessment criteria
- Key aspects of the revised Driving Test Report sheet
- Specifics of what examiners are focusing on
- Examiner Guidance: A Comprehensive Overview
- What examiners are told about the new test
- How examiners are trained to deal with problematic situations
- Handling Problems During the Test
- Situations where examiners must intervene
- What happens if the “pull up on the right” exercise fails
- What To Expect During the Test: A Step-By-Step Breakdown
- Comprehensive guide to the revised driving test structure
- Common mistakes candidates make
- How to prepare for each phase of the test
- Safety Measures and Procedures for the New Manoeuvres
- How examiners ensure safety during tricky manoeuvres
- What happens if a candidate fails to complete a manoeuvre properly
- Real-World Impact: How the Test Affects Learners
- Reactions from driving schools and students
- Impact on learner driver preparation and confidence
- Tips for Passing the New Driving Test
- Expert tips from examiners
- Common pitfalls to avoid
- Conclusion
- Summary of the main points
- Final thoughts on whether the new test is an improvement
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Answers to common questions about the new driving test
The New Driving Test: What Examiners Really Think Of It
The introduction of the updated driving test by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has stirred a lot of debate. From new manoeuvres to the addition of independent driving with a sat-nav, both learners and instructors have voiced concerns. But, the most significant change that’s grabbed attention is the controversial “pull up on the right-hand side of the road” manoeuvre. What do driving examiners think of the new changes, and are their initial worries still valid?
In this article, we’ll explore the new driving test, the reasoning behind the updates, and whether the examiners believe these changes have improved the process. We’ll also take a closer look at how examiners approach the new tasks, what they’re looking for during the test, and how you can best prepare to succeed.
The Controversial New Manoeuvres
One of the biggest shakeups in the revised driving test is the introduction of new manoeuvres. The most debated of these is the requirement for learners to “pull up on the right-hand side of the road” and reverse for two car lengths. On the surface, this sounds relatively straightforward, but in practice, it involves crossing over into oncoming traffic, reversing in potentially hazardous conditions, and then safely rejoining the flow of traffic.
Why has this particular manoeuvre caused such concern? For one, learners are required to cross into the path of oncoming vehicles, something that’s not only intimidating but also risky. While this is technically a safe move, it’s a significant challenge for drivers who are still mastering the basics of parking and reversing.
What Examiners Think of the New Driving Test
Driving test examiners have had mixed feelings about the new test. Early on, many shared concerns about the practicality and safety of some of the new elements. In particular, retired examiner William Young spoke out about the difficulty of getting candidates to move off after a regular stop, let alone executing a manoeuvre on the wrong side of the road. According to him, it’s a decision that should have been more thoroughly vetted with input from experienced examiners before being implemented.
However, as examiners began to work with the revised test, their perspectives started to shift. For instance, Dave Wedgewood, a local driving test manager, confessed that he had initial reservations about the timing of the new tasks and how candidates would handle them. “My concerns were misplaced,” he wrote in a blog, suggesting that the new test wasn’t as problematic as he had feared.
The ‘Pull Up on the Right’ Manoeuvre: A Closer Look
Despite the controversy, the new “pull up on the right” manoeuvre is a critical test of a learner’s ability to drive safely in real-world conditions. The task requires candidates to park on the opposite side of the road and then reverse. The biggest concern for many is the potential for misjudging oncoming traffic and failing to safely execute the manoeuvre.
What happens if things go wrong during the test? According to examiner guidelines, if a candidate is blocked from completing the task, the examiner will intervene. This might involve advising the candidate to reverse further if another vehicle has pulled up ahead of them, or even aborting the manoeuvre if a vehicle is obstructing their view or causing a dangerous situation.
The examiner’s role in this process is crucial; their focus is on maintaining safety while also ensuring that learners have a fair opportunity to demonstrate their skills.
Initial Hesitations: What Examiners Were Worried About
Before the new test rolled out, examiners were concerned about how the added manoeuvres, including the use of sat-nav and the new reversing tasks, would affect candidates’ performance. For example, the timing was a significant concern – would learners have enough time to complete all of the tasks? Would the added pressure of performing a tricky manoeuvre on the wrong side of the road make them more prone to errors?
Examiners like Laura Unwin were also apprehensive about the introduction of the sat-nav. Unwin, who had been skeptical about the effectiveness of the device in guiding learners, found the process to be simpler than expected. “The sat-nav was easy to fit and use, and the new test flowed more smoothly than I thought it would,” she said. This shift in opinion highlights how, after some hands-on experience, examiners were able to adapt to the changes.
How Examiners Adapted to the Changes
Examiners weren’t just concerned about how learners would react to the new test – they themselves needed to adapt. To handle the updated guidelines, driving examiners underwent training that covered every aspect of the new test. This included how to manage manoeuvres like pulling up on the right, using the sat-nav during independent driving, and assessing learners under the new criteria.
Once trained, many examiners found that the new test felt more natural and flowed better than they initially thought. The key to success was preparation and practice, both for the examiners and the learners.
The Independent Driving Portion of the Test
Another significant update to the driving test is the inclusion of more independent driving. Candidates are now asked to follow directions from a sat-nav for part of their test, which many saw as an unnecessary complication. However, as examiners began working with the sat-nav, they found that it helped create a more realistic driving experience.
Rather than following a rigid set of instructions from an examiner, learners now had to rely on their own navigation skills, much like they would when driving alone. This element tests a candidate’s ability to focus on the road and follow directions simultaneously – a crucial skill for any new driver.
What Examiners Look For During the Test
Examiners are tasked with evaluating a candidate’s driving ability on several fronts. The revised Driving Test Report sheet includes detailed categories for evaluating how well a learner completes various tasks, such as moving off safely, making proper observations, and executing manoeuvres.
During the new test, examiners pay close attention to whether candidates are using their mirrors, checking blind spots, and maintaining safe distances. They also look at how well candidates handle situations such as the controversial right-hand parking manoeuvre and whether they can safely join and leave traffic.
Examiner Guidance: A Comprehensive Overview
The DVSA provides examiners with detailed guidance on how to handle the new test. This includes instructions on how to manage the controversial “pull up on the right” manoeuvre, when to intervene, and what to do if a candidate fails to complete the task.
For example, if a vehicle obstructs the candidate during the reverse or pull-up manoeuvre, the examiner is instructed to either allow the candidate to reattempt the task or to assist in creating a safer situation for them.
Handling Problems During the Test
Examiners are trained to intervene when necessary. If a learner struggles with the new manoeuvres, such as reversing safely or pulling up on the right, examiners will step in to provide guidance or abort the manoeuvre. It’s important for learners to understand that this is a safety measure, not a reflection of their overall ability.
What To Expect During the Test: A Step-By-Step Breakdown
The updated test includes several phases, each designed to assess specific driving skills. From starting and stopping the car to executing tricky manoeuvres, learners must demonstrate competence in real-world driving conditions. By familiarizing themselves with the structure and expectations, candidates can better prepare for the test and reduce their anxiety.
Safety Measures and Procedures for the New Manoeuvres
The new test has built-in safety measures to ensure that learners can execute their tasks without endangering themselves or others. Examining guidelines emphasize that safety is always the priority, and examiners are trained to intervene in dangerous situations.
Real-World Impact: How the Test Affects Learners
The new driving test is designed to better reflect real-world driving conditions. Learners who pass the test are more likely to be well-prepared for independent driving, which should ultimately reduce road accidents and promote safer driving practices.
Tips for Passing the New Driving Test
- Practice all the new manoeuvres before the test.
- Get comfortable with using a sat-nav to follow directions.
- Focus on road safety and always check mirrors and blind spots.
- Be calm and confident during the test, even if you make a mistake.
Conclusion
While the new driving test has sparked controversy, particularly over the “pull up on the right” manoeuvre, examiners have generally warmed up to the changes. The new test seems to be better at assessing a learner’s real-world driving abilities, and while the added tasks can be tricky, they provide an accurate measure of driving competence. The key to success is preparation, practice, and maintaining a calm mindset during the test.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why was the “pull up on the right” manoeuvre introduced?
The DVSA introduced this manoeuvre to better assess how candidates handle complex driving situations, including crossing into oncoming traffic. - What happens if I fail the “pull up on the right” task?
If the manoeuvre isn’t completed safely, the examiner will intervene and may ask you to reattempt the task later in the test. - How does the new test differ from the old one?
The main differences are the introduction of more independent driving with a sat-nav and the new manoeuvres, including the controversial “pull up on the right.” - Is it harder to pass the new driving test?
The new test focuses on real-world driving skills, which can make it more challenging for some. However, with preparation, many candidates will find it easier than expected. - Should I practice with a sat-nav before the test?
- Yes, practicing with a sat-nav can help you feel more comfortable during the independent driving portion of the test.
Main image by pinterest
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