Watch: 2 Videos Explaining Critical Part of New Driving Test

By Blind Spot DriveBlog

Watch: 2 Videos Explaining Critical Part of New Driving Test

Watch: 2 Videos Explaining Critical Part of New Driving Test

Outline of the Article:

1. Introduction
   • Brief overview of the upcoming changes to the driving test
   • Importance of understanding the new format for learner drivers
2. What is Changing in the Driving Test?
   • Introduction to new features and format of the test
   • Revised manoeuvres and introduction of the sat nav-led section
3. The ‘Tell Me’ Question: What Remains the Same
   • Explanation of the ‘tell me’ question format
   • Example questions learners will face
4. The New ‘Show Me’ Questions While Driving
   • The shift to asking ‘show me’ questions while the learner is driving
   • Examples of ‘show me’ questions
   • Safety and control considerations while answering these questions
5. Why is the ‘Show Me’ Question Changing?
   • Rationale behind the changes to the ‘show me’ question
   • Importance of demonstrating driving skills in real-time
6. Key Questions Learners Must Be Prepared for
   • A closer look at the ‘show me’ questions
   • Tips on how to handle these questions safely and confidently
7. How to Practice for the New Driving Test
   • Working with your driving instructor to prepare
   • Importance of in-car practice and familiarization with controls
8. Understanding the DVSA’s New Educational Videos
   • Overview of the two new videos released by DVSA
   • Why watching these videos is crucial for learners
9. What Happens if You Get the ‘Show Me’ Question Wrong?
   • Consequences of failing to perform a ‘show me’ question correctly
   • The impact of ‘serious’ or ‘dangerous’ faults
10. How to Avoid Failing the Driving Test
    • Tips on how to minimize errors during the test
    • Importance of maintaining focus and staying calm
11. DVSA’s Recommendations for Learner Drivers
    • Practical advice from Lesley Young, DVSA Chief Driving Examiner
    • Combining official resources and driving instruction for the best results
12. Conclusion
    • Summary of the key points covered
    • Encouragement for learners to prepare ahead of the test changes
13. FAQs
    • 5 frequently asked questions related to the new driving test

Watch: 2 Videos Explaining Critical Part of New Driving Test

With only three months to go before the revised driving test is introduced on December 4th, the Driving and Vehicles Standards Agency (DVSA) has released two essential videos to explain a critical part of the test. Learner drivers will need to adapt to these changes quickly to ensure they’re fully prepared.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the most important updates and give you a step-by-step guide on what to expect on the day of your test. Let’s dive into the key elements of the new format and how you can make sure you’re ready for the big day.

What is Changing in the Driving Test?

The new driving test will include a variety of changes that reflect the skills required when driving in real-world conditions. Some of the major updates include:

• Revised Manoeuvres: The manoeuvres will be more reflective of everyday driving situations, such as pulling into a bay or reversing out of a parking spot.
• Sat Nav-led Driving Section: For the first time, learners will use a sat nav to follow directions during part of the test.
• Show Me, Tell Me Questions: Perhaps the most significant change is the shift in how the ‘show me’ and ‘tell me’ questions are asked.

Let’s take a closer look at the ‘show me’ and ‘tell me’ sections of the driving test.

The ‘Tell Me’ Question: What Remains the Same

The ‘tell me’ question will still be asked at the start of the test, just like before. For this question, the examiner will ask you to explain how you would perform a specific task on the car. Here are some examples:

• “Tell me how you would check that your brake lights are working.”
• “Tell me how you’d check the oil level in the engine.”

For these questions, you’ll need to explain the process clearly, but you won’t need to physically demonstrate it.

The New ‘Show Me’ Questions While Driving

The biggest change in the test is the introduction of the ‘show me’ questions during the driving part of the test. Rather than asking you to show how you would perform tasks before you start driving, these questions will be asked while you are actually on the road.

Some examples of these questions include:

• “When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how to wash and clean the rear windscreen?”
• “When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how to switch on your dipped headlights?”
• “When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how to operate the horn?”

The key here is that you must be able to demonstrate these tasks without compromising safety or losing control of the vehicle. For example, you might be asked to clean the windscreen while driving, but only when it is safe to do so.

Why is the ‘Show Me’ Question Changing?

The reason for this change is to ensure that learners can perform essential driving tasks safely while on the move. The DVSA believes that by adding these tasks into the real-time driving portion of the test, learners will be more likely to demonstrate the skills they will need every day on the road.

However, there are some important safety considerations. If you fail to maintain control of the car while answering a question, this could result in a serious fault. And, if you answer both the ‘show me’ and ‘tell me’ questions incorrectly, a driving fault will be recorded.

Key Questions Learners Must Be Prepared For

To make sure you are fully prepared for these changes, let’s look at the key ‘show me’ questions you will likely encounter:

• Windscreen Wipers: You may be asked how to wash and clean the front or rear windscreen. You’ll need to show that you know where the controls are and how to use them safely.
• Lights: Be ready to show how to switch on the dipped headlights or how to operate the horn.
• Demisting: You’ll also need to demonstrate how to turn on the rear demister or demist the front windscreen.

How to Practice for the New Driving Test

To get ready for these changes, you need to practice with your driving instructor and become familiar with the car’s controls. Ask your instructor to focus on tasks that involve adjusting the windscreen, lights, and demister while driving. The more comfortable you are using the car’s controls, the more confident you’ll be when answering these questions on your test.

Understanding the DVSA’s New Educational Videos

To help you understand the new format, the DVSA has released two short videos explaining the changes to the ‘show me’ and ‘tell me’ questions. The videos cover:

1. Practical Driving Test ‘Show Me’ Video: This video demonstrates how to safely answer the ‘show me’ questions while driving.
2. Practical Driving Test ‘Tell Me’ Video: This video goes over how to explain the ‘tell me’ questions before the test begins.

These videos are an invaluable resource that every learner driver should watch. They will give you a clear understanding of what to expect on test day and help you avoid mistakes.

What Happens if You Get the ‘Show Me’ Question Wrong?

If you fail to perform a ‘show me’ question correctly during the test, it could result in a serious or dangerous fault. If you lose control of the car or fail to carry out the task in a safe manner, the examiner may mark you as a fail for that part of the test. However, if you make a small mistake but continue driving safely, you will likely just receive a minor fault.

How to Avoid Failing the Driving Test

To avoid failing the driving test, here are some tips:

• Stay Calm: Keep your cool while answering the ‘show me’ questions. Panicking can lead to mistakes.
• Practice: The more you practice, the more natural it will feel to perform these tasks while driving.
• Follow Instructions Carefully: Always listen carefully to the examiner’s instructions and only carry out tasks when it is safe to do so.

DVSA’s Recommendations for Learner Drivers

Lesley Young, the DVSA’s Chief Driving Examiner, recommends that learners practice with their instructors as much as possible before the test. Combine your instructor’s guidance with the official DVSA videos to maximize your chances of passing.

Conclusion

With the revised driving test just around the corner, it’s essential for learner drivers to familiarize themselves with the new format, especially the changes to the ‘show me’ and ‘tell me’ questions. By practicing with an instructor and watching the official DVSA videos, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the test and show that you’re ready for the road.

FAQs

1. Will I still need to answer the ‘tell me’ questions before the test starts?
Yes, the ‘tell me’ questions remain unchanged and will still be asked before you start the driving portion of the test.

2. Can I fail the test if I get a ‘show me’ question wrong?
If you fail to safely demonstrate the task, it could result in a serious fault, which would cause you to fail the test.

3. How can I practice for the new ‘show me’ questions?
Practice with your driving instructor, focusing on the controls you will need to demonstrate during the test.

4. When will the new test format be introduced?
The revised test format will be introduced on December 4th, 2024.

5. Where can I watch the DVSA’s new instructional videos?
You can find the videos on the DVSA website or through links provided by your driving instructor.

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