New Practical Test Is “Dangerous” Claim Driving Instructors

By Blind Spot DriveBlog

New Practical Test Is “Dangerous” Claim Driving Instructors

Introduction

The UK driving test is undergoing significant changes, set to impact how future drivers prove their skills behind the wheel. These modifications aim to reflect modern driving conditions, but some new maneuvers are causing concern. While many drivers welcome the introduction of a sat nav test, a controversial maneuver has sparked outrage among driving instructors. The new practical test will replace some older maneuvers, but one particular change has raised serious doubts regarding safety and practicality.

In this article, we’ll explore the issues raised by driving instructors, what the public thinks, and why many feel that the changes might not be enough to improve road safety in the long term.

Outline of the Article

1. Introduction
2. Background: The Changes to the Driving Test
   • The Role of Sat Navs
   • Retired Manoeuvres
3. Controversial Manoeuvre: Pulling Up on the Right-Hand Side of the Road
   • What It Involves
   • The Risks Involved
   • Instructors’ Concerns
4. Driving Instructors’ Reactions
   • Anthony Cove’s Petition
   • Other driving Instructors’ Opinions
5. Retired Examiners’ Concerns
   • William Young’s Critique
   • Impact on Examiner Workload
6. Public Reaction
   • Survey Results from Confused.com
   • Public Opinion on the Right-Hand Side Manoeuvre
7. What Drivers Want in the Test
   • Requests for More Comprehensive Driving Scenarios
   • The Call for Night and Motorway Driving Tests
8. Motorway Driving and Night-Time Driving
   • The Argument for Motorway Tests
   • Why Night Driving Should Be Included
9. The Need for Better Road Etiquette Education
   • Etiquette on the Road: Middle Lane Hogging, Tailgating
   • Addressing Phone Use and Distracted Driving
10. The Potential Impact on Road Safety
    • Will These Changes Actually Reduce Accidents?
    • The Importance of Comprehensive Training
11. Conclusion
12. FAQs

---

Background: The Changes to the Driving Test

The Role of Sat Navs

The most publicized change to the practical driving test is the introduction of sat navs. This addition was largely praised because it mirrors modern driving conditions, where most drivers rely on GPS systems to navigate. Candidates will now be asked to follow sat nav directions during the test, which is expected to help them gain more realistic driving experience.

Retired Manoeuvres

The traditional maneuvers, such as the three-point turn and reversing around a corner, will no longer be required. The reasoning behind this is that these maneuvers are seen as outdated and do not accurately reflect modern driving. However, the introduction of new, more complex tasks has created a stir among driving instructors.

---

Controversial Manoeuvre: Pulling Up on the Right-Hand Side of the Road

What It Involves

One of the most controversial new additions is the maneuver that requires learners to pull over to the right-hand side of the road, then reverse two car lengths before pulling back out into oncoming traffic. The test involves crossing over into the path of traffic, reversing, and then merging safely back into the flow of cars.

The Risks Involved

Many driving instructors have expressed concerns that this maneuver places learners in unnecessary danger. The act of pulling into the path of oncoming traffic and then reversing could lead to accidents if not executed correctly. With the number of distractions and busy roads, this task could potentially be unsafe for learners, especially those with little experience.

Instructors’ Concerns

Driving instructors, such as Anthony Cove, have voiced strong objections to this maneuver. They argue that it’s not only difficult but also goes against the Highway Code, which advises against driving on the wrong side of the road unless absolutely necessary. Cove even started an online petition demanding that the maneuver be removed from the driving test, citing safety concerns and the unnecessary complexity it adds.

---

Driving Instructors’ Reactions

Anthony Cove’s Petition

Anthony Cove, a driving instructor, started a petition on Change.org after expressing his concerns about the new maneuver. Cove argues that this new exercise is both dangerous and counterproductive. The petition has received a lot of attention, with driving instructors and learners alike backing the request for change.

Other Instructors’ Opinions

Other driving instructors have echoed Cove’s concerns. Ann Moyes, an ADI (Approved Driving Instructor), has stated that this new test is illogical, and that it could lead to a rise in dangerous driving practices. The change, she believes, is more likely to confuse and stress learners rather than improve their driving skills.

---

Retired Examiners’ Concerns

William Young’s Critique

Retired examiner William Young has also criticized the proposed changes. He argues that moving off from the wrong side of the road is a dangerous maneuver that could confuse new drivers. According to Young, it’s already difficult enough to get a learner to move off safely after a normal stop, let alone after crossing into oncoming traffic.

Impact on Examiner Workload

Additionally, retired examiners have warned that this new maneuver will create unnecessary challenges for the examiners themselves. They argue that the stress it places on learners could lead to more failed tests and a higher risk of accidents during the practical assessment.

---

Public Reaction

Survey Results from Confused.com

A survey conducted by Confused.com found that a significant portion of the public shares the concerns raised by driving instructors. Around 43% of respondents questioned the safety of pulling into oncoming traffic, while 33% felt that the new test wouldn’t do enough to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on the road.

Public Opinion on the Right-Hand Side Manoeuvre

The controversial maneuver has left many drivers feeling uneasy. Even though the change was made with the intention of improving driving skills, many are worried about the added risks it brings.

---

What Drivers Want in the Test

Requests for More Comprehensive Driving Scenarios

Motorists have expressed the need for more comprehensive driving tests. While the new changes address some elements of modern driving, many believe the test should go further. Key suggestions include adding tests for motorway driving, night-time driving, and other challenging situations that drivers are likely to encounter in real-life driving scenarios.

The Call for Night and Motorway Driving Tests

According to the survey, a majority of drivers feel that both night and motorway driving should be part of the driving test. These elements are crucial for teaching new drivers how to handle various road conditions that they will encounter in everyday driving.

---

Motorway Driving and Night-Time Driving

The Argument for Motorway Tests

Motorway driving is one of the most common situations in which new drivers lack confidence. With the UK’s busy road network, it’s essential that learners are adequately prepared to handle the complexities of driving on motorways, such as merging lanes and high-speed driving.

Why Night Driving Should Be Included

Night-time driving is another important skill. Many new drivers are not comfortable driving in low-visibility conditions. Including night driving in the test would ensure that learners are prepared for any situation, reducing the risk of accidents during evening commutes.

---

The Need for Better Road Etiquette Education

Etiquette on the Road: Middle Lane Hogging, Tailgating

Many drivers believe that one of the most pressing issues on the roads today is poor road etiquette. Behaviors like middle-lane hogging, tailgating, and inconsiderate driving can make roads unsafe for everyone. These issues are not currently addressed in the driving test but should be, according to a large portion of motorists.

Addressing Phone Use and Distracted Driving

Distracted driving, particularly phone use, is another critical issue that needs to be addressed in driving tests. Drivers must be educated about the risks of using mobile phones while driving and be taught how to avoid distractions behind the wheel.

---

The Potential Impact on Road Safety

Will These Changes Actually Reduce Accidents?

While the proposed changes aim to modernize the driving test, many remain unconvinced that they will have a significant impact on road safety. The focus on basic maneuvers and practical skills might not be enough to reduce accidents if drivers continue to engage in dangerous behaviors like tailgating and phone use.

The Importance of Comprehensive Training

Ultimately, comprehensive training that focuses on all aspects of road safety — including etiquette, distraction, and risk management — is key to ensuring that new drivers are fully prepared for the challenges they’ll face on the road.

---

Conclusion

The changes to the UK driving test, particularly the new maneuver that requires pulling into oncoming traffic, have sparked heated debate. Driving instructors argue that the maneuver is dangerous and goes against the principles of safe driving outlined in the Highway Code. Meanwhile, drivers are calling for a more comprehensive test that includes motorway driving, night driving, and better education on road etiquette. While these changes may address some modern driving challenges, they are far from perfect, and the debate over the future of the driving test is likely to continue.

---

FAQs

1. Why is the new driving test controversial?
The new test includes a maneuver where learners must pull into oncoming traffic and reverse, which many driving instructors feel is unsafe and unnecessary.

2. What are driving instructors saying about the new changes?
Many driving instructors, including Anthony Cove, have criticized the new maneuvers, especially the one involving pulling into oncoming traffic. They argue it is dangerous and goes against the Highway Code.

3. Do drivers want more changes to the test?
Yes, many drivers believe the test should include more challenging scenarios like motorway and night driving, as well as addressing road etiquette issues such as tailgating and phone use.

4. How can these changes improve road safety?
Supporters of the changes believe that modernizing the test will help new drivers gain skills that are relevant to today’s driving conditions. However, many feel that it doesn’t go far enough in addressing critical road safety concerns.

5. What does the public think about the new test?
A survey by Confused.com found that a large percentage of drivers are not happy with the new test, especially the maneuver involving pulling into oncoming traffic. Many believe it doesn’t address important issues like road etiquette or nighttime driving.

Main image By Pexels