By Blind Spot DriveBlog

New Driving Test With Sat Navs Arrives This December

New Driving Test With Sat Navs Arrives This December

Big changes are on the horizon for learner drivers, with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) confirming a revamped driving test from Monday, 4th December 2017. This update is set to modernize the test and better reflect real-world driving conditions. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you need to know.

What’s Changing in the Driving Test in 2017

Four significant updates will reshape the car driving test in England, Scotland, and Wales. Let’s dive into these changes step by step.

1. Extended Independent Driving

• What’s new Driving Test?
  The independent driving section will be doubled from 10 minutes to 20 minutes, forming almost half of the test.
• Why?
  The aim is to assess how well you can handle driving in real-life situations without step-by-step guidance from the examiner.

2. Sat Nav Use

• Modernization at its core:
  You’ll now follow directions from a sat nav during the independent driving section. The examiner will set it up for you, so your focus remains on the road and not the device itself.
• Key details to remember:
  • You can’t use your own sat nav.
  • Taking a wrong turn won’t count against you unless it results in a driving fault.
  • About 20% of learners will still follow traffic signs instead of using a sat nav.

3. Revised Reversing Manoeuvres

• Out with the old:
  Say goodbye to the ‘reverse around a corner’ and ‘turn-in-the-road’ exercises.
• In with the new:
  Expect one of the following three manoeuvres during your test:
  • Parallel parking at the side of the road.
  • Parking in a bay (driving in and reversing out, or vice versa).
  • Pulling up on the right-hand side of the road, reversing for two car lengths, and rejoining traffic.

4. Vehicle Safety Questions

• Enhanced practical knowledge:
  You’ll be asked two safety questions:
  • Before the test starts: A ‘Tell Me’ question about how to perform a safety task.
  • During the test: A ‘Show Me’ question where you demonstrate a safety task, such as operating the windscreen wipers or demister.

What’s NOT Changing in the Driving Test in 2017

While the updates are significant, some aspects of the test remain unchanged:

• Pass marks: You still need no more than 15 driving faults and zero serious or dangerous faults to pass.
• Test duration: It’ll still take around 40 minutes.
• Cost: The test fee remains the same.

Why the Changes Are Being Made

The DVSA’s mission is clear: to make roads safer. With the UK already ranking among the safest driving nations, these updates aim to further reduce accident rates by better preparing new drivers.

Public Support for the Changes

DVSA conducted extensive consultations, and here’s what the public thought:

• 88.2% supported increasing the independent driving section.
• 70.8% approved of incorporating sat nav use.
• 78.6% agreed with the new reversing manoeuvres.
• 78.4% supported asking ‘show me’ questions during driving.

How These Changes Impact Learners

1. Real-World Driving Experience

The new test prioritizes real-world scenarios over rigid, outdated tasks. This means learners will be better equipped to handle everyday driving challenges.

2. Reduced Stress on Test Day

The sat nav addition removes the pressure of memorizing every direction, letting learners focus on their driving skills.

3. Adaptation to Modern Driving

The test reflects the technological advancements in driving, ensuring that new drivers are comfortable using tools like sat navs.

Preparation Tips for Learners

1. Practice with a Sat Nav Driving Test

Get comfortable following directions from a sat nav during lessons. Make sure to learn how it functions without becoming dependent on it.

2. Master the New Manoeuvres

Ensure your instructor teaches the updated reversing tasks thoroughly, even though older manoeuvres might still be valuable for practical driving.

3. Familiarize Yourself with Safety Questions

Understand how to perform safety tasks like checking tire pressure, operating lights, and using the demister. Practice answering these questions confidently.

4. Build Confidence with Independent Driving

Ask your instructor for longer independent driving sessions to prepare for the extended test duration.

Conclusion

The new driving test is a step forward in making roads safer and preparing learners for modern driving challenges. While the changes might feel daunting at first, they reflect real-world driving conditions and aim to build confident, capable drivers.

FAQs

1. Why is the driving test changing in 2017?
The updates aim to improve road safety and better reflect real-world driving experiences.

2. Can I use my own sat nav during the test?
No, the examiner will provide and set up the sat nav for you.

3. What happens if I take a wrong turn during the test?
You won’t be penalized for wrong turns unless they result in a driving fault.

4. Are older reversing manoeuvres still taught?
Yes, instructors are expected to teach them even though they’re no longer part of the test.

5. Will the test cost more with these changes?
No, the test fee remains the same despite the updates.
Main image by pinterest