Give way to the new practical driving test
2017 will not only commemorate our 20th anniversary, but also marks the introduction of the updated practical driving test in the UK. Let me provide you with the ins-and-outs of the proposed new driving test, as stated by the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in a report published last month.
Why the change?
The new and improved driving test has been administered in an attempt to reduce road traffic collisions, both in general and involving new drivers. This is following a report undertaken in 2012 showing a fifth of those injured or killed in road accidents were involving a driver aged between 17 and 24 years old. In addition to that, a quarter of the deaths of 15 to 19 year olds can be attributed to road accidents – the biggest killer of that age group.
Another reason for the adaptations is the increase of in-car technological advancements like satellite navigational systems. The changes aim to keep up with the technologies that are used in modern vehicles. The DVSA states driving conditions are always changing, and practical tests need to be a reflection of that and must evolve in conjunction with the changes.
The trials for the proposed test began in May 2016. The research and trials are being carried out in 32 driving test centres located all over the UK including Swansea, Aberystwyth and Norwich. The locations have been chosen as places with higher pass rates, but also a combination of both rural and urban sites. Around 4,500 learner drivers and 850 instructors are participating in the trials.
What are the changes?
An open consultation was launched by the DVSA to outline the changes and reasons behind each change. The full report can be accessed online, but as a quick overview, here are the main changes:
Firstly, the independent driving section will be increased from 10 minutes to 20 minutes. This change aims to allow examiners to assess how a driver manages distractions and hopes to improve judgement when exposed to alternate routes and situations.
Secondly, sat navs will be introduced into the test. As mentioned earlier, this is an attempt to adapt to changing traffic conditions including in-car developments and driver behaviour. This will also increase the possible geographical scope of tests, allowing for alternate routes and road speeds to be used. The candidates will NOT be tested on their ability to use the sat navs, but their ability to follow the directions which are provided.
Thirdly, the manoeuvres which candidates have to carry out will be modified. This means the abolishment of old favourites like reversing around a corner and the three point turn. This is due to the reduced frequency of use of these manoeuvres. Instead, the delivery of the manoeuvres will be undertaken in a less staged way, according to the DVSA. The new manoeuvres will include entering and exiting a parking bay (both driving and reversing), pulling up on the right and reversing for two car-lengths.
Lastly, there will be a change in the format of the vehicle safety questions. The new test will require candidates to answer one of the vehicle safety questions during the driving section of the test - in contrast to the current test, which permits the questions to be asked before the test starts.
Some people may agree with these changes, others may not. The DVSA aims to implement these changes by May 2017.
Why the change?
The new and improved driving test has been administered in an attempt to reduce road traffic collisions, both in general and involving new drivers. This is following a report undertaken in 2012 showing a fifth of those injured or killed in road accidents were involving a driver aged between 17 and 24 years old. In addition to that, a quarter of the deaths of 15 to 19 year olds can be attributed to road accidents – the biggest killer of that age group.
Another reason for the adaptations is the increase of in-car technological advancements like satellite navigational systems. The changes aim to keep up with the technologies that are used in modern vehicles. The DVSA states driving conditions are always changing, and practical tests need to be a reflection of that and must evolve in conjunction with the changes.
The trials for the proposed test began in May 2016. The research and trials are being carried out in 32 driving test centres located all over the UK including Swansea, Aberystwyth and Norwich. The locations have been chosen as places with higher pass rates, but also a combination of both rural and urban sites. Around 4,500 learner drivers and 850 instructors are participating in the trials.
What are the changes?
An open consultation was launched by the DVSA to outline the changes and reasons behind each change. The full report can be accessed online, but as a quick overview, here are the main changes:
Firstly, the independent driving section will be increased from 10 minutes to 20 minutes. This change aims to allow examiners to assess how a driver manages distractions and hopes to improve judgement when exposed to alternate routes and situations.
Secondly, sat navs will be introduced into the test. As mentioned earlier, this is an attempt to adapt to changing traffic conditions including in-car developments and driver behaviour. This will also increase the possible geographical scope of tests, allowing for alternate routes and road speeds to be used. The candidates will NOT be tested on their ability to use the sat navs, but their ability to follow the directions which are provided.
Thirdly, the manoeuvres which candidates have to carry out will be modified. This means the abolishment of old favourites like reversing around a corner and the three point turn. This is due to the reduced frequency of use of these manoeuvres. Instead, the delivery of the manoeuvres will be undertaken in a less staged way, according to the DVSA. The new manoeuvres will include entering and exiting a parking bay (both driving and reversing), pulling up on the right and reversing for two car-lengths.
Lastly, there will be a change in the format of the vehicle safety questions. The new test will require candidates to answer one of the vehicle safety questions during the driving section of the test - in contrast to the current test, which permits the questions to be asked before the test starts.
Some people may agree with these changes, others may not. The DVSA aims to implement these changes by May 2017.
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