New driving test explained

new driving test fiestaThe new driving test due to be introduced on the 4th October 2010 and called 'The Independent Driving Test' is a much needed inclusion to the current driving test. .

The new October test will ony consist of one manoeuvre taken from any of the four manouvres being taught at the moment by driving schools. This is to give an extra 10 minutes for further road procedure driving which is completly independent of being told where to go. Here are the details:

  • The learner driver will be told to pull up at the side of the road and then asked to carry out an independent driving session for 10 minutes.
  • A verbal instruction will be given to follow a directional road sign until further instructed - that is - follow the direction signs to a place name.
  • Or a diagram will be shown that shows a route consisting of 3 junctions which the learner driver must memorise and follow the designated route without any further instruction from the examiner.
  • A combination of following road signs and the showing of a diagram can also be used

How will the learner driver be marked

The learner driver will be marked in the same way that they are marked now regarding the mirror/signal/manouevre procedure. A driving test fail will not occur for taking wrong directions, providing they are legal turns. What will happen though is most candidates will:

  • Not Signal
  • Signal to late
  • Signal to early
  • Forget to check mirrors
  • Check mirrors to late
  • Forget selecting an appropriate gear which might have a knock on effect of stalling

The driving test as it is today is robotic as far as the mirrors/signal/manouevre procedure is concerned because when a new driver is told to turn right or left it triggers off mirrors/signal/manouevre, whereas left to their own device, anything can happen.
This new independent driving test is meant to simulate driving a car as you would once the test has been passed i.e there is no one around who will tell you where to go, you will have to look at signs and keep your car safe.

Providing instructors do not encourage learner drivers to remember a set route, then it could have a beneficial effect in giving confidence to a new driver. It will mean more driving lessons for the average learner and one way to reduce the cost of learning to drive would be to book an intensive driving course where the independent driving is built into the lessons without extra cost. Contact booking info.

Watch the official new driving test video



FOR INTERNET EXPLORER USES IF VIDEO DOES NOT SHOW THEN YOU CAN SEE A COPY HERE

Theory test study books & self help CD's

Official bookstoreVisit the theory test bookstore & you will find a variety of books and CD's to help with your theory test and driving test. You will also discover a large selection of self help books to help you gain more confidence in life.

0 O _ ( ) ( ) O O O O / - o O O O O O O O O ( ) ( ) You've Passed Well Done
After your test. What do you want to hear?
Clue: Hover over Bertie on left

New driving test

Prepare now for the new test due to start October 4th 2010. An intensive driving course in Birmingham could help get you ready for the new practical test. The new test is called Independent Driving.
Read more and watch the new driving test video....

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