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https://despatch.blog.gov.uk/2017/04/15/driving-test-changes-what-driving-instructors-need-to-know/

Driving test changes: what driving instructors need to know

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Driving instructors, Driving test, Learning to drive

We’ve announced that the driving test will change from 4 December 2017, and in this post, I want to explain more about how the changes will affect driving instructors.

The 4 main changes to the test resulting from the consultation and trial are:

  • the independent driving part of the test will increase from 10 to 20 minutes
  • most candidates will be asked to follow directions from a sat nav
  • the reverse manoeuvres that are tested will be updated
  • one ‘show me’ question will be asked while the candidate is driving

You can read more details about the 4 changes.

In this blog post, I want to explain more about the sat nav, reverse manoeuvres and 'show me' question.

Following directions from a sat nav

Following directions from a sat nav is a significant change to the current test.

Just as there were lots of questions when we originally introduced the independent driving part of the test, we know there'll be questions about how using a sat nav will work.

DVSA will provide the sat nav for the test

The examiner will provide the sat nav and set it up using one of the stored test routes. The candidate won’t need to touch it.

We've been working with potential suppliers to find and buy a suitable sat nav. We'll award a contract very soon, and let you know which make and model of sat nav we'll be using.

However, I want to emphasise again that it doesn't matter which sat nav you use for practice. It could be a built in sat nav, mobile phone or stand alone sat nav. We’re not testing the ability set a route in a sat nav - just the ability to follow directions from one.

Positioning the sat nav

The examiner will make sure the sat nav is positioned appropriately and safely.

In most cases, we won’t fix the sat nav to the windscreen - it will be on a special dash-mat so it doesn't move or fall off. However, due to the design of some vehicles, there will be some cases where we need to mount it to the windscreen.

Powering the sat nav

We’ll be able to give more information about how we’ll power the sat nav once we’ve awarded the contract to the supplier.

Welsh language for sat navs

Some people asked about Welsh language sat navs during the consultation.

It’s something we investigated, but unfortunately, there isn’t a Welsh language sat nav on the market at the moment.

As our announcement explains, 1 in 5 candidates will be asked to follow traffic signs instead of directions from a sat nav.

We’ll continue watching the market. If a product becomes available, we’ll consider if it can be used and let you know.

Support from organisations who represent drivers with a disability

Many disabled drivers use sat nav systems on a regular basis to help them drive independently and the changes being brought in will make sure that they know how to use these systems safely. They will also ensure that all drivers are better equipped to drive on a wider variety of roads, and carry out an updated set of manoeuvres that are part of everybody’s day to day driving.The revised practical driving test will make Britain’s roads safer, and raise the overall standard of driving, therefore it is something that Disabled Motoring UK fully supports. Graham Footer, CEO Disabled Motoring UK.

You can also read a detailed write-up of the demonstration we gave to the British Deaf Association.

Reverse manoeuvres

We'll use a wide variety of carparks for the bay parking exercise, such hotels, retail parks and supermarkets. Our driving test centre managers are finding the most suitable car parks for each test centre.

We're also talking to national car parking organisations to agree a joint approach to using car parks for this part of the test.

Pulling up on the right

We know some of you had strong views about pulling up on the right.

While The Highway Code advises to not park against the flow of traffic during the day, it's very important to remember that it's an entirely legal manoeuvre.

On our busy roads, there will be times when a driver needs to pull up on the right - and they need to have the knowledge and skills to do it safely. It's vital to use a safe and systematic routine, including observations and appropriate signals.  These are the skills we'll be assessing.

It’s also important that drivers know and understand what factors to take into consideration when looking for a safe, legal and convenient place to stop or park. For example, a busy main road with a constant flow of traffic would not be safe or convenient.

The candidate will need to use their understanding of these factors to choose an appropriate place to pull up on the right, when asked by the examiner.

'Show me, tell me' questions

Some responses to the consultation raised concerns about asking a ‘show me’ question while the candidate is driving. The main points raised were that it could:

  • be a distraction
  • cause an issue for candidates with special needs
  • affect people unfamiliar with the layout of the car

I believe asking a 'show me' question whilst driving will be valuable preparation for types of things drivers need to do safely while driving. If someone has passed their test and is driving on the motorway, they can't pull over to switch on their headlights.

We demonstrated the changes to the British Deaf Association, Disabled Motoring UK and the Dyspraxia Foundation in November 2015. These organisations supported the changes and were satisfied that we’d considered any issues.

To meet the national standard for driving cars, you must be able to familiarise yourself with a vehicle if it's the first time you've driven it. This is an important part of being a safe and responsible driver.

We've published the new list of 7 'show me' questions and 14 'tell me' questions that can be used from 4 December 2017.

Examiner documents and guidance

We'll update the driving test report form (DL25) and guidance for driving examiners carrying out driving tests (DT1) to take account of the changes.

We’ll make these available before December.

ADI part 2 test

The driving instructor national associations suggested that the driving test changes are replicated in the ADI part 2 (driving ability) test.

We’ll consult with people who train instructors about doing this.

It would make sure instructors are familiar with the test their pupils will take and have been tested on the same skills.

If you have more questions

I hope this blog post has addressed most questions you have at this point.

However, please leave any questions you have in the comments below. It'll help us to make sure you've got all the information you'll need ahead of the change.

We're excited about introducing these changes to the test, and helping a new generation of drivers to have the skills and knowledge to help them through a lifetime of safe driving.

Make sure you're signed up for email alerts, or follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest updates about the changes.

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90 comments

  1. Comment by Michael Gambin posted on

    So how many questionnaires have you received back from test candidates, and what do the statistics show with regards to the amount of accidents the newly qualified drivers had between the two tests, six months after passing?

  2. Comment by Driving Instructor Bolton posted on

    Money making, changing a driving test for no other reason than an increase in revenue. We have some of the safest roads in the world and accidents will happen( Human Error). DVSA lining their pockets again.

  3. Comment by Antony Cove posted on

    I'd just like to give you a scenario where the candidate is asked to pull up on the right which they do. They're then asked to reverse back two car lengths which they also do. Once they've done that a transit type delivery van or a lorry pulls up in front of them, they've reversed their two car lengths as required but there's now a car quite close behind them so they can't reverse any further. Can you tell me how they are now supposed to emerge safely or is it pot luck? If they start to pull out from a position where they obviously can't see what's coming towards them and there's something coming what are your instructions to the examiners? Are you telling them to let them carry on thus putting their safety at risk along with the candidate and our cars? Or do you tell them to intervene and stop the car thus failing the test? What if the candidate takes the test in their own car without dual controls and decides to carry on going does the examiner then put the handbrake on? As an instructor I would like clarification on all these points as if and when my candidates fail because of this ridiculous manoeuvre I'll know where to point them to as I'll be saving your answers. In almost 38 years of driving I can honestly say I very rarely park on the right because of the difficulty involved in emerging. Also with regards to driving into a parking space and reversing out can you please let me know where we're meant to practice this as myself and my colleagues get enough abuse as it is without trying to find supermarket or retail parks etc. to practice on? Also whenever I go to one of these places I was always taught to reverse in which I always do so its safer to get out, like you should always reverse into a driveway.Thank you, Tony Cove.

  4. Comment by david poole posted on

    Have to say the lead time you have given on this is pretty impressive, giving new learners the chance to understand the what is required right from the outset of their learning.

  5. Comment by Mike Mead posted on

    Will there be a 'transitional period' for the new test or will it just be a single change on 4th December?

    • Replies to Mike Mead>

      Comment by John (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Mike

      There won't be a transitional period - it will be a single change, with all car learner drivers taking the new test from Monday 4 December 2017.

  6. Comment by MR DAVID GARDNER posted on

    The revised show/tell questions. Are they in addition to the existing show/tell questions, or are they replacement of the existing questions. I feel have both sets might be confusing to some.

  7. Comment by Chris Kerali posted on

    Thx. In as much as u mentioned the legality, convinience and safety for pulling over to the right, there is no mention of moving off especially on safety and convinience. For instance u came back at night and pulled over to the right giving urself plenty of room to move off the following day, only to find a smart car/bike parked in that "tyres on tarmac space". How would a newly qualified driver cope?.
    Suggestion: We can teach them pulling over to the rt and advice them accordly as per the HC, but they do not need to be tested for this!!

  8. Comment by John posted on

    Are ADI'S getting the same discount from the sat nav supplier if they purchase the same one. There are more ADI'S than examiners after all.

    • Replies to John>

      Comment by John (DVSA) posted on

      Hi John.

      It doesn't matter which sat nav you use for practice. It could be a built-in sat nav, mobile phone or stand alone sat nav. It's up to ADIs to choose the product that will works for them and their pupils.

  9. Comment by Dave Allen posted on

    As most retailers with car parks operate 7 days a week and indeed some 24 hrs a day.
    It may possible for larger organisations such as yourself and the large national schools to obtain or pay for suitable car park practice areas but it as already become an issue for smaller indipendant ADI ?
    In certain areas around the country. !

    • Replies to Dave Allen>

      Comment by Peter Hall posted on

      I totally agree with Dave Allen. If the DVSA and larger National Driving schools are allowed to practice in hotel car parks and supermarket car parks etc., it is only fair independent ADI's be allowed to do the same. Otherwise the independents are being discriminated against.

    • Replies to Dave Allen>

      Comment by Gerard Foley(481889) posted on

      I am a little concerned to hear that there will not be a 'transitional' period between the old and new test. What if a candidate fails their test in say November(the old test) - does this mean that their 'resit' (which will probably be after 4th December) will be the new one? Assuming the answer is 'yes' does this mean that we will need to teach the old and new skills simultaneously in case this event arises? This does not seem fair to me and will be very confusing for the candidate.Would a practical option be to allow the candidate say 3 attempts to pass their test under the old system before they have to switch to the new test.

  10. Comment by Chris Jackson posted on

    What exactly would the correct procedure be for pulling over and moving off from the right hand side of the road.

  11. Comment by Jon Jones ADI posted on

    What will happen during the Winter months regarding practicing pulling up on the wrong side of the road ? Pupils will have headlights on when pulling over, which can dazzle oncoming traffic.
    Are pupils meant to immediately switch off their lights & reverse back the required 2 car lengths without lights, and only switch the lights back on when ready to drive off again ?
    This is a potentially dangerous manoeuvre.
    Thanking you in anticipation

  12. Comment by Mark edwards posted on

    Does this apply to the NIR lgv/ PCV BE instructors

    • Replies to Mark edwards>

      Comment by John (DVSA) posted on

      The changes will only apply to car (category B) driving tests to begin with.

  13. Comment by Kate Fennelly posted on

    Is it true that 20% of the tests being conducted will be run as the old test ?
    If so why is this
    Thanks

  14. Comment by David Davies posted on

    As I said in the online consultation, I think the sat nav plans are a bit of a red herring. In my view the biggest danger caused by them is from people fiddling with them on the move. Obviously no-one will do so during a test. It's like the 'protocol' of switching off mobile phones before test. Why?! They won't do so after they have passed. A candidate who has their phone with them should be asked to keep it on. See if they answer it or pick it up when it rings!

    Removing left reverse on the grounds that nobody needs to turn around anymore, thanks to sat nav, is preposterous. Whoever thought of that has clearly never used sat nav! And 14 of my current 22 pupils live in cul-de-sacs! I will still be teaching it, because it IS still needed, but I'm glad it's coming out of the test, because despite our best efforts, people worry about it far too much. More "real" parking is a good idea, though, as is pulling over on the right.

    As for making the test more realistic, WHY is the emergency stop still in there? It is completely and utterly unrealistic, and therefore a total waste of time. The only way an examiner will ever know how a candidate will react in an emergency is if a real one occurs during the test. And I couldn't believe it on BBC Breakfast this morning when Sally Nugent asked an ADI, "Will we still have this?", as she slapped her papers on the table in front of her, and he said "yes"! It drives me mad when they still do that in TV soaps, sitcoms and adverts. How long has it been now - twenty years? Dashboard slapping had certainly ended before I started ADI training 14 years ago.

    Overall I think the changes are good, but the sat nav as it will be used will not address the real dangers of them. As for mobile phones, their use in cars must be banned completely, and as soon as possible. The main danger lies the distraction of holding a disembodied conversation, not whether or not the thing is in your hand. And unfortunately this is the biggest example of what people do during driving lessons and on their test, differing completely from what they do afterwards (with the possible exception of tailgating).

    • Replies to David Davies>

      Comment by T Gough posted on

      When the Highway Code prohibits parking on the 'wrong side' at night and discourages it during the day why on earth are we, via the driving test ,introducing it to trainee drivers and effectively making it an acceptable practice?

  15. Comment by Darren ward posted on

    Right reverse maybe legal but is a manoeuvre more suited to van drivers and not commonly used in the real world. A better way would be to adopt part of the taxi test saying on the move that we need to turn around to go back can you turn the car around in a safe manner and give them choice of how they do it ( left reverse, turn in road or using the mouth of junction) and observe control and all round observation as well as ability to pick safe location

  16. Comment by Lee Ellerd-Elliott posted on

    To improve driving standards, the changes to the current test will make no difference whatsoever. When students pass the test, they very rarely drive how they were taught and if we took them out 6 months after they passed, I guarantee none if them would drive how we taught them. The solution to this would be to bring in compulsory re-testing every 10 (every 5 years would be impossible to implement) years when the photocard licence has to be renewed. That way drivers would have to have a couple of lessons prior to the retest to hopefully refresh the good habits they've lost. I know it doesn't mean that they will keep up the standards required but it's better than the 53 years (if someone passes at 17) before anyone thinks of looking at their driving ability.

  17. Comment by Kevin Jones posted on

    With no welsh sat nav available, will welsh speakers only have to do the test following signs? Will examiners carry cleaning equipment to wipe the windscreen after marking it if they put the sat nav on there? Where will the sat nav be positioned? As the law stands NOTHING can be placed on the windscreen in the wiper area that will obscure forward vision. If the sat nav does need to be powered how will you do This? Many instructors have dash cams as part of their insurance and are powered by inserting a power lead into the "cigarette" lighter socket. If plugging in the sat nav switches off their cameras this could void their insurance

  18. Comment by Paul Gorolini posted on

    Will there be new drivers records for learner drivers published. Like what you have from 1st November 2010. Thanks

  19. Comment by Phil Harris posted on

    The question from Dave Allen above hasn't been answered.

    Driving Instructors are already being warned off retail parks and car parks where companies may have concerns about learner drivers mixing with their customers so where the hell do DVSA think we are going to practise?

    Once some ADI's are aware of the car parks used on test they will swarm to those car parks in exactly the same way that they now queue up to use certain sites for the currently tested manoeuvres.

    It will become an issue VERY soon after the new test begins, I predict that it will be in the news less than a week after December the 4th.

  20. Comment by Mitch Peeke posted on

    Well finally, after months of uncertainty and prevarication, we now know what the changes are and when they'll come into effect. As an ADI, I have been trying to get a precise answer to these very points for some time. I have tried DVSA Customer Services several times, only to be told each time that "Nothing has been finalised yet". I have tried asking the Examiners at my local Test Centre, only to be told that they were as much in the dark about it all as I was. I guess my only real criticism is that I finally found out via the front page of today's Daily Mail, rather than from official sources, as the DVSA's midnight email hit my system some four hours after the newspaper hit my doormat.

    I am told, though I gather it is only a rumour at this point, that the Sat Nav that is to be used in the test will be voice directions only, no visual screen. Can anyone confirm if this is indeed true?

    Personally, I do not use a Sat Nav. I have been an Instructor for ten years now but as an ex Black Cab Driver, I have never felt the need for one. I've always tended to use a combination of brain, logic, a sense of direction, if necessary a map, oh and stopping safely to ask for directions if the need arises. I will have been driving for 38 years this year; on motorcycles, in cars, vans, and until ten years ago, Taxis. The one time my wife and I DID borrow a Sat Nav just to try it, we ended up switching it off, as it didn't understand that the particular section of the M25 we'd intended to use was closed that day and so it perpetually tried to get us to rejoin the traffic jam that I had successfully extracted us from! Further on in the journey, it told us that we had suddenly and inexplicably left the road and were now driving cross-country. It didn't know that the Hindhead Tunnel had been built! It kept telling us to "turn the car around" and go back the way we came. Turn in the road anyone?!!

  21. Comment by Martin Caswell posted on

    The most potentially dangerous manoeuvre will be pulling up on the right-hand side of the road and crossing back to the left-hand side. Even the Highway Code advises not to park on the right because of increased inherent danger. I fear for examiners particularly when the test is carried out in a car without dual-controls. In addition has the situation of another vehicle parking immediately behind the candidate before they have the opportunity to reverse back 2 car lengths? The examiner and the vehicle will be at much higher risk of a serious accident.

  22. Comment by BBaker posted on

    What about deaf people

  23. Comment by Dawn Glover posted on

    How about a Test Centre 'surgery' similar to those we had prior the introduction of the Independent Drive. After all, you've highlighted some of these changes as being as signifiant as that. Many thanks.

  24. Comment by Sally Herring posted on

    Regarding the previous comment, I would agree that retesting would be a good idea, however, it's unrealistic in practice due to the vast resources that would need to be put in place. How about a theory test every 10 years? I think that could be achievable and would keep a focus on the rules of the road being refreshed/updated by all drivers.

  25. Comment by paul beattie posted on

    What would happen if a candidate refused to pull up on the right, quoting the Highway Code that advises against such a manoeuvre?

    Surely you can't fail someone for complying with a recommendation in the Highway Code?

  26. Comment by Steve Wood posted on

    I have to agree with Lee and David above, the changes will, unfortunately, make no real world difference to driving standards on the road today. A much higher level of police patrol car presence is needed to address worsening driving standards, and some sort of reassessment every 10 years. Unfortunately these changes will not address the appalling, seemingly accepted, statistic that 8/9 people die on the UK roads every day, all due to bad, or distracted driving. Encouraging people to drive onto the right and park against the traffic flow is irresponsible. The DSVA also ought to have taken advice from some large companies who, after doing extensive H&S exercises, have banned forward parking in their car park bays as they are confirmed to cause more minor accidents than reversing into bays.

  27. Comment by Pennie Alexander posted on

    I am for changes to the test, however, I can't understand why the old manoeuvres cannot remain in the test and the new manoeuvres be additions to those already used. Why not just add extra options, at least that way you would know all ADIs are still teaching the reverse around the corner and turn in the road? I like the addition of the satnav, as with modern driving it is a common use. The thing that concerns me is the pull-over on the right, reverse back and pull away, especially after reading the above. I understand why this has been brought in, but will the examiners be able to ask a candidate to perform this manoeuvre on a busy main road, where it is deemed unsafe and expect the candidate to say they feel it is not a good area for them to do this and refuse? Or will the examiners only be able to ask them to do this in an area that would be safe? I am happy to teach this, but feel these questions require clarifying. As I feel we as ADIs need to know that it is correct to tell our students that they can refuse to perform this manoeuvre if they feel it is unsafe.

  28. Comment by Mouafak Alkour posted on

    Hi,
    on the independent driving will it be 10 minutes of the current routine and 10 minutes sat nav , or will it all be 20 minutes sat nav? also what reversing will be in the new test, many thanks

  29. Comment by Mr Kim G Blake (PRN151323) posted on

    Because the intention is to use "Private Parking" area's which the public may use for the purpose of parking to purchase goods or for a contracted period on payment to remain parked & often stated "at ones own risk". My question is (a) what indemnity is the DVSA giving to such car park owners and drivers of vehicles using such areas as per the owners site regulations, (b) How will a vehicle being used "on Test" be identified as "authorized" against the intent of use by DVSA is not that at present stated by the owners; many retail outlet parking areas expressly band drivers under tuition (c) Will third party owners of vehicles in such car parks be notified clearly of the possible increase of risk to them as pedestrians and property because of the parking exercises

  30. Comment by Mike Hilditch posted on

    I cannot believe that you have gone ahead with the stopping on the right manoeuvre. How many times have you had to brake or take evasive action when a car is pulling out of a line of cars parked offside to the kerb with no view. This is surely a contradiction of 'TO HELP YOU THROUGH A LIFETIME OF SAFE DRIVING'. With the huge increase in the number of people cycling we should be stopping people parking on the offside thus preventing collisions and reducing injury. As a retired police officer of 31 yrs, 26yrs a police Class 1 Advanced Driver I am fully aware it is legal during the day,but an error resulting in serious injury or worse could have very serious consequences for the driver pulling out. Solve the problem, DO NOT PARK ON THE RIGHT.

    • Replies to Mike Hilditch>

      Comment by Sheron Taylor posted on

      I completely agree parking on the right hand side of the road contradicts safe driving for life, unless you have a passenger with you your view forward and rear are restricted, this makes no sense at all, don't get me started on sat nav, that's driving with your ears and not your eyes!

  31. Comment by Mike Francis posted on

    I have been driving for 58 years and never once have I found it necessary to park facing the oncoming traffic. I consider this to be a potentially dangerous manoeuvre and really can't understand why the DVSA thinks it is going to improve road safety .

  32. Comment by Stuart posted on

    The comment about using "any" satnav to train, seems a little blase! Having a different image, sound, "style" of direction, timing, screen layout, colour scheme, etc is going to play a huge part, so despite owning several already i WILL feel obligated to my pupils to purchase the exact model ,so i hope they will be available at discount via test centres, i would not teach a pupil in one vehicle and turn up for test in another. The smallest of differences from their familiar routine is upsetting to confidence, or will you be giving each pupil 10-20minutes to properly familiarise themselves with the exact device layout before asking them to drive on and follow it? I would expect them to do that if they purchased a new device before driving off would you not?? Otherwise it appears we are condoning exactly the kind of irresponsible driving we are trying to dissuade.

  33. Comment by Pat Lawrence posted on

    25 years I have been doing this job and for all the changes the DVSA keep introducing it still makes no difference whatsoever how a student/pupil learns. The main problem I believe that students have is how to drive the car, sounds obvious I know, but that's the reality, they struggle when to change gear, when to slow down/stop in meet situations and to grasp judgement correctly, plus responding quickly to changing situations. If we spent more time teaching them how to drive correctly and safely and to improve their confidence and experience and less time worrying about where the dip stick is then this would be far better then all these ridiculous changes to the test. And if the local councils improved road signs and marking, and stupid people didn't park their cars right on the corner of junctions then this would also help. And if every other driver out there drove safely and correctly then it would be easier for everyone, oh and if motor car manufacturers stopped builiding cars that can be driven at high speed then would that would also help. Plus I reckon if mum and dad were aware their children need upwards of 50 lessons and not 20 " like what I had " then that would also help.

  34. Comment by Mike Bennett posted on

    Any Changes to test are great if it leads to road safety and its good that the manouvres have been changed to more useful ones I also believe the emergency stop is outdated . With regards to using the sat nav there is alot of debate going on at the moment about all of these built in electronic devices causing distraction and I'm wondering why its neccesary to test someone on who to use a sat nav since I for one rarely use one as I tend to drive to the same old places every day.
    http://intensivedrivingcourses-bennetts.co.uk/

  35. Comment by Paul McArdle posted on

    Nice little earner for Sat-nav manufacturers.
    Forces over 40,000 driving instructors to invest in a Sat-nav.
    Don't see reason for removing turn-in-road one of the most useful manouvres you need to be able to perform. Should have been left in test even just as a rarely used option.

  36. Comment by ian meakin posted on

    So are you suggesting anyone who books a welsh speaking test will get the traditional independant driving type test and not a sat nav test?

  37. Comment by Rebecca posted on

    Do you still have the three point turn manoeuvre in the test/lesson or has it been taken out?

  38. Comment by Paul Carter posted on

    I fully agree to the new test because it is far more realistic, however whilst we are changing the test this might be the time to change test timings, with a minimum of 60 minutes on road drive, plus one manoeuvre allowing a maximum of 75 minutes overall . Most road deaths are on fast country roads which cannot be tested at many test centre's because of location. The above timing's will allow the examiner in many more locations to assess this type of driving . Our test centre rarely used these type of roads therefore did not have the opportunity to assess the above because of the of test route's used at the time. However because of major roadwork's route's was re designed using national speed limit roads with sharp bends for approximately 15 minutes and I could not believe how many ADI's was commenting about candidates losing control with ETA Fails for traveling far too fast on the approach to blind bends. , I thought we all taught these skills but not in all cases. Once the ADI's realised the change in route taken and starting teaching in these particular area's, I am sure the fault reduced drastically. This really concern's me. I know you assess this in location's whenever possible but with the extended time this would allow the the above to be assessed at many more centre's and hopefully promote safe driving for life.
    Far too many youngsters are losing their lives whilst driving on the above roads and we must therefore show a duty of care to all road users and the above would certainly help.

  39. Comment by Gary s posted on

    It would be nice to have somewhere to practice the manoeuvres without it being frowned upon by most of the General puplic.

  40. Comment by Tony Loft posted on

    Could you tell me if the examiner will pull the candidate over on the left and then ask them to drive on and find a suitable place to pull up on the right, or will the examiner ask while driving for the candidate to pull up on the right in a suitable place?

  41. Comment by Andrew Collins posted on

    As a recently qualified LGV Instructor , I have to say with my pupils , I spend a lot of time going over the basics( MSM/PSL ) as the driving standard is not very good . Ask the students to follow road signs and 99% cant as they rely on sat navs too much . What happens when the power source fails ?
    I am a firm believer that test should move with the times , but the majority of drivers cant read road sign/markings when asked to follow them This wont be helped with the introduction of sat nav driving . When I learned to drive many years ago , I was first taught to read an A to Z and then road maps.
    As for taking out the turn in the road , what happens when the driver ends up down a dead end road ? Would they have enough knowledge to turn the vehicle around ?
    I firmly believe every driver should be re tested every 5-10 years to make sure they are up to standard

    I was taught to drive , not to just pass a test and read maps . This has done me well since 1983.

    .

  42. Comment by Gary Fossey posted on

    I have a few unanswered queries:
    a. If the sat-nav gives an incorrect or confusing instruction (including but not necessarily limited to as the result of temporary road closures, losing signal, recalculating a route for whatever reason, etc) and the candidate fails the test, for whatever reason, would this be grounds for them to claim a free retest (I realise and fuly understand they cannot appeal the result)?
    b. If the examiner asks the candidate to pull in on the right and the candidate doesn't feel that it would be safe or appropriate (e.g. busier road), in accordance with rule 239 of The Highway Code, could they decline and request that they be reminded to pull in at a more appropriate location?
    c. If asked to pull front first and then reverse out of a parking bay. In the event that the bay has no vehicles parked alongside or behind, will the candidate be expected to treat the drive in and reverse out as if there were cars parked alongside and behind (e.g. would they fail if the examiner judged they would hit any car parked alongside or behind or is it all dependent on the actual situation surrounding that particular bay? Would this only apply if they swung into the neighbouring bay by more than a certain amount or ended up over the side or front lines)?

  43. Comment by Eyesight posted on

    I am really disappointed that the new test will not include an actual eyesight test completed by an opticians.. the reading of a number plate is REALLY outdated and eyesight being tested by a driving instructor/tester is totally incorrect and dangerous.. In this day and age every driver should produce a valid eyesight test certificate completed by an optician to obtain a new or updated driving licence.. Answer me - Could the DVLA be held responsible for an accident claim if it was actual eyesight of a new driver, only tested by the driving test centre personnel which was found, to be below the required standard - Yes a driver has to say that their eyesight is OK, surely the DVLA has needs to take more responsibility - we could be talking about a persons life here.. Hopefully the DVLA will look at this and we will all be safer on the roads.. A driver who's eyesight is tested yearly!!!

  44. Comment by Ramesh Versani posted on

    What type of traffic density will the Examiner ask pupil to pull up on the right hand side ?
    will these places for pulling up be predefined by the DVSA route planning or be left to the examiners discretion?
    I understand from the current DVSA policy that, standardisation is the by word for all driving test. How will consistency be maintained and who will ensure that consistency is maintained on every test?

  45. Comment by Tony Lane posted on

    Hi

    Please can you explain how the driving into a bay works. I've spoken to my test centre manager he tells me the DVSA are going to use local car parks.

    Is that correct?

    http://www.12drive.could. uk

  46. Comment by Peter Gent posted on

    Satnav great when your lost. BUT using it , lots of practice. Mine says turn right / left in xxx yards, Most students would take the next turn without thinking, peoples drive / one way streets / No Entry etc.. I will teach. oops coach them, but not a good idea.

  47. Comment by John Clark posted on

    In the new "Tell Me" questions (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/car-show-me-tell-me-vehicle-safety-questions/car-show-me-tell-me-vehicle-safety-questions-from-4-december-2017), questions 5, 7 and 10 quite explicitly state "You don’t need to exit the vehicle". At present, candidates are expected to exit the vehicle when answering questions 5 & 7. Can someone confirm that this change is correct?

    On a related point, questions 12, 13 & 14 do not say "You don’t need to exit the vehicle". I assume therefore that, as now, candidates will be expected to exit the vehicle, open the bonnet, point to the appropriate places and safely close the bonnet. Can someone please tell me whether that assumption is correct?

  48. Comment by David Utting posted on

    New drivers should NOT be encouraged to drive in and reverse out of a space. It is FAR safer to do the opposite, especially in supermarket car parks, where there maybe children, people with trolleys and other vehicles moving behind, which may be hidden by the vehicle in the next bay.

  49. Comment by James Woods posted on

    Where will the Examiner position the sat nav? I can then position mine in the same area for training so there is no change for the candidate when on Test.
    Also, will the voice be turned on so the candidate has the advantage of seeing / hearing directions?

  50. Comment by ADI John posted on

    Why do several of the answers to "Tell me" questions start with the word, "Operate ..."? Are they expected to open the bonnet for some "Tell me" questions?

  51. Comment by ADI John posted on

    Also, when can we expect the DT1 guidance document to be updated?

  52. Comment by John Hackett posted on

    I can only see this Sat Nav part of the test being a failure it is fraught with danger. The position it is placed either on the screen or a pad is questionable. Can it hide a cyclist, motor cyclist will it fall off. The batteries will only last for a short time so it will require being plugged in to the power plug with a wire hanging down.yes some cars will have them fitted but surely it is a distraction. The object of the test is to show that you can drive with your full concentration on driving and not listening to or looking at a screen causing a distraction. As a retired senior police traffic officer and Examiner with the then DSA . On this occasion who ever thought this one up is wrong.

  53. Comment by Lorraine Hanson posted on

    Why doesn't the DVSA listen to the ADI's who do the daily job of teaching the public how to drive safely?
    I think Test candidates should be asked to turn the car around and drive in the opposite direction, and let them choose the method and the examiner see if they manouvre the vehicle safely (Not necessarily a "set" manouvre).
    Pulling up on the right to face the oncoming traffic is lunacy, as is driving forwards into a parking space and reversing out … these will cause more accidents!
    I would introduce candidates to reversing into a garage & driving forwards out.
    Sat Navs are easy to listen to and follow. Anyone can do it!
    Following road signs to a destination is more a test of observational skills.
    You should make the Driving Test a real "Test" go raise the standards … Advertise to potential new Drivers (& the parents of 17 year olds) that they will require at least 50 hours with an instructor and practise in between lessons where possible, in order to be a reasonable standard and to be able to pass the Driving Test.

  54. Comment by Mick downes posted on

    Pull up on the right, reverse etc. What is the examiner response going to be wen candidate asks if the road is clear ahead because it is impossible for the driver to see through the large car infront with tinted windows. Final straw. I would never make this manoeuvre and i have no intention of encouraging anyone to do it. It is unsafe.my car my insurance my livelihood. I quit.