It’s been nearly 2 months since we implemented the changes to the driving test, and I wanted to share some of the positive feedback we’ve had so far with you.
I also wanted to give you some of the early feedback we’ve had from our driving examiners. I hope this will help you better prepare your pupils for taking the new test, and let you know what areas your pupils might need help with.
A more ‘‘straightforward test’’
One of the biggest challenges newly qualified drivers face after passing their test is driving on their own, without their instructor with them.
It’s been great to hear feedback from the first few candidates to take the new test. They thought it was ‘more straightforward’ and said learning to drive with a sat nav has been really useful. The new test will really help give them the skills and confidence they need when driving on their own, preparing them for a lifetime of safe driving.
Feedback from instructors
We also had feedback from some instructors, who agreed the new test is really useful for preparing pupils for driving on their own. One instructor told us ‘‘the sat nav is a good idea, it makes the candidate think ahead and prepare more, rather than relying on the instructor.”
Another instructor told us they found the new manoeuvres helped prepare learners for real-life driving ‘‘especially driving forwards into a bay as a lot of people do this once they’ve passed, so it’s good they’re tested on it’’.
This is really great feedback, and I’m glad to hear candidates have felt better prepared for driving on their own.
Drivers records
Some of you have mentioned that the drivers records need updating on GOV.UK. This is something we’re working on and we should have it updated in the next few months. We’ll let you know once this has been done, so you can start using the new version.
Feedback from examiners
Although the official statistics on pass rates won’t be published until early March, I want to make sure your pupils are well prepared for taking their test by sharing our early findings with you.
One of the main areas where candidates are getting more serious and dangerous faults is when they’re asked to operate a control on the move.
This is a really important skill they’ll need to have when driving on their own, and I’d suggest practising this with them from the beginning of their training so they can do it safely.
Our examiners have also noticed some candidates are not making progress as they should on the faster roads, and they’re particularly struggling to manage bends and rural roads. We know these are things they’ll have to deal with once they’ve passed their test, so it’s important they experience this in their lessons.
Following directions from the sat nav effectively
To use a sat nav safely and effectively, you should use the voice and visual display together.
We’ve had some feedback that some candidates are spending too long looking at the sat nav during the independent drive. This can be potentially dangerous if the candidate is taking their eyes off the road for long periods of time and missing changing road conditions.
However, other candidates are only listening to the directions. This means they might sometimes misinterpret the intended direction and react late which can be dangerous to other road users.
You should encourage your pupils to listen to the directions given and teach them to glance at the screen when it’s safe to do so. This’ll help your pupil safely manage these sort of distractions while driving and give them the skills they need to use the satnav safely and correctly.
Guidance on using a sat nav or mobile phone while driving
We recently worked with the Government Digital Service to publish some guidance on GOV.UK on using a phone or sat nav while driving. Safe Driving for Life has also blogged about how to use a phone or sat nav safely and effectively. You might find it useful to share these with your pupils.
Managing your car park use
It’s been good to hear instructors have been varying where the car parks they’re using to practice in and moving on if other learner drivers are already there. Leaving the car park if it’s busy helps keep any disruption to a minimum and promotes cooperation from car park owners.
Surveying you and your pupils
Between January and March, we’ll be sending out surveys to your pupils that have taken the new test, which will ask them questions on how well prepared they felt for the new test.
It’d be great if you could encourage them to complete the survey, as it’ll help us know what we did well and how we can improve.
I’d like to reassure you this sort of research is standard practice after implementing a major change. We’ll be sending you a similar survey in the next few weeks asking how prepared you were to teach your pupils the changes.
It’d be great to hear from you on how the new test has been going, so please let me know in the comments.
93 comments
Comment by Tony Thompson posted on
The new test has opened out to the good, more than I thought it would. Sat Nav is the modern map these days. My pupils quickly adapted to using it safely.
The drive into a bay and reverse out is a cracker! Reality at it's best?
Pulling up on the right isn't much different to stopping on the left, all about observations, safe and convenient. Again reality.
The new test is much more geared to driving on their own after passing.
Overall, I'm happy with new test and it makes a pleasant change to teach.
I still include reverse left and T.I.R. as I think it will be used by most at some stage.
Happy days!...
Comment by Paul Knox posted on
The new test is exactly as described in the blog - pretty straight forward. Losing lengthy manoeuvres such as the left reverse has meant learners can spend more time on manoeuvres they’re actually going to use post test keeping the learning process real. Sat nav is a great idea and a pleasure to teach. I’m confident that drivers who leave my now after test are much more prepared for the life on the roads on their own, furthermore should the ban be lifted for learners on motorways with an ADI then this can only add to them being more prepared post test.
I’ve completed 6 tests since the change, all first time passes with relatively low minors and the average hours taken to get the pupil to that stage is 45/50 - which I’m suggesting to new pupils is a good figure to work towards as a minimum.
Comment by Nigel Watson posted on
Hi Lesley
I think the new test is proving to be very successful, all the negative comments about pulling up on the right are Instructors’s over reacting. No one is saying do it all the time but it’s very useful to know how it should be done as it involves lots of observations.
The sat nav section is really good because if taught properly the driver can get early information and plan ahead. Something I’m really keen on as an advanced driver with IAM RoadSmart and recently become a Examiner for them!! Please keep the updates coming.
Kind Regards
Nigel Watson ADI
Sheffield
Comment by Hemlata Patel posted on
Hem Patel, Luton
Very pleased with these changes, my pupils are grasping the skills well and as a result becoming better and more skilful drivers. More importantly, I’m enjoying teaching these new elements to the fillest! Roll on to Motorway training in the near future for our students!
Comment by Sean Michael Mckenna posted on
It will be good to compare the percentage of pass rates in the first quarter with new test compared to the old test using the same number of candidates. This means either the standard of driving has improved or the test is easier. With the plan to roll out learners on the motorway in 2018 with an ADI this should go on all learner driver school syllabus and should be tested in a new driving test for 2018.
Comment by Colin Foster posted on
The test isn't the issue, it's still the marking of it that concerns me...the examiner's job is one of fault finding, not of assessment overall of a driver's performance...until we have a 'positive' as opposed to 'negative' marking system, we will always have the chancers 'winging it' on a test and the better trained drivers failing on the odd 'serious' misdemeanor when their driving is of an overall good standard...an examiner is surely qualified to assess rather than just tick boxes? Advice can be given rather than failing a pupil because they've made a serious fault which , let's face it, any one can make at any time!
Comment by Joe posted on
Examiners are assessing all the time, Colin. They don’t “just tick boxes” as you put it. Every mark made on the DL25 is carefully thought through, taking into account:
1. What happened
2. What was going on at the time
3. If the candidate was aware of their actions and surroundings
4. How far from correct the action was
5. What effect it had on other road users
And the list goes on. Add to that the ability to plan ahead, anticipate what could happen, watch the candidate and anticipate their actions, whilst ensuring all the requirements of the test are met at appropriate times and places, all alongside keeping everyone safe. Oh, and remember they have no idea of what the candidate is capable of. I’ve seen instructors bringing candidates to test when they can hardly move the car. They go bunny hopping out the car park on the wrong side of the road, into the path of oncoming traffic.
It’s a complex job. It may look easy, but I’m pretty certain it is very difficult to run a driving test.
I certainly wouldn’t doing fancy it!!
Comment by Paul Sullivan posted on
Couldn't agree more!
Comment by Andy Bown posted on
Couldn't agree with you more, everything is marked in a purely back and white fashion that seems to leave no room for error. I've also had a few pupils fail towards the end of a test, with only 2 or 3 minors. In my view, as long as the reason that they failed isn't a dangerous fault then surely they should pass them and advise them on areas that still need a bit of improvement.
Comment by Alan Monger posted on
I believe the test should reward achievement for a good standard of driving. The assessment at the end of the test should give an overview of the standard achieved for each of the core skills. They should only pass if they acheive the required overall standard. This would offer pupils valuable feedback where they can further develop their skills irrespective of the test result.
Instead they have a list of faults recorded on the day. If pupil was permitted to take a another test on the same day they may have a different list of faults and a different result depending on what they had to deal with on the day. Even the most proficient drivers make mistakes.
Comment by Paul Grice posted on
Good points Colin. I agree the test is negative not positive and you are right about a good driver being marked down etc and others chancing it.
I tell my pupils the test starts with a clean sheet, 100pc and goes down !
Paul Grice ADI
Comment by Stevie@5Day posted on
Have myself sat in on many driving tests and on only "ONE" occasion have i challenged an examiners decision to tick that fail box when he stated to my pupil , and i quote:- "i am sorry but you have been unsuccessful today at that last roundabout coming into the test centre you NEARLY went into the wrong side of the road on the approach to the roundabout, you got it sorted at the roundabout but the approach very NEARLY placed you in the wrong position, had another vehicle been beside you you would have hit it" so glad i was sat in the car as i challenged that word NEARLY and after a very heated debate in the vehicle the examiner changed the decision and my pupil now with mixed emotions of joy and confusion sat in the passenger seat speechless for the whole journey home.... it pays to sit in on tests as everything that is happening can be clearly seen from the rear passenger seat, this is the only occasion that i have challenged a decision and it was the mistake of the examiner to use that word in my presence Hmmmmmm "NEARLY" i don't think so sir not in my world its either wrong or correct.
Having said that there is no way i could be an examiner, getting in a car with a supposedly prepared driver ready for the road and not knowing at what skill level they are at ....
New Test has been well received by my pupils and myself, really don't know what all the fuss was about as i already was teaching these so called new items, i even teach road side parking in reverse from the opposite side of the road with drivers door opening onto pavement ....
Comment by Brian posted on
Can you clear up the reverse out of the parking bay as to how it is to be done . I have spoken to a senior instructor in Liverpool and was told you could reverse back into the opposite bay then drive out . After speaking to an other examiner was told this is not to be done as it would be a fail test . Can you clear up thanks Brian
Comment by Chris (DVSA) posted on
Hello Brian,
Upon completion of forward bay parking, it is acceptable for candidates to use the bay to the rear if required. This obviously still requires the candidate to demonstrate fundamentals of slow speed manoeuvrability and an acceptable level of all-around observation and awareness.
Thanks,
Chris
Comment by Gerald Manterfield posted on
Personally I'm not that keen on sat navs, I think it stops people using their common sense & they stop reading sign posts, on numerous occasions a sat nav has potentially put me in a hazardous position, but because I didn't rely on it, the situation never arose. I always told my pupils to look before doing what the sat nav says, which I don't think many drivers do.
Comment by Gary Fossey posted on
I'm generally fine with the new test and haven't found it too different; it's all but impossible to avoid fast moving rural roads in this area. I'm still unconvinced regarding the pull in on the right and reverse and neither I nor my pupils see any additional benefits in including it. Since we're due to leave the EU I think a U turn would be not only be far more realistic but also involving more potential risk and awareness. I think the jury's still out on the unauthorised used of council or privately owned/operated car parks; so far so good in my area it would appear with only the odd isolated incident. I still teach the TIR but have, despite in the past teaching left and right RRC, felt for a while that the RRC and especially the accuracy required to be an unrealistic manoeuvre and the use of parallel park and reverse bay park cover the same skills; probably should have been replaced a while ago. The front bay park and reverse out is a welcome addition as long as dealing with cars alongside and behind is focussed upon.
Comment by Keith posted on
The only key change to the test is the Right Reverse or controversial Park on the Right. The rest has always been taught prior to the changes.
Admittedly probably not to the same extent as we know the driving test tends to drive whats taught by instructors and what students expect to learn.
I have no problem teaching my students safe practice. We sit down and discuss when and where it would be safe to park, why they chose certain places and what other options are available.
Its here we have a fundamental problem with the new driving test. A student goes to test and the examiner says I'd like you to park on the right please.
I'm an experienced Adi/Cardington Grade A (zero faults). IAM. Rospa Diploma, yet some of the places students are asked to park is shocking. One client held up the road with 20vehicles needed to pass.
Yet, my students has been taught to find somewhere safe, legal and convenient, these places are anything but.
What does this say to people taking a driving test?
I can see the benefits of the Sat Nav's and distraction. I can see that removing excercises keeps the complaints down and the car on the move longer. Questions on the move are excellent.
But there should be a review of the places they are asked to park as its nothing like your glossy videos you prepared last year.
Comment by Chris (DVSA) posted on
Hi Keith,
During the driving test candidates are not asked to park on the right or to choose a safe place on the right. The location is important for parking but the pull up on the right is not a parking exercise.
What's being assessed during the pull up on the right is how the candidate executes the manoeuvre, taking into consideration all other road users, including vehicles approaching and vehicles to the rear.
The locations where the examiners ask the candidates to perform this exercise will have been chosen and assessed in advance as being suitable and safe, with good visibility and the possibility of vehicle interaction, but not a high volume of traffic.
I hope this helps,
Chris
Comment by Paul Green posted on
When I looked at your demo clips for pulling up on the right they all showed urban streets where you would pull up to park while shopping. The examples all looked highly relevant and would be a useful adjunct to the Test. However I think examiners are misinterpreting the places where this manoeuvre should be carried out. Coming off a National Speed Limit Road into a 50 mph zone my candidate was asked to pull up on the right where no shops or houses exist. She pulled away safely with fast moving traffic in both directions. Quite frankly I would not consider this manoeuvre myself, nor would countless other acquaintances or instructors that I have spoken to, much too dangerous and to what purpose? I predict a one year maximum before this manoeuvre is dropped from the Test. With regards all other aspects of the New Test, really great. I work out of two Test Centres one has embraced the New Test Routes and given my average millage for a lesson is 30-40 miles, my learners are well prepared for rural roads and fast moving joins from short slip roads onto Dual Carriageways. I hate to say this but however clear an instructors or examiners instructions are, they fall short of the crystal clear clarity of Satellite Navigation. Particularly good for those candidates for whom English is not their first language. The other Test Centre does not have the possibility of embracing new routes and it feels rather retrograde on their tests.
Comment by Jon H posted on
This article didn’t include any negative feedback? It was all positive then?
I think pulling up on the right is a very poor substitute for TITR. I think this new test, while appropriate to modern driving (and I agree with all of the above in the article) lacks some real test of car control, that can be gleaned from TITR. All of the tests I’ve done so far have used pulling up on the right in the places we previously done TITR. So getting out of the estates hasmt happened.
Comment by Chris (DVSA) posted on
Hello Jon,
We decided to change the manoeuvres for several reasons. One was to increase the amount of driving test time on rural and higher risk roads. By removing the turn in the road and reverse left we have considerably decreased the number of manoeuvres conducted in lower risk urban areas.
We now conduct the majority of manoeuvres either only slightly off route or in car parks. This change means the test is more realistic and more time is spent on higher risk roads.
Also, the skills of slow vehicle control and all-around manoeuvre observation are fully transferable from the forward bay parking to any other manoeuvre, including the turn in the road if required.
https://despatch.blog.gov.uk/wp-admin/edit-comments.php?comment_status=moderated&p=1808&paged=2#comments-form
Thanks,
Chris
Comment by Joe Collins posted on
Absolute hate the new test, I cannot understand why on earth would you want to get rid of reverse around the corner and turn in road, they should have been left in the practical test and the new stuff added and as far as pulling up on the right, well I'm totally baffelled, utter madness, it wasn't broken and totally didn't need to be changed, this has to be revered and soon.
Comment by Leon hassapladakis posted on
Leon hassapladakis
It is fantastic with the new changes of the driving test my pupils are a bit nervous to start after a few driving lessons they do like it and they are not as nervous the only problem with the sat nav when it says cross the round about second exit they know to keep left but sometimes the left lane is turn left only.. so they get a bit confused but they are getting better......I am very happy....
Comment by Graham Kennish posted on
I completely agree with Colin (His response is pasted below).
Let's have a sea-change in Examining, where points are awarded for good driving, without even changing the 'Serious errors - Fail' category. Then, Pass or Fail, candidates can be proud to say 'My driving was assessed as 70%", instead of being proud they "only had 5 minors".
Let's have categories for Pro-active driving, Courtesy, Eco-driving, Handling of controls, Clearance and positioning,
Let's also train Examiners to give more feedback with more quality. He said "well, you passed" my pupil told me, as if it had messed up his statistics for the day! What about "you drove well and have a 65%, but I have to fail you. Keep practising that bay park exit until your lookout becomes instinctive. Then you'll be a safe driver" or "Three majors, but don't think you will never pass. You do need a lot more hours to turn this around and become a really safe driver, but you will get there, don't worry, just keep at it!"
Graham Kennish
Colin Foster's repsonse:
The test isn't the issue, it's still the marking of it that concerns me...the examiner's job is one of fault finding, not of assessment overall of a driver's performance...until we have a 'positive' as opposed to 'negative' marking system, we will always have the chancers 'winging it' on a test and the better trained drivers failing on the odd 'serious' misdemeanor when their driving is of an overall good standard...an examiner is surely qualified to assess rather than just tick boxes? Advice can be given rather than failing a pupil because they've made a serious fault which , let's face it, any one can make at any time!
Comment by Christopher Lamport posted on
I am not satisfied with the SAT-NAV part as I have now sat in on 5 tests and only one pass. Errors are worse because the sat-nav is a distraction with either late or too early instruction and will kill somebody soon. Even the examiners agree with me and it puts them at greater risk. This and motorway driving should be conducted on a second test when they are competent at driving. There is too much pressure on both candidate and instructor. I shall be writing to Lesley when I have observed some more. I've been driving for over 41 years and covered 2 million miles and today's driving standards are appalling. Come on let's get our act together with front line people and not driving associations who think they know best.
Just remember somebody was recently jailed for using a mobile phone using bluetooth charged as a distraction. Sat-Nav's are a distraction
Comment by Chris (DVSA) posted on
Hello Christopher,
Sat navs have become a common part of modern driving, widely used by millions around the world. By including them in the test, we are recognising that most drivers are going to use them in one form or another and that we should teach them how to do so safely before they pass their test.
It's about preparing learner drivers as completely as possible for a lifetime of safe driving once they pass their test by giving them real-life skills and experience.
Thanks,
Chris
Comment by David Stevens posted on
My experience is that there are fewer box tickers than used to be the case and many examiners do take a positive attitude to the test and will make an overall assessment of the complete drive and pass the candidate with a bit of advice given. Some things cannot be overlooked though and a serious fault must be marked where safety is compromised.
Comment by Alan Shirley posted on
I am concerned about some of the reported inconsistencies in examiners actions, assessments and general behaviour.
1). Should Sat Nav settings show direction of travel 'up' or North always up or is it examiners discretion?
2). Have heard that some examiners place Sat Nav on left of dash making it almost impossible to see. And have even heard that some tell candidate it isn't necessary to see it but just to listen.
3). It's clear that one show-me question is on the move but there are stories emerging saying that failure to know how to do this can result in a serious fault even though the advice in DVSA new test booklet explains procedure. ADI's are reluctant to complain as they feel it could put them in an adverse position both locally and on register.
4). Parking forward into bay appears to need some discretion. Many if not most examiners will use common sense but I fear there are some who will be unnecessarily pedantic and perhaps not make it clear if a particular attempt is accurate enough. We know that adjustment is allowed but I feel there will be quite a lot of cases of this topic being a cause of failure unfairly.
5). Pulling up on the right and reversing back has had a lot of criticism and I worry that some of the locations that are being chosen are far from being safe and convenient. If a candidate feels it is not safe, surely they should not be faulted, seriously, if there is any doubt about the location.
Comment by Chris (DVSA) posted on
Hello Alan,
In answer to your questions:
1) The direction arrow should be at the bottom of the screen and be pointing up.
2) The satnav should be positioned in the middle of the dashboard and as close to the windscreen as possible (if on dash mat). Sound and screen should be used in together to assist with forward planning.
3) Candidates are required to demonstrate the "show me" question on the move, which reflects real life driving. If required, the candidate will be given every opportunity to demonstrate the required control while stationary then will be asked to demonstrate it on the move, which is the intention of the exercise.
4) Candidates will be given every opportunity to readjust if required. The intention of the exercise is for the candidate to demonstrate control and awareness. Examiners will assess the exercise based on the overall control of the vehicle along with the finishing position.
5) Examiners will give the instruction to carry out the manoeuvre on a suitable section of road. As situations can change very quickly, the examiner will intervene if the location becomes unsafe, abort the exercise, and carry it out later in the test, in a suitable location.
Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Chris
Comment by Ian Ogg posted on
Ian Ogg Perth .
Overall I think changes are for the better but on one route used for pulling up on right I am uncomfortable with it being a country road ,albeit good visibility traffic flow can change very rapidly.The road concerned is a 60mph straight with approximately 5 to 8 seconds clear visibilty either way depending on traffic speed.Earlier today when carrying out pull up on right we had vehicles appear front and rear well in excess of 60mph which resulted in one car skidding dangerously close to colliding with us .Surely this part of test could & should be on a 30mph or max 40mph road ?
Comment by Chris (DVSA) posted on
Hello Ian,
The guidance for this manoeuvre is for it to be carried out in speed limits no higher than 40mph. We will look into any cases where the chosen spot for the manoeuvre may be unsuitable.
Thanks,
Chris
Comment by Mr David Brown, ADI posted on
I agree with all the above comments except no one has mentioned a big flaw in the new test (in my opinion.) As the overall test time has not increased in length & one manoeuvre is still done I do not understand why the other two manoeuvres (Reversing Round the Corner and the Turn In the Road exercise) have been taken off the DSA exam/test syllabus? I still teach these on my lessons for real world driving but I noticed on the roads that many ADI's do not practice these anymore and also many students now do not want to do these manoeuvres because they know that they are not part of the test anymore. I have had some students who came to me from other ADIs and we ended up in a dead end road & they had no idea how to turn the car round and one had a driving test coming up in a few days time! Imagine this happening on their test - what would happen then?
Comment by Chris (DVSA) posted on
Hi David,
ADIs should prepare their pupils for a lifetime of safe driving after they pass their test, not just for the test itself. Turn in the road and reverse around a corner remain on the syllabus and should be taught as such.
Thanks,
Chris
Comment by Rob Tillier posted on
This test drives a requirement for significant improvement in the teaching pre-test for those ADIs that only teach to test standard, thereby improving the minimum standard for newly qualified drivers on the UK roads. My hope is that ALL ADIs will now better understand that it's not just about passing the test. If they are already seeing improvement as a result of teaching what's required for the new test, then I hope that will generate the light that teaching to the full requirements of the National Standard will create new drivers significantly more skilled than those that are taught only to test standard. Thanks for helping us improve the standard of newly qualified drivers.
Comment by James comley posted on
Changing the reversing exercises has been a positive experiance and so has the extending of the independent drive.
However Sat Nav use is not or ever has been an issue for the average 17 year old. In fact pupil say it's the same as listning to the driving instructor giving directions. A 17 year old is not going to invest in a sat nav post driving test and will use their movile phone. Encouraging sat nav use on the test will undo much of the work ADI's have done by encouraging pupils to turn off their mobiles whilst driving.
Pulling up on the right is only usually carried out on quiet roads when parking outside a residential address. Full license holders do this without any issues based on experiance. Adding it to the driving test will promote an attitude in young drivers that it can be done in any circumstance. Whilst this will be taught correctly it's interpretation in the real world by a young driver post test could be dangerous.
Comment by JULIE BAXTER posted on
The instructions from the sat nav are sometimes misleading for example, it will say bear right when its a turn right and sometimes it says turn left when its just a bend. It is not recognising some junctions and late correction from the examiner is causing the pupil to do the msm too late resulting in a fail, if there is a closely following vehicle. On one occasion the sat nav was showing the pupil was doing 36 in a 40 limit (even though on the speedo she was doing 40), a driver fault was given as there was no following traffic, but this could have easily have been a serious had the situation been different. Apart from these things i am glad of the changes.
Comment by Chris (DVSA) posted on
Hello Julie,
Sat navs do not always give clear or correct instructions. This is something that may well happen in real life and the candidate should learn how to deal with it.
If the candidate drives in a safe manner and pays full attention to their surroundings, road markings, and signage, they won't fail for following incorrect sat nav instructions.
Also, driving examiners will provide additional information and guidance if sat nav instructions are ambiguous or confusing.
Thanks,
Chris
Comment by Annette posted on
I totally agree with Colin.
Comment by Peter Cary posted on
Hi Lesley,
Can I ask was a traffic flow of 20 to 30 cars a minute in each direction the typical amount of traffic RoSPA observed when they considered Pull Over On the Right And Reverse Exercise to be a low risk exercise as this seems to be the typical amount of traffic passing cars on test in Yeovil which seems to cause the whole exercise to take 5 minutes or more to complete?
Comment by Chris (DVSA) posted on
Hello Peter,
The manoeuvre is designed to be carried out during the normal driving element of the test on roads that carry light to moderate traffic flow, without the need to deviate into side roads.
The intention is to assess how the driver interacts with other vehicles, as in real life. This situation can easily change if traffic flow increases once the manoeuvre has started.
As you've mentioned a specific test centre, we'll look into your concerns.
Thanks,
Chris
Comment by Louise Walsh posted on
The inconsistency within the examiners 'performance' has been very evident. The sat nav is very regularly needing verbal input from the examiners (which on the whole is helpful... but some offer help, some don't!)
I have had one very unsatisfactory test outcome follow a fault where the incorrect sat nav setting was 100% responsible for my pupils decision that then failed her... and an examiner who admitted it was wrong but was unable correct it due to not knowing how.
My pupil will be appealing
Comment by Chris (DVSA) posted on
Hello,
All examiners are trained to control the driving test with consistency and uniformity. Individual circumstances at the time can dictate how this control will be delivered as all scenarios differ.
The examiner will do all they can to make sure the candidate is not disadvantaged by ambiguous or confusing instructions. If this is the case then the examiner will intervene.
Thanks,
Chris
Comment by Steve Watson posted on
Totally agree with Colin's comments. The driving test should be marked positively. A very good overall drive should not result in a fail if, say, a candidate finishes a bay park with a wheel over the line. It's just not sensible! The way it's done does, inevitably, mean that some instructors will teach their pupils how to pass the test, not drive safely and independently.
Comment by Stevie@5Day posted on
Had one of my pupils do an absolute perfect bay park, kept the car slow, stopping to take that extra careful look around and keeping an eye out for moving vehicle's and wandering pedestrians, finishing nice and square next to the white line on his left but no white line on his right, ((missed the box completely)) passed his test with examiner saying, would have been nice to actually park in the bay, you caused no problem and did what needed to be done, well done you have passed today with just the one driving fault...
Comment by Pennie posted on
I agree with Colin Foster. The test is marked on a negative system, which a bad driver can pass and a good driver can fail. While I agree that marking faults is the easiest option, looking holistically at the drive would surely show the standard of the drive as a whole and would mean those that deserve to pass do, and those that are good at manipulating the system and can pull it out of the bag when they have to will, may find it more difficult to pass!
Comment by Jane hudson posted on
Still at a loss as to how any of this test improves road safety
Technology does not make a good safe driver their brains do
Comment by Lorraine Hanson posted on
Hi, I totally agree that following a sat nav directions doesn't make a new driver safer.
Neither does pulling up on the right make new drivers safer.
This New Test is much easier to pass than the previous Driving Test!
I haven't had to teach pupils/sorry clients, to use a sat nav yet - in fact 17 year olds are better with technology than I am. To test their and knowledge of Sat Navs in the first instance, I say set your mobile phone Google maps or Waze to your home post code, them let's put it somewhere safe and follow the directions home.
They can all do it! I hadn't had to teach anyone yet how to use it.
Comment by Paul Sullivan posted on
I'm not surprised in the least that the only comments published regarding the new test are positive ones! Let's wait to see what the new pass rates show up, the test changes are ridiculous, it will show up in time, trust me!
Comment by Tony Read posted on
Yes examiners are taught to use commence
Comment by Gary Fuller posted on
All in a day's work ...prepare the pupil properly and there is no reason why they should have any problems but a national pass rate of less than 50% this is shocking as an industry what are we the trainers doing about this.
Comment by Andrew Miller posted on
The new test could expose some instructors, their pupils, and examiners to the risk of Legionnaires' disease. I used to top up the screen wash about every 3 months, but since the show me questions on the move now uses both front and back washers, I'm having to top up every other week. Some instructors may be tempted to top up with just water to save money. This is dangerous because bacteria can build up in the reservoir. The water forms an aerosol when sprayed onto the screen and droplets drawn in through the heater/aircon vents can be inhaled by people inside the car. The bacteria might include Legionella. Proper screen wash fluid kills bacteria and should always be used.
Comment by Joe posted on
Really? Are you serious? Screenwash costs next to nothing, and in winter we use more. With all the other things to consider, I can’t believe you’re knocking the new test for including this, which should be a given. I sincerely hope you’re joking.
Comment by Mr Stevens posted on
I am sorry, but if you only ever filled up a washer bottle every 3 months you couldn't have using your car! I am semi rural and pre new test checked and topped it up every week, and certainly before an MOT or driving test. Your roads must be very clean, because I am forever cleaning my windscreen!
Comment by Albert DSouza posted on
I agree with Colin Foster! Examiners should mark on the overall performance of the pupil not just pick one fault and fail the pupil. On one particular test I sat on, the pupil was in the middle of the road waiting for the oncoming traffic to clear - waiting to turn right, which was fine. The traffic light then changed to red and the pupil drove off not affecting anyone else. The examiner failed the pupil because the light had changed to red In this case the pupil had no choice but to move off otherwise he would be blocking the road.
Comment by Glenn Reeve posted on
That should not be a fail,
Comment by Graham Carroll posted on
That can't possibly be correct. When the pupil moves into the central position he/she has already been through their green light. The fact that the advanced light that you will be looking at goes to red is irrelevant. There must have been another issue in my humble opinion
Comment by Pete Cowan posted on
This is not a fault. You should ask the examiner what really happened, or check your dash cam footage.
Comment by Mike Hilditch posted on
Hi Lesley,
Several students now completed the new test with good results. They are all finding the forward into bays nice and easy and two have stopped on the right successfully. I do not like stopping on the right for safety reasons, but am getting on with it.
Several instructors have produced videos on Youtube demonstrating the stopping on the right and reversing two car lengths. Forget the ‘ two car lenghts’, some of them have no reason to reverse and therefore both they and their students commit offences under Reg 106 Construction and Use Regs 1986. It would appear that examiners also commit the same offence on test in the same circumstances. My local test centre manager told me ‘no one will be prosecuted for reversing two car lengths’. IT IS STILL AN OFFENCE. If a student creeps through a stop sign it is an offence and correctly a test fail, no problem. Are there dual standards here.
If a collision occurred and police were involved a prosecution may follow, hopefully not. As the penalty for this offence carries licence points we need evidence backed clarification regarding exemption from the Regs when this manoeuvre is used on test. The only way we can legally teach this is within a reverse right manoeuvre as we as instructors have no exemption.
Regards
Comment by Chris (DVSA) posted on
Hi Mike,
There is a requirement in EU regulations and The Motor Vehicles Driving Licences Regulations 1999 that every driving test must contain a manoeuvre which has an element of reversing.
This manoeuvre, along with the other reverse exercises, is included as one of the set exercises that can be conducted on the test to assess the candidate's ability to control the vehicle in reverse gear prior to obtaining a full driving licence.
The correct manoeuvre is to pull up on the right, reverse 2 car lengths, and then move off. If any ADIs aren't having their pupils reverse 2 car lengths, they aren't teaching them the correct manoeuvre.
Thanks,
Comment by Mike Dixon posted on
Great point
Comment by R E Manning posted on
Can you explain why driving tests are conducted to suit ADI instructors tests [candidates ] and different for private car [candidates ]
IE Motorway Driving Must be with ADI Instructor with Dual controls.
This means the test is not the same for everyone as private candidates wont be taken on test routes using Motorways. in
there own private motor car I am sure a number of people would
like to take lessons but unable to pay for ADI instruction.
Comment by Chris (DVSA) posted on
Hello,
The driving test isn't conducted to suit ADI instructed candidates, but our research suggests candidates need on average 37 hours of professional instruction and 20 hours of private practice before they pass.
There are no plans to introduce motorway driving into the test, so this will not put you at any kind of disadvantage when it comes to taking your test.
Thanks,
Chris
Comment by Mr Stevens posted on
Why would people be unwilling/able to use an ADI for motorway driving instruction? If you couldn't afford an ADI for a couple of hours "guidance" then I would suggest you would not be able to afford to run a car
Comment by Alam posted on
Hi Lesley
I think the new test is more reality and gives the individual pupil more confidence to achieve their goals. If the pupil can concentrate to follow the sat nav and know how to drive without missing instructions they will gain more experience from their journey and have more chance to analyse their mistakes. So the 20 minutes of following sat nav is better then 10 minutes independent drive in my opinion.
Comment by Terry Faulkes ADI posted on
Terry Faulkes ADI
Only problem I have come across is from other road users.
Whilst teaching pulling up on the right.
Whilst pupil is preparing to rejoin the traffic waiting for oncoming traffic to clear drivers have made rude gestures as if we should not be there. I always make sure as a grade A instructor it’s safe. Don’t the public know it’s part of the test now and needs to be taught.
Comment by Cliff posted on
Why would you expect the "public" to know? Most drivers don't look at the Highway Code ever again once they have passed their test. Unless they are invited to attend a Speed Awareness course or finally get round to taking some sort of advanced driver training.
And am I missing something but wasn't it always said that there are no minors, just driving faults, of which serious and dangerous ones result in a test not being passed.
Comment by Joe posted on
I’m really concerned by the attitude towards examiners. They don’t fail pupils, the pupil fails. Blaming examiners is ridiculous. If you assessed a trainee surgeon who cut off a left arm instead of a right during an exam would you pass them because that’s all they did wrong and everything else was good??? some of my fellow ADIS seem intent in blaming examiners for everything rather than accepting their pupils messed up.
Also, I hardly ever see anyone teaching the left reverse or three point turn any more. It’s still on the cylabus
Comment by John Deam posted on
I'm not a DI but I'm IAM member 66552 and keen follower of Roadcraft. I agree with the contributor who mentioned negotiating bends on rural roads. E.g. (1) Approach speed with position for best view, (2) Cornering demands more tyre adhesion than going straight, (3) "Could I pull up safely if I met an obstacle just round the bend.?" So often one reads about youngsters who lose control on bends at speed. (Ideally we should be taught on skidpans, but that's too much to hope).
Comment by peter posted on
i expect my blog to be removed.
new test simply not fit for perpose.
some new test routes almost a joke .
stopping on the right in inapropriate places ( coming off a major roundabout) then reversing for two car lengths with nothing infront of them, prior to rejoining the carriageway?
encouraging the use of satnav , we all know the students will not buy a tomtom rather use their i-phones.
i know the new drivers will drive into a bay then reverse out not ideal but we should teach them but why remove the TIR/ L reverse?
the use of speed limiters allowed. if they can't drive for 40 mins without aids what chance after the test.
please open the window how will this improve my student.last week my student was asked to id the engine oil dipstick was this now a show me?
i want the test achievable but still testing.
Comment by Dai axford. A.D.i. (Grade A) 15 years experience. posted on
Majority of my pupils find the test much easier. Sat in on a few since it started,the examiner had to correct the sat nav on a number of occasions...e.g..counting a no entry as an exit amongst other things.
Comment by Jon Watton posted on
The changes to the test I believe are mostly positive. Satnav use is long overdue. Pulling up on the right will always be controversial, as it advises against it in the highway code. I don't personally have a problem with it as long as it is done safely, however some of the examiners at our local test centre have been asking candidates to do it in some shockingly dangerous places! Also strongly agree with previous comments regarding examiners ticking boxes rather than judging overall drive.
Comment by Joe posted on
Are you sure it’s the examiner? I saw a test where the Candidate was pulled up on a bend on the wrong side of the road. Examiner didn’t look happy and tge ADI who was sat in on the test told me next day that examiner had told pupil to turn right, not pull up. Pupil was so fixated on pull up on right he just did it when he shouldn’t have. Resulted in a fail because of dangerous position. I always try to remember if I’m not there in car, I don’t know what happens.
Comment by Stevie@5Day posted on
Been teaching now since 2002 and have a good relationship with the examiners that know i will not present a pupil that's not ready to be on the road alone, if they make a mistake its usually down to being scared of taking exams/tests and nerves kick in, then second test knowing what it's all about a pass.
Since the introduction of the new test i have presented 9 pupils for test with posative results from them all, only issue i have with the new test is the positioning of the sat-nav some examiners place it in the middle of the dashboard with easy view for the driver to take a glance at it while on the move but, other examiners are placing it beside the left front door pillar so that it requires a longer look to see where sat-nav is telling you to go .............. other than that i have no issues to complain about the old or new test or the way they are conducted ...
Comment by Chris (DVSA) posted on
Hello Stevie,
Examiners should position the Satnav in the middle of the dashboard, as close to the windscreen as possible (if on dash mat). Candidates should be able to both see and hear the sat nav to assist with forward planning.
If an examiner isn't placing the sat nav in the correct position, please let us know.
Thanks,
Chris
Comment by Leslie sargeant posted on
I sat in on a test recently and the sat nav can be very confusing. We were approaching a fork in the road and the sat nav said bear right, absolutely fine. But further up the road we were turning right at a traffic light controlled crossroads and the instruction from the sat nav was bear right. I never was in favour of using sat navs on test and this proves my point.
Comment by Chris (DVSA) posted on
Hello Leslie,
Sat navs may give ambiguous or confusing instruction in real life driving and it’s something drivers have to learn to deal with. It’s better that they learn to cope with this before they pass their test.
In the test, candidates should both listen to what it says and what shows on the screen to plan the required route. They won’t be penalised for taking the wrong turning, provided they do it safely.
Thanks,
Chris
Comment by Kevin Townsend posted on
As a professional driving instructor and ex Police Driver I would very strongly advise against the pull up on the right and reverse. There are many reasons why this can be so potentially dangerous and is best avoided. Highway code rule 239 states, If you have to stop on the roadside do not park facing against the traffic flow. And rule 248 states, You must not park on the road at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space. This manoeuvre is putting learners, examiners, instructors and other road users at risk, and should be removed from the test immediately before a serious incident occurs. I have already had to deal with a serious road rage incident from another driver after we safely performed this manoeuvre. As for the Sat Nav, I don't mind using technology if it makes a learner driver a safer driver. Sadly in the UK many people die each year in car crashes, some due to distractions. A learner with their limited amount of hours experience is not ready to have so much of their concentration and focus taken away from them to deal with a confusing, misleading, late and sometimes wrong Sat Nav. About 40% of their concentration is now taken trying to translate and understand the Sat Navs directions, that only leaves 60% left for getting there safely.....They are not ready to have 40% of their concentration and focus taken from them, they don't have the hours experience for this. A Sat Nav lesson would have been a better idea. This could then have been signed off by the ADI to say the learner had reached the required level.
Comment by Chris (DVSA) posted on
Hello Kevin,
The manoeuvre is not to park on the right, but to pull up on the right, reverse 2 car lengths, and then drive off. This is designed to simulate dropping someone off or picking them up, not parking. By teaching learner drivers to do this as safely as possible, we are preparing them for a lifetime of safe driving.
Also, drivers regularly park on the right-hand side of the road, which is legal in daylight hours even if it is potentially risky.
With regards to sat navs, drivers use them on a regular basis, so we think it's best to make sure they know how to use them and drive safely at the same time. This will mean it takes up less of their attention and will make Britain's roads safer.
Thanks,
Chris
Comment by Kevin Townsend posted on
Hi Chris
And many thanks for your response. But with the greatest respect to you I hope you don't mind if I totally disagree. You say stopping on the right is to simulate dropping someone off or picking someone up from that side of the road. Cant the person cross the road and be picked up safely on the left. Or the driver safely turn around and pick them up from the left. And if the person is getting picked up or dropped off on the right and they are sitting in the front of the car they will need to open the left door into the road rather than safely towards the pavement. To say in real life some people do this should not justify us doing it. ( especially when you also say its potentially risky )We should be setting high standards for others to follow, not following low standards simply because some others do it.
Regards
Kev
Comment by Jack posted on
Could any one tell me, as I haven't had the opportunity to sit on a test yet, does the sat nav used by examiners not give the direction for exits on roundabouts? For example: I have generally said 'at the roundabout follow the road ahead second exit (or whatever exit it happens to be). The Sat nav I have, which is the tom tom model that the examiners use does not give the direction only the exit number. I presume for fear of being sued by someone who literally turns right i.e. anti clockwise. If this is the case are we and the examiners to also use the new phraseology?
Comment by Chris (DVSA) posted on
Hello Jack,
Some of our satnavs will say enter the roundabout and take the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th exit. This is perfectly acceptable as every sat nav has slight variations. The key point is the candidate listens as well as looks at the sat nav to determine the correct exit to take. This is how ADIs should be teaching the use of the sat nav.
Thanks,
Chris
Comment by David Parry posted on
Amazed to read that one ADI thinks the new test is good because he can now get pupils passing after 45/50 lessons, ie less than before. He is either a very bad teacher or a money grabber. My average is 20/25 lessons per pass. re satnav ... I sat in on a test and the satnav was not working properly (no voice). The examiner fiddled with it for 10 minutes, thus distracting my pupil, whilst the pupil was still driving. During this time the examiner never looked at my pupil but gave him 6 mirror errors and gave him a fail. I was watching and not 1 mirror check was missed. After the test I spoke to the examiner to say how badly he conducted the test, suggesting he should have abandoned the faulty satnav and revert to verbal instructions, but the examiner said he had more experience than me because he had been doing it for 15 years. I became an ADI in 1994 and been a full licence holder since 1972, so who has most experience.
Comment by Steve posted on
I think you are only allowing positive comments on your Blog? I think you have deskilled the test. I could always judge when a pupil was ready for the test when they could control the car well on the "Reverse Left" exercise. The "Turn in road" exercise was a good starter for the exercises. Now I have to justify myself to parents and pupils why they need to learn something that ISN'T ON THE TEST!
As for the parking I have already been threaten with an £80 fine for using a Council Carpark (As it's not allowed under the 1988 RTA.) to practice, if you are a Driving Instructor; this discrimiation hasn't been understood or addressed by the DVSA. I was in a Car Park yesterday where 9 ADI's were practicing. Why? Because more practice is now required in car parks.
The SatNav is often giving early or late, and incorrect instructions; this confuses the pupil. Why is this acceptable on a test, when all pupils should be given a fair test. These issues with SatNav direction can be minimised after the test is passed, so I beleive that the SatNav is just a way of adding confusion the the pupil.
As for "Pulling up on the Right", again this can be something that as you get confident, you can adapt yourself to local requirements; later on.
Please beleive me, when I say I beleive in improvements to the Driving Test and better New Driver development. I offer Pass Plus at 20% discount on my hourly rate, but I have only sold 2 courses in 7 years; one was to a 55 year old woman. Until, the Government, DVSA etc. make it law, no one will pay for something they believe they don't need!!! Young drivers are going to die, as they believe driving is a game they can't lose on. Crash and they will walk away, because they are GREAT drivers because they are young and get good scores on there X-Box and the DVSA and DVLA have given them a LICENCE to do as they like!!! The Police are so thin on the ground, and they think that laws are just their for other people????
Comment by Chris (DVSA) posted on
Hello Steve,
The new manoeuvres carry exactly the same skill sets as the old ones and are reflective of what a modern driver will do on a daily basis.
Candidates should be taught driving skills for life, not just to pass a test.
We would suggest only using carparks that don't object to learner drivers to practice manoeuvres.
Thanks,
Chris
Comment by Andy Langford posted on
Whilst approving of the changes to the test procedure I soon discovered that being unfamiliar with the TomTom SatNav was an issue. I have been with AA Driving School for nearly 22 years but, like most instructors, only recently began to make more use of Sat Nav technology. My newest car arrived last August with an in-built Sat Nav - but is not the same as the TomTom. In general my pupils have found the TomTom quite easy to follow, but the biggest issue was the different wording given on the approach to roundabouts in particular. A normal roundabout with left, straight and right exits is fine, but when a roundabout has more than 3 exits the TomTom instructs 'cross the roundabout and take the 2nd (or 3rd) exit. If the 2nd exit is more left than straight the pupil can be confused and be likely to be heading for the 3rd, since that is ACROSS the roundabout. Having appreciated this I now explain the difference in wording whenever appropriate i.e. if my SatNav says 'enter the roundabout and take the 2nd exit' I will instantly repeat 'cross the roundabout and take the 2nd exit'.
Some examiners will make some comments to clarify the route, or add a comment that identifies 'the route to whichever town...' and is a prompt for the pupil to look for an additional sign before the roundabout. So my pupils will all be encouraged not only to check the SatNav route and directions as early and frequently as necessary, but also to keep a lookout for all relevant road signs - to avoid being baffled at the last moment. They need to be ready and think ahead.
Comment by Gary Fear posted on
I kinda like aspects of the new test whilst still questioning its use... Forward into a bay? ALWAYS been advised against so why teach and test on it? Rear revers is safer and it IS meant to be about safety is it not? Sat nav is fine but I think the original ten mins was gonna suffice. Stop on the right? Hmmm-debatable. Again its always been advised against as you park against the flow of traffic and is considered more risky whilst good driving is meant to be about risk elimination. Teach it sure, test on it and you quantify it and make it acceptable. If the DVSA use the argument that may do it so we will teach and test on it, how about teaching speeding as everyone and his dog does this! How about turning in the road at a crossing? They do that too! Of course, I am not being serious about suggesting we teach these things but teaching a more risky method of doing something that can be done in a safer manner to begin with, is ASKING for trouble, surely?
Comment by Chris (DVSA) posted on
Hello Gary,
Forward parking in a bay is something that all drivers do and insisting on teaching them only to reverse into a bay won't change that. The new test assesses their ability to pull forward into a bay and reverse out safely.
The pull up on the right manoeuvre is not the same as parking on the right, which is indeed advised against in the Highway Code. Pulling up on the right, reversing back, and driving off is meant to simulate dropping off or picking someone up, not parking. This is perfectly legal.
Thanks,
Chris
Comment by Mr Stevens posted on
I am not over impressed with the sat nav element....in every test so far the examiner has had to over talk the sat nav to avoid confusion, and wrong direction/command from sat nav, so what is the point? Independent driving is good as the candidate HAS to read the road markings and signs, trying squint at a sat nav, and listen to vague commands is not testing a safe drive....in real life when they have the stereo up full blast, and mates chatting at them....they still will get it wrong! Are the DSA/DVLA going to be honest and say to the public that the new test will add to the time candidates will take to pass the test? like already mentioned above I will still teach the dropped maneuvers, as many may have to reverse onto a driveway from a busy road, and also by following a sat nav incorrectly, may have to do a TIR to get back onto a correct course, they should be on the test as before, with the addition of the two new ones. One last point the 5 new tests my customers have taken have been in quicker times than the old one
Comment by Chris (DVSA) posted on
Hello,
The reason for including sat nav in the new test is that drivers will use sat nav after passing irrespective of what they are taught, so it's better to teach them to use sat navs safely before they start driving on their own.
It's better for them to get used to following a sat nav in the safety of a professionally tutored lesson, rather than in the weeks and months after their test, when they're still getting used to driving without their instructor.
Thanks,
Chris
Comment by Douglas Hesketh posted on
Learners will also use the motorway when they pass there test irrespective of what they are taught!! I stopped teaching last October after 24 years - Grade 6 for most of them, with a very high pass rate, and averaging less than 2 minors per test. The reason I stopped teaching was because I was not prepared to teach pupils to do something that I would NOT do myself ie, pull up on the right-hand side of the road. Not only is this going against the highway code, but is also illegal once it becomes dark/night time - Just because someone will do it, it doesn't mean we should encourage, let alone teach it. When will the power's that be ever learn!! It only takes one fatality, and the family informing the authorities and insurance company that, there son/daughter was taught to do this by there instructor, and with the full approval of the DVSA. Litigation will then I am sure be inevitable. You have been warned!!
Comment by Eddiemar posted on
In reply to Douglas...if you have averaged less than 2 minors per test it implies that possibly 20 -40% of all your candidates are passing with ZERO minor faults...thats utter bull, and every ADI knows it ....you are not beind clever
And if you stopped working its because you dont need the money (or chsnged profession) and not because of a relatively minor change to the driving test!!
Comment by Douglas Hesketh posted on
It is not bull sir, as, those statistics were sent to me by the DSA of actually 1.6 minors per test on average. I taught my pupils to drive and not to only pass the driving test!! And further more, I do not consider teaching people to pull up on the right-hand side of the road - which goes against the highway code, a minor change to the test!!
Comment by Graham Taylor ADI posted on
With regards to Brian's question on the 23rd January regarding whether it was permissible or not to reverse into a bay behind, after driving forwards into a bay. Chris from the DVSA replied:
Upon completion of forward bay parking, it is acceptable for candidates to use the bay to the rear if required. This obviously still requires the candidate to demonstrate fundamentals of slow speed manoeuvrability and an acceptable level of all-around observation and awareness.
However in the booklet 'Driving test changes' sent to all ADI's the instruction reads:
Your pupil can't drive through a first parking bay, and then park in a bay directly in front of that. When they reverse out, they can't go into any bays behind them.
Can you please officially clarify this.
As regards the rest of the new test, I think that pulling onto the right hand side is dangerous. Particularly for has been suggested, 'to drop someone off'. Who would then be alighting into the road in front of oncoming traffic! The practicing of the bay parking is becoming difficult as council car parks are throwing instructors off, and supermarkets are erecting 'No learner Driver' signs and saying it contravenes their planning regulations. I believe the DVSA are having talks with large car park owners as to letting instructors use their car parks to teach, but unfortunately we have none of those in our area either. And this is only 2 months into the new test!