Driving Test Changes in 2010
The driving test format will be changing in 2010 to test more the way we drive, rather than just complete a series of instructions.
The good news for many learner drivers is that the current 2 manoeuvres required on your driving test will be reduced to just 1 reversing exercise.
This will allow more time to be spent on accessing the overall driving standard of the candidate, whilst not increasing the time of the driving test.
However, the major change comes in the format of a new category called ‘independant driving’.
Essentially what will now happen is that a candidate will be given a series of instructions/directions to follow and will be expected to either follow road direction signs to a local place, or be given 3 or 4 directions to follow in the format of, ‘at the end of the road turn left, then at the end of the new road turn right, then at the roundabout take he 3rd exit’.
This new exercise will last for no more than 10 minutes during the driving test and will asses a candidates ability to ‘read’ the road ahead and make correct decisions based on their understanding of road layouts and directions, which is exactly what they will need to do whilst driving on their own without supervision from a driving instructor.
December 9th, 2009 at 09:47 am
It’ll be interesting to see how the DSA set this up. The main problem I can see is many places have poor road signs, and some pupils might find it difficult remembering the directions.
I currently do something similar with all my pupils and it does help, but not everyone does it the same.
Hopefully they won’t be marked down if they follow the wrong directions, so long as they do it safely.
Rob
December 18th, 2009 at 07:38 am
Its really good news for the learner drivers and the concept of introducing new category independant driving is good.
March 12th, 2010 at 02:32 am
I’m sure this new approach will make the lesson more specific for the learner.I started out my driving lesson two weeks ago and i’m really enjoying the course.
March 26th, 2010 at 01:13 am
Sounds more interesting and time efficient.The time was reduced but still make the driving lesson more specific.Following the road instructions and signs are very important to any driver.
April 12th, 2010 at 05:28 am
It’s like the combination of 2 manoeuvres compiled in one.It is more fun and practical in time spent.I’m so excited to try this new way.
May 26th, 2010 at 05:13 pm
It really will be more time efficient, this will actually make the learners think more before performing a maneouvre.
June 8th, 2010 at 08:31 pm
What do the pupils with heavy dyslexia do when it comes to road signs and remembering directions?
Instead of using the 10 minutes saved to do a silly road sign thing why not make dual carriageways and fast country road compulsory? This is where the 17-21 years old new drivers are killing themselves and others. Not getting directions wrong! Silly change in my opinion, more though needed please DSA
Ed www.lewesdrivinglessons.com
July 26th, 2010 at 01:31 am
How about letting our instructors decide when we get a license? After 2 nerve racking tests and 2 fails I am just about ready to put a gun to my head.
August 3rd, 2010 at 03:19 am
This is good news for local candidates, but not so good news if you are tavelling to test centre from another town or neaby village and you are not familiar with test routes.
August 21st, 2010 at 12:10 pm
Driving lessons would be more fun and meaningful if the driving test will be changed. Independent driving lesson is much more helpful than the typical driving test. And students will learn faster and more clear with the new driving test. However, the government should also repair those road signs to avoid any accidents.