British driving tests to feature independent driving

Candidates to spend approximately ten minutes showing their ability to drive safely without being given directions.

British driving tests are soon to feature independent driving, with candidates having to follow traffic signs or a short series of verbal directions, or a combination of both.

From 4 October, candidates in all main categories of test will spend around ten minutes demonstrating their ability to drive safely without bring given directions throughout the test.

To help candidates understand where they are going when following verbal directions, the examiner will show a diagram, and candidates can also ask for a reminder as they drive.

Practical car test candidates will also only have to complete one of the three reversing manoeuvres, instead of the current two.

DSA’s Chief Driving Examiner Trevor Wedge said: "The aim of independent driving is to assess the candidate’s ability to drive safely whilst making decisions independently. It’s not a test of navigation and candidates won’t be failed for going off route."

"The test is being improved to help produce safer drivers, but that doesn’t mean it’s getting any harder. We know many instructors are already teaching independent driving."

Further information:
Driving Standards Agency