Driving test routes to no longer be published

DSA want driving test to be more representative of real driving.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) are to stop publishing details of test routes.

Currently test routes used by each driving test centre are published online but this will stop when new routes are introduced on 4 October, to help make the driving test more representative of real driving.

This will support the introduction of independent driving, which will allow candidates to demonstrate their ability to drive safely in more realistic driving situations rather than memorising a particular test route.

Candidates will drive for about ten minutes, without step-by-step direction from their examiner, and will involve either following a series of directions, following traffic signs, or a combination of both. The examiner may also show the candidate a simple diagram to help them visualise the directions.

The remainder of the test is unchanged.

DSA's Chief Driving Examiner Trevor Wedge said: "We want to make sure that new drivers and riders are ready to make their own decisions when driving alone; learning how to do that in preparation for their test should lead to better and safer drivers."

Further information:
Driving Standards Agency