Driving tests consist of approx. 38 - 40 minutes driving in various conditions and on different types of road.
They include one show me and one tell me question, at least 1 manoeuvre and sometimes an emergency stop.
Practical Test Advice
From April 6th 2010, the introduction of 'observer on test' for candidates taking a car practical test was introduced. The observer is normally the person who accompanies the candidate to the test centre. The observer could be the instructor, parent, guardian or friend who has taught the candidate to drive, but in most cases it will be their ADI. By observing the practical test, an ADI will see the drive first hand, listen to the examiner's feedback and discuss this with their pupil later. If pupils fail, the ADI can provide targeted remedial training, reducing the number of learners requiring several test attempts.
When their pupils pass, the experience of seeing the test first hand will help ADIs to offer the right guidance to their pupils to aid their ongoing development and lifelong learning. Pupils will be asked if they would like their ADI present on test.
Independent Driving
From the 4th October 2010, your practical driving test will include a section of 'independent driving' during your test you will have to drive by either following traffic signs, a series of directions or a combination of both, for 10 minutes. If you are asked to follow a series of verbal directions you will be shown a diagram to help you.
It doesn't matter if you don't remember every direction, or if you go the wrong way. Independent driving is not a test of your orientation and navigational skills. Driving independently means making your own decisions this includes deciding when it is safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation about where you are going.
For example
- The examiner may say "what I would like you to do is follow a series of directions", and to help the candidate be clear about where they are going, the examiner can show them a diagram too.
- The examiner may say "shortly I would like you to drive for some distance independently." For example, "follow the traffic signs to Kings Lynn via the A47, continue to follow the signs until I direct you otherwise."
Including independent driving in the test will let candidates show that they are ready to drive in the real word. After all when they have passed their driving test they will need to get from A to B safely. Making their own decisions often dealing with other distractions such as passengers and music. Learning how to do that will help them to be safer drivers, and that's what everyone wants.
Proposed changes to driving regulations
The Department for transport announced a raft of measures on the 21st December 2015 to improve the safety of Britain's roads.
The proposals will ensure learner drivers are properly prepared before their test, including the chance to gain motorway experience with an approved driving instructor. This follows plans announced last month to introduce a deposit which is returned to the learner driver if they pass, encouraging them to take their test when they are ready.
Other measures to take priority in the government's plan for road safety, to include funding to train the next generation of cyclists and extra money for police forces to crack down on drug drivers.
The plan outlines how the government is delivering on its commitment to reduce the number of people killed and injured on our roads during this Parliament.
As a result of the Road Transport Red Tape Challenge the government is scrapping the regulation requiring motorists to hold a paper counterpart to their driving licence by 2015.
Removing the need for an insurance certificate. The Department for Transport will work with the insurance industry on removing the need for motorists to have to hold an insurance certificate.