The driving test is about to radically change.
Driving tests are being shaken up in the biggest change for generations aimed at reducing car accidents among young motorists.
From 4th December, how to use a sat nav will be tested and reversing round a bend is being scrapped. Instead, drivers might be asked to reverse out of a parking space.
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) chief executive Gareth Llewellyn said: “Great Britain’s roads are among the safest in the world.
“But there is scope to do more to keep road users safe – particularly newly-qualified drivers.
“Making sure the test better assesses a driver’s ability to drive safely and independently is part of our strategy to help every driver through a lifetime of safe driving.”
A pilot of the new test has been tried out on more than 4,500 learner drivers and 850 instructors in 32 locations across Britain.
Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said the changes bring the test bang up to date.
He said: “These proposed changes recognise that it is more important for candidates to demonstrate the capability to drive independently on high-risk roads than being able to reverse flawlessly into a quiet cul-de-sac.
“The new approach will be deemed a success if, in the longer term, it produces better-prepared drivers and we experience fewer road casualties. In the meantime we hope these common sense changes will be rolled out swiftly.”
Most people take around 40 hours of lessons although you can do an intensive course to get you ready in a matter of days or weeks.
Passing your driving test isn’t easy though with around half of all learners failing the practical exam every year.
So here are some useful tips to help you increase your chances of passing:
Don’t rush it and budget for it
Be sure to take enough lessons before booking a test and ask your instructor for advice on when you’re ready.
Although rushing a test can seem like it will save money on lessons, paying for multiple exams will cost you more in the long run.
It’s important to budget for learning to drive to avoid cutting corners – so tot up how much a provisional licence, theory test, professional lessons and practical test actually cost before you start.
Location
Where you’re taking the test can have a big impact with pass rates differing hugely across the country.
Test centres in the West Midlands are statistically hardest while rural Scotland is best – although it’s a bit of a stretch to travel if you live in the south.
Practice makes perfect
Taking professional lessons is great – but having extra time behind the wheel in between can help you pass faster.
Being able to go out with a parent or qualified friend can increase your experience in different cars and on different routes – and that can only be a good thing.
Make sure you’re properly insured though!
Rest
Make sure you get plenty of rest and sleep before the test. You need to be alert and attentive so you can react to the road.
Taking a lesson before the test can also help to get you in the right mindset for driving.
The examiner isn’t your enemy
Although examiners might seem steely and hard – they take no joy in failing someone. They’d rather give someone good news but have to be fair and safe.
