The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has recently begun trials of a new approach to driving tests, designed to ensure you are ready for the many different types of roads found in the UK.
The new test being trailed involves candidates spending more time on rural or high speed roads as part of the practical driving test.
The reason for the trial is simple – too many young car drivers are being seriously injured or killed in collisions on rural roads compared to other age groups (48% versus 42%).
All change
To combat these worrying figures, the DVSA has now introduced a three-month trial across 20 driving test centres. It is designed to assess how successfully learner drivers can navigate high speed and rural routes by introducing three new route-based changes:
1. Less stops
Currently, you can expect your test to usually include four stops. These stops are typically carried out in low-speed areas. However, a learner involved in the trial will experience only three stops, increasing the opportunity for the examiner to include more rural and fast roads in test route planning.
2. Less ’emergencies'
Emergency stops are currently included in one in three driving tests. In the new trial, the frequency will drop to one in seven. As such stops are usually carried out in low-speed areas, the reduction means learn drivers are now more likely to experience roads with the national speed limit during their test.
3. More sat nav
You can currently expect the independent driven section of your test to last up to 20 minutes. However, the trial will allow examiners to extend this period if they wish – even up to the entire running time of the test. This will give learners far more time to experience real-world navigation.
“This trial is about giving learners a more realistic experience before they pass, especially in the types of environments that pose the biggest risk to them.”
Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency
Trial locations
There are 20 driving test centres involved in the trial that began on 6 May and will end in early August. The driving test centres are:Avonmouth | Bishopbriggs | Bolton | Cambridge | Cardiff | Dudley | Halifax | Hendon | Hereford | Hornchurch | Isleworth | Maidstone | Middlesbrough | Musselburgh | Norris Green | Norwich (Peachman Way) | Nottingham (Chilwell) | Oxford | Portsmouth | Wakefield.
Each centre has up to four examiners helping with the trials and offer the new rural and high speed approach in their tests.
How to prepare
It’s simple – you don’t need to as the test’s core elements remain basically the same with the DVSA stating the new trial does ‘not change the content’ of the test itself. Just keep practising your driving and the DVSA will be in touch with you to explain the trial in more detail if you are affected – plus offer you reassurance to address any nerves you may have.
Once the trial ends, the DVSA will review and share all outcomes with the driver education sector and wider industry, focusing on any benefits to the quality of the test as well as any route planning and road safety improvements.
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