The DVSA is still looking for learners to take part in the trialling of the new driving test – check out our rundown of the test centres involved across the country and what to expect if you decide to take the plunge.
The DVSA have been trialling the new test since Spring 2015 and is looking for 2-3,000 learner drivers to take part in the one-year trial. The intention is for the DVSA to compare the results of learners taking the current test and trial test plus critically, the impact it has on the safe driving standards of learners who pass the new test compared to the old version.
“The government wants new drivers to be prepared for driving on their own, and not just passing the driving test,” explained the DVSA about its motivation for the upgrading the existing driving test.
To take part, learners should check with one of the following 26 test centres that have signed up to the trial. The list has been expanded recently to include Bristol (Southmead), Herne Bay and Southampton (Maybush):
Basildon • Bedford • Birmingham Kings Heath • Bishopbriggs (Glasgow) • Blackpool • Bournemouth • Bristol (Southmead) • Cheetham Hill • Edinburgh (Musselburgh) • Enfield • Farnborough • Folkestone • Herne Bay • Ipswich • Lincoln • Lower Gornal • Mitcham (London) • Norwich • Oxford • Sheffield Handsworth • Southampton (Maybush) • St Helens • Sunderland • Swansea • Weston-super-mare • York
The differences between the existing driving test and the trial test are:
We will provide the satnav, and you can’t use your own. It will be pre-programmed and the driving examiner will fit it to the windscreen. We’re using a TomTom GO 50 satnav for the trials. There may be a need to use the in-car power. We’ll look at this during the trial.'
– The DVSA on the use of sat nav during the trial test.
– Remember, learners who pass the trial test will receive a full driving licence.
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