Providing you with updates regarding Theory and Driving Tests as well as articles, links and videos of interest.

Observer on test

From the 6 of April 2010 DSA examiners will ask you if you would like your instructor or accompanying driver to sit in the car for the duration of the test.

DSA are encouraging candidates to have their ADI (or another observer – preferably the person who has taught them) to sit in on their practical test and listen to the feedback, and that from that date an ADI may act as interpreter on the test.

The start date for the new practical test is currently set for 4th October 2010

From taking directions to taking control

The DSA believes that learner drivers rarely go through all aspects of driving in their tuition or test, and so they may not be ready to drive alone at first.

The new driving test will have two major changes from the current test.

This is because the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is looking to improve road safety.

The first change is that you will only be required to carry out ONE driving manoeuvre instead of the current requirement for two manoeuvres.

This is to allow more time for the new INDEPENDENT DRIVING part of the test which is the 2nd and most significant change.

INDEPENDENT DRIVING

You will be asked to:

-Drive to a destination following traffic signs

-Drive following a series of verbal directions:diagrams will show a route path such as,follow the to the end and turn right- at the end turn left- at the roundabout turn right...

Verbal directions will also be given.

-Drive using a combination of the above methods.

-you will be required to use a manouver to turn the car around,as if you were going in the wrong direction.

During the test, in the same way as you are required at the moment, you will be expected to drive using the correct observations, mirrors, obeying speed limits, dealing with hazards, road markings, signs, etc, completly unaided and unprompted.

From 4 October 2010, learner drivers will be tested on independent driving as part of the practical driving test.

During their test, candidates will have to drive for about 10 minutes, either following a series of directions, following traffic signs, or a combination of both.

To help candidates understand where they are going, the examiner may show them a diagram.

It doesn't matter if candidates don't remember every direction, or if they go the wrong way - that can happen to the most experienced drivers

Carlos P. Driving Lessons

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