Already this year there has been a formality change to the Driving Test where, before leaving the test centre, examiners asks candidates whether they would like their instructor to observe the test.
DSA now encourage ADIs to do this as well as listen to the feedback at the end. The idea is to improve everyone’s learning and development and bring about an improvement to the pass rate.
Introduction of “Independent Driving”
One of the biggest challenges for the newly qualified driver is the empty front passenger seat. Because there is no instructor to rely on to prompt, give advice or guide, what can be a steep new learning curve becomes apparent. The new independent driving exercise will help to bridge the gap between learning to drive and driving in the real world and so, create safer drivers.
From Monday 4 October 2010 the DSA will include an “Independent driving” exercise into all driving tests. For a period of around 10 minutes the candidate will be asked to follow direction signs, such as place names, or will be given maximum of four simple verbal directions at any one time. The verbal directions will be given at the side of the road which will be aided, if necessary, by using a simple diagrams ... eg:
Independent Driving components
The candidate will be asked to do one of the following:
1. Drive to a destination following traffic signs 2. Drive to a destination following a series of verbal directions 3. Drive to a destination using a combination of both these methods
To allow time for this exercise and concentrate on more general open road general driving, the number of set-piece manoeuvres will be reduced to one reverse manoeuvre out of a possible three. This will allow the test to concentrate on more general open road general driving. Candidates will not know which of the three manoeuvres will be selected and so it will continue to be necessary to be well practised in all aspects of car control.
