Learner drivers will have to be able to follow directions from a sat nav and drive into a parking space to pass their test.
Ministers have announced four changes to the current test which will come into force on 4 December.
Drivers will also be expected to answer vehicle safety questions while on the move and complete 20 minutes of independent driving rather than 10.
The RAC Foundation said it would be a “far more realistic assessment”.
Changing Behaviours
The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), which is in charge of running driving tests and approving instructors, said it wanted the test to have “more real life scenarios” such as driving into and reversing out of a parking space.
It said it wants the test to reflect the changing behaviours of drivers.
Manoeuvres such as “reverse around a corner” will be replaced in the new test and examiners will test a driver’s ability to use a sat nav as an alternative to following road signs.
About half of all car drivers now have a sat nav and using them teaches drivers to better manage distractions, the DVSA said.
Changes To The Show Me/Tell Me Questions
The “show me” and “tell me” question at the beginning of the test will become a “show me” question while driving such as asking candidates to use the rear windscreen heater.
The DVSA said increasing the time candidates had to do independent driving would allow the examiner to better assess the driver’s ability to drive safely on high risk roads.
Currently, learner drivers spend a large amount of test time on low risk roads such as housing estates.
Transport minister Andrew Jones said despite the UK having some of the safest roads in the world, the government was “always looking to make them safer”.
Mr Jones said: “Ensuring the driving test is relevant in the 21st Century – for example, the introduction of sat navs, will go a long way towards doing this.”
For the full story, please click here.
Learn To Drive With Surrey Driving Force
Whatever your level of driving experience Surrey Driving Force can offer driving lessons in Surrey to suit you. From driving tests to refresher courses, our friendly and experienced instructors will help you to achieve your goal quickly and affordably.
- Competitive rates
- Friendly, patient and fully qualified Driving Instructors
- Test success in as few lessons as possible
- Convenient pick-ups from home, work or school
- New, air-conditioned, dual control cars
- Reduced driving lesson prices when you block book
- Driving lessons seven days a week
