THE BIGGEST changes in the driving test since 2010 come into force tomorrow (Monday)
Shocking statistics show road crashes are the biggest killer of young people, accounting for a quarter of all deaths of 15 to 19-year-olds.
It is hoped the new test, which will be sat by more than 220,000 current learner drivers, will bring about a decrease in that number by ensuring they have the knowledge and skills they need for a lifetime of safe driving.
The new test will see the independent driving section increased to 20 minutes, four out of five candidates will follow directions from a sat nav and reversing manoeuvres will also be changed. The 20-minute independent drive will enable examiners to assess if the learner has the skills and experience they need to use these roads safely.
Participants will have to answer a question on vehicle safety whilst driving.
A manoeuvre new drivers will have to master is pulling over onto the right hand side (across oncoming traffic) before moving off safely again.
The DVSA wants to make sure new drivers know what factors to take into account when they decide whether or not to pull up on the right.
The thinking is that it is safer for drivers to be taught this by a qualified instructor rather than leaving it chance once they have passed their test as it is a good test of judgement, observation and skill in manoeuvring, all essential in everyday driving.
Another manoeuvre is pulling into parking bays as most people these days use public car parks, such as at their workplace or at the local supermarket.
The examiner will also be able to use this manoeuvre as an opportunity to assess the same skill used in the current reverse round the corner or turn in the road manoeuvres.
Driving instructor David Mann from the ADI Bromsgrove Driving School welcomed the changes which have been made in a bid to better prepare new drivers for taking to the modern roads.
He said: “It’s not a big thing and it is important we move with the times.”
He added one of the reasons behind it was because of the introduction and rising popularity of sat navs.
“We need to make sure more people can cope with having the sat nav on and following it while still focusing on their driving.”
David said he has the sat nav on during lessons to get students used to it.
“There is also more emphasis on getting students out on national speed limit roads and dual carriageways as the statistics show young people are having more accidents on the faster roads.
“The changes to the test are welcome but the important thing for us is that we continue to teach them all the other skills they will need.
“I always say we are not teaching people to pass a test we are teaching them to drive for the duration of their lives.”
