Driving Test Changes for 2017
There are changes proposed to the practical driving test which are due to be implemented sometime in 2017. The exact date is yet to be announced but it is likely towards the latter part of the year now.

The changes centre on the use of satnav technology and what are generally accepted as more realistic driving scenarios and manoeuvres.

So what are these proposed changes?

  1. The independent driving part of the test is to be increased from 10 minutes to approximately 20 minutes.
  2. Using a satnav will be incorporated into the independent driving section.
  3. The turn in the road manoeuvre will be removed. Parking on the right, reversing a few car lengths and moving off again will replace it.
  4. Reversing around a corner will be removed. Driving forwards into a parking bay and reversing out again safely will be added.
  5. One of the show me/tell me questions will be asked while the car is moving.

The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has trialled the new driving test at a number of centres across the country over the last two years. Learners had a choice at these centres to take either the current test or the new one. Fortunately the results for the two tests have been broadly similar. Over 4,000 of the new tests have been conducted.

Why is the test changing?

The DVSA wants the test to better reflect the demands of modern driving. Statistics show that young drivers are more likely to be involved in a crash on rural roads. Satnavs are in common use these days but they are also a potentially massive distraction. If a satnav is to be used in the driving test then it follows that driving instructors will need to include the use of these in their lessons.

We will keep you posted as to when the new test is to be implemented.

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