As you may have already seen on the news or on social media, the driving test is changing in December 2017. Having been one of the driving instructors that took part in the trial for the new test in 2015/16, I believe the current test is out dated and needs changing due to the ever-changing ways in which we drive, and that the new driving test is far better.
Some people, instructors included believe that it shouldn’t change and that some if not all the changes are either pointless, dangerous or have not been recommended to be done in the past by instructors, however we must move with the times. I will give you an example, reversing in to a bay has always been thought of as the safest way to park. Driving forwards into a bay is not the done way and is frowned upon by some! As when you reverse you can’t see as clearly. So, the next time you go to the supermarket, have a look at how many cars are reversed in to the bays and how many have drove in forwards! The latter will greatly outnumber the former. Therefore, it stands to reason that if the clear majority of drivers are driving forwards in to the bays, that we test learners on driving forward in to a bay! Thus, the test being more fit for purpose and like every day driving than it is now with a turn in the road, I mean when was the last time you attempted one? On your driving test probably?
Some are complaining about the use of the Satnav on the test. Saying, it is a distraction, dangerous and I have also had a comment that there is nothing wrong with an old-fashioned map! Let me address these thoughts.
Some people, instructors included believe that it shouldn’t change and that some if not all the changes are either pointless, dangerous or have not been recommended to be done in the past by instructors, however we must move with the times. I will give you an example, reversing in to a bay has always been thought of as the safest way to park. Driving forwards into a bay is not the done way and is frowned upon by some! As when you reverse you can’t see as clearly. So, the next time you go to the supermarket, have a look at how many cars are reversed in to the bays and how many have drove in forwards! The latter will greatly outnumber the former. Therefore, it stands to reason that if the clear majority of drivers are driving forwards in to the bays, that we test learners on driving forward in to a bay! Thus, the test being more fit for purpose and like every day driving than it is now with a turn in the road, I mean when was the last time you attempted one? On your driving test probably?
Some are complaining about the use of the Satnav on the test. Saying, it is a distraction, dangerous and I have also had a comment that there is nothing wrong with an old-fashioned map! Let me address these thoughts.
It can be a distraction, and that is the whole reason for bringing the Satnav in, the DVSA needed to find a way of testing learners safely with a distraction in the car. The Satnav will be pre-programmed with the route to be followed so therefore there is no need for the learner to touch the Satnav. The old independent drive was 5-10 minutes of following signs or a set of instructions given to the learner. The Satnav will be used for 20 minutes now, however just like the old test if you go the wrong way, it is not a problem if you have done it safely! One in five tests will not use the Satnav and you will have to follow road signs.
The “reverse around the corner” and “turn in the road” will not be tested, however, at Xpert Driver Training Ltd, you will still be taught this manoeuvre. Instead you will be asked to do one of three reversing manoeuvres.
The Show Me, Tell Me (SMTM) questions are changing slightly as well. You will now be asked one at the start of the driving test and one will be asked to be performed on the move whilst driving.
I will write another blog later with the new SMTM, questions in it.
If you want to look further into the new driving test you can do so by clicking on this link.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/driving-test-changes-4-december-2017
© Xpert Driver Training Ltd 2017
The “reverse around the corner” and “turn in the road” will not be tested, however, at Xpert Driver Training Ltd, you will still be taught this manoeuvre. Instead you will be asked to do one of three reversing manoeuvres.
- Parallel park at the side of the road, as it is in the old test.
- Park in a bay - either driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out (the examiner will tell you which one you have to do)
- Pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for 2 car lengths and rejoin the traffic.
The Show Me, Tell Me (SMTM) questions are changing slightly as well. You will now be asked one at the start of the driving test and one will be asked to be performed on the move whilst driving.
I will write another blog later with the new SMTM, questions in it.
If you want to look further into the new driving test you can do so by clicking on this link.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/driving-test-changes-4-december-2017
© Xpert Driver Training Ltd 2017
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