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Driving Test Changes

Read about everything you need on the new practical driving test by Kinetic Driving School.

What are the new practical driving test changes?

Recently, the practical driving tests is experiencing an upgrade. Some learners are supporting the changes, saying it’s more like real-life scenarios, but others are not so keen on the new safety changes.

According to a video produced by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), these changes have come in an attempt to prepare new drivers for ‘a lifetime of safe driving’.

Here’s our guide to understanding the new driving test changes and how they affect you.

What’s staying the same in your Driving Test?

The driving test will remain at 40 minutes, but the activities you undergo within this time will be changing. For the practical driving test, you will still:

  • Be able to take your driving instructor on your test (If you wish to),
  • Be required to take the eyesight check test before you start your test,
  • Be asked a safety question before you start driving,
  • Drive in various road and traffic conditions, and complete the independent driving section of the test,
  • Be assessed on one reversing manoeuvre and controlled stop.

What are the new Driving Test changes?

The driving test is undergoing its biggest change in more than 20 years, but what will it mean for new learners?

Previously at the beginning of the driving test, you were asked two safety questions before you set off driving, but this will now be cut down to one as this other question will be incorporated into the actual driving element of the test. These questions will be “how to wash your windscreen” or “turn on your headlights”. Other changes may include:

  • The period of driving independently will increase to 20 minutes – double the current 10 minutes.
  • The change of the one reverse manoeuvre, which could be either:
    • Park in a bay and reverse out
    • Reverse into a bay and drive out
    • Parallel Park at the side of the road
  • Following a series of directions from either a satnav provided by an instructor or from a series of road signs.

The current reversing manoeuvres are turning in the road, parallel parking or reversing around a corner and their replacements are designed to reflect more life-like scenarios. Additionally, the current test requires learners to follow directions from road signs or verbal directions, but due to dependencies on technological advancements and modern driving with many cars built with sat navs included, it’s easy to see why, after 20 years there is an upgrade in requirements.

What happens after the new test?

The end of your driving test will remain the same. The test examiner will let you know if you passed or not after the exam and will still give you feedback. The pass mark will remain the same and you’ll only fail if you make 16 or more driving faults or make any serious or dangerous faults.

At Kinetic Driving School, we hope that all new drivers benefit from these changes and we look forward to seeing our Kinetic learners pass with flying colours.