DVSA announces major driving test changes

THREE major changes to driving tests are being trialled across the UK, with the DVSA hoping to speed up the exams for thousands of learners.

The test changes are being rolled out in 20 test centres to begin with, with an aim of improving road and driver safety.

Changes are coming after a recent report highlighted that 48% of casualties in collisions that involve younger drivers take place on rural roads, compared to 42% from other age groups.

This has led to renewed focus on replicating real-world conditions within driving tests.

What changes are being made?

The full list of changes being trialled across 20 test centres around the UK are:

Reducing the number of stops during the driving test

As it stands, learners currently have to make four stops. Under the new changes, they will now only need to make three stops.

These stops need to happen on lower-risk roads with lower speed limits. The time taken to find these areas limits the distance that can be covered during your driving test. The new changes aim to provide more flexibility in test-routes by freeing up time to spend on higher-speed or rural roads.

Changing the amount of emergency stops

Similarly, emergency stops can only be carried out on low-risk roads. This once again limits the distance covered during your test, and reduces driving on rural roads.

The DVSA is trialing asking candidates to perform an emergency stop in 1 in 7 of the tests taken at the 20 test centres. Currently, emergency stops are performed in 1 in 3 tests.

Extending the use of sat-navs

Examiners will now have the opportunity to extend the independent driving part of your driving test, possibly for the whole duration of your test.

Again, the aim of this change is to replicate real-world driving, in which a huge amount of drivers use sat-navs or similar devices.

Where are these changes taking place?

The DVSA's trial is taking place over the next 3 months in 20 test centres in England, Scotland and Wales. The full list of test centres taking part are:

• Avonmouth
• Bishopbriggs
• Bolton
• Cambridge
• Cardiff
• Dudley
• Halifax
• Hendon
• Hereford
• Hornchurch
• Isleworth
• Maidstone
• Middlesborough
• Musselburgh
• Norris Green
• Norwich (Peachman Way)
• Nottingham (Chilwell)
• Oxford
• Portsmouth
• Wakefield

The trial of these changes will continue for three months and then the findings will be studied. Depending on what results are found, these new changes could become the standard for all test centres.