Changes to driving test welcomed

12 October 2010

A new section of the driving test which assesses the candidate’s ability to drive independently has been welcomed by Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership.

The independent driving assessment - which was introduced on Monday 4 October – checks that candidates are able to cope with the sort of traffic conditions they will face everyday.

Partnership chairman Mike Ashworth said: “Learner drivers receive step-by-step instructions when they have lessons – but they will have to make decisions for themselves once they’ve passed their test.

“The independent driving assessment is designed to make sure that candidates can cope on the road without receiving constant direction.”

Mike added: “More than a quarter of the deaths and serious injuries on the county’s roads last year were the result of a crash that involved a young driver.

 “We hope this new focus on independent driving will help to prepare new drivers for the challenges they’ll face on the road.”    

 The independent driving assessment lasts about ten minutes. During that time, candidates will be asked to follow road signs to a specific destination or a short series of spoken instructions given by the examiner before they set off.

The examiner can show students a map to help explain their instructions and candidates can ask for a reminder as they drive. Candidates won’t be failed for going off-route because the assessment is a test of their ability to drive independently rather than their navigation skills.