Rumours often circulate about driving test changes, but this time the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is changing the driving test from October 2010. These major changes coincide with the 75th birthday of the driving test, altering the test so that a more realistic drive is demonstrated by the pupil. This “assessment of competence to drive independently” will be introduced across all practical tests in an attempt to reduce the number of new driver accidents.

If you would prefer to take the old practical driving test as it currently stands, then do bear in mind that in the Gloucestershire area it will take approximately 3 to 4 weeks for your theory test date to arrive after application, and 6 to 8 weeks after passing that for a practical test date to come through, if there isn’t a rush once news of the changes becomes more widely known! JSF Driving School suggests that you apply for your theory test in June 2010 at the latest, so that you can apply for you practical test at the end of July 2010 at the latest, obviously having professional lessons in preparation for passing first time!

In order to introduce independent driving, the DSA plan to reduce the number of reversing manoeuvres assessed on the practical test from the current two to one. The focus will move away from planning test routes in order to check manoeuvres, sticking to particular areas of the town or city, to opening up routes so that a more ‘normal’ drive can be assessed during the course of the test, travelling further a field in real traffic. Research has shown that young drivers see this as more of a test for the real world of driving, allowing them to develop the skills needed to read real situations.

The independent driving element of the test will last for 10 minutes. You will be asked to drive to a specific location by following a series of road signs, simple directional aids and/or a number of verbal directions provided by the examiner. A maximum of three or four directions will be given whilst the car is stationery. The examiner will not make further comments on direction once you are moving.

The test itself will probably need to be extended to 50 minutes in length, although details are yet to be announced by the DSA, who are currently assessing the most efficient duration in which to test as many situations as practically possible. The knock on effect of this will be fewer tests being conducted per day by each test centre, and the wait of 6-8 weeks for a test date from application will probably be extended. It follows that we will probably hear of a test price increase from the current £62 as well!

More immediately, from 6th April 2010, the DSA is introducing the ‘observer on test’ option for candidates taking a car practical test. The examiner will ask if you wish the person accompanying you to the test centre to sit in on your test, or attend the feedback debrief session at the end of the test. The observer could be a parent, guardian or friend who has taught you to drive, but in most cases it will be your driving instructor. Whilst this has always been possible, examiners will have to ask candidates if they wish to be observed, rather than the candidate seeking permission.

There are benefits to being observed, as well as possible disadvantages for some. The DSA believes candidates will benefit from ongoing learning and development if their instructor witnesses firsthand the drive and feedback given on the test. Should the candidate fail, it will allow more targeted remedial training and possibly reduce the number of learners making several attempts at the test. Your instructor should discuss your observation options with you well in advance of your test date, and you should both have reached an agreement on what is best for you on the day.

If you want to know more about this new part of the test then you can download the full 171 page document detailing all the research, background and thinking behind this new part of the test. Click to read part 1 and part 2. Or you could just watch the 2 minute video on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGWxptVQPEs.