Big changes to be made to UK driving tests

There are big changes expected to be made to the driving test in aid to help our roads become safer.

If you have already passed your driving test you will know the pain of having to spend countless hours perfecting ‘reverse around the corner’ or ‘parallel parking’.

Well, for anyone planning on taking their test next year things could be a whole lot different, with the Driver and Vehicle Standards (DVSA) Agency looking to introduce some big changes on how motorists are tested.

The DSVA are looking to modernise the driving test by introducing the following;

  • Increasing ‘independent driving’ from 10 to 20 minutes
  • Following/using sat-navs
  • Vehicle safety
  • Reversing in and out of parking bays

With the above being added to the driving test the below will be ditched;

  • Reversing around a corner
  • Following road signs

Over 4,500 learner drivers and 850 driving instructors have been taking part in these new trails, with a full report being published later this year.

The DVSA chief executive Gareth Llewellyn has said “Great Britain’s roads are among the safest in the world. But there is scope to do more to keep road users safe – particularly newly-qualified drivers.

“Making sure the test better assesses a driver’s ability to drive safely and independently is part of our strategy to help every driver through a lifetime of safe driving.”