New Driving Test December 2017
Driving tests… they’ve long been feared and left learners frustrated. Now, change is around the corner – as of December 2017 the age-old test will shake-up what is expected of learners. Here we take a look at what you need to know about the upcoming driving test changes – and if you want a visual run-through of what to expect, watch the DVLA YouTube video on the new driving test changes.
First things first – why is the new test being introduced?
In short, the new test has been designed by the DVLA to make drivers safer on the roads and to ensure that the new test takes account of modern driving. Read more on DVSA website here.
Here’s the official word on the ‘why’ behind the change as outlined on their website:
“The changes are designed to make sure new drivers have the skills they’ll need to help them through a lifetime of safe driving”.
The 4 core changes… As explained by The Local Driving Academy, your local driving school in Oxford
1. You’ll need to drive independently for 20 minutes (up from the current time of 10 minutes)
The independent element of the exam currently lasts for around 10 minutes. From December this will be doubled to 20 minutes – accounting for around half of the test.
2. You’ll have to follow directions from a sat nav
During the independent driving element of your exam you’ll most likely be asked to follow the sat nav (which will be a TomTom Start 52). Your examiner will set the route, however you can ask them about the end destination if you’re unsure. You should note that it doesn’t matter if you go the wrong way unless you make a driving fault whilst doing so. One in 5 tests will involve the following of traffic signs, instead of a sat nav.
3. You’ll face new reversing manoeuvres
Previously learners needed to ‘reverse around a corner’ or ‘turn-in-the-road’ (also known as a 3 point turn). Instead you’ll be asked to complete one of the following three reversing manoeuvres…
• Parallel park on the side of the road
• Park in a bay – either driving forwards in and reversing backwards out, or reversing backwards in and driving forwards out (your examiner will instruct you as to which you should do)
• Pull up to the right-hand side of the road, reverse backwards 2 car lengths then re-join the traffic
4. You’ll need to answer 2 vehicle safety questions – one before the test and one while driving
You’re going to be asked both:
• A ‘Tell Me’ question – explaining how you’d carry out a specified safety task prior to setting off.
• A ‘Show Me’ question – explaining how you’d carry out a specified safety task whilst driving.
Book Driving lessons in Oxford
Get into gear… there are just 3 months until the test changes. Call now on 01865 722 148 or send a message via the Contact Form online and schedule in your driving lessons today!
The new test will come into play as of December 4th 2017.
We offer driving lessons in Didcot, Bicester, Abingdon, Wantage and all towns and villages in Oxfordshire
If you’re already taking driving lessons in Oxford and have booked your test before the changes, your driving instructor should have talked about the changes you’ll face should you fail, and how, together, you can tackle them.