News

2 December 2009

Following on from the DSA consultation on the driving test. the following DSA proposals have been made:

1. A directional drive

This means that the candidate will be given a series of directions to follow. eg. Follow the Road signs to the town centre. If no signs are visible the candidate will be shown a map of a small route and will be asked to memorise the route and then travel along it without further instructions. It is proposed to take no more than 10 mins to complete this excercise.

2. Maneouvres

The candidate will be asked to carry out one reversing maneovre of their choice.  This is designed to allow more time for general driving.

3. Observed drive

From 6 April 2010 Driving Examiners will ask all candidates if they would like their Instructor to sit in on the test. The candidate can decline the offer. At the end of the test the candidate will be asked if they wish their Instructor to be present for the test result and debrief.

It is the DSA intention to add the directional drive and changes to the maneouvres to the practical driving test from October 2010. Only the directional drive has received Government approval.