Independent Driving
Independent Driving Preston
Independent Driving
All practical driving tests from 4th October 2010 will include a section of 'Independent Driving'. This will be delivered in one of two ways. You will be asked to either follow road signs or be given a set of verbal directions. Independent Driving has been introduced by the DSA after a consultation with new drivers. It was found that many new drivers struggled after passing their test because they had no one in the car telling them where to go. The changes to the test have been developed so that new drivers will have to be able to show that they can drive independently to pass their test.
Follow Road Signs
At some point during the test the examiner will ask the candidate to pull over and will then ask them to follow road signs to a specific destination (for example Liverpool A59). You will then be expected to follow road signs in that direction until told otherwise. If at any point on the route the road signs are not clear, or non existent, the examiner will give further instructions to assist.
Verbal Instructions
The alternative method of Independent Driving is for the examiner to ask you to pull over at the side of the road . They will then give you three verbal directions which will also beillustrated with a diagram to show you exactly what they mean. They will confirm with the candidate that they understand the instructions given. Once you are happy, they will ask you to drive away. When you have reached the end of the third direction the examiner will then ask you to pull over in a safe place and give you three more instructions. Once at the end of this a further three instructions will be given. After these instructions are completed the examiner will inform you that the Independent Driving part of the driving test is complete.
Questions and Answers
Q - How long will the Independent Driving part of the test last?
A - The Independent Driving part of the test will last approximately 7-10 minutes
Q - Will we still have to do two manoeuvres?
A - No, you will only be asked to do one manoeuvre while out on test. However, you will still need to learn them all because you could be asked to do any one of them during your driving test.
Q - Will the emergency stop still form part of the driving test?
A - The emergency stop will remain part of the test. About 1 in 3 tests do the emergency stop exercise and this is not classed as one of your manoeuvres.
Q - When following directions or road signs, if I go the wrong way will that be a serious fault?
A - So long as you have made sure you continue with your MSPSL routines and haven't done anything that would be marked as a serious or dangerous fault you will be OK.
Q - If we go the wrong way how will we get back on route?
A - At some point the examiner will give you instructions to turn so that you get back onto the right route.
Q - Can we ask for directions during this part?
A - You can ask the examiner to confirm the instructions on route, alternatively if safe you may be able to pull up and look at the diagram again. However if you are continually having to look at the diagram the examiner will see this as a fault in your driving and mark it down.
Q - What about learning difficulties such as Dyslexia?
A - As with the theory test, anybody with any learning difficulties should make the DSA aware at the point of booking the test. Suitable adjustments will be made by the examiner so that the candidate is at no disadvantage to other candidates.
Q - If English is not your first language?
A - Again, you should make the DSA aware of this at point of booking your test. However, examiners are well trained to deal with such situations and will ensure you are at no disadvantage.
If you are still unclear about what is going to happen after 4th October 2010 then please visit www.dsa.gov.uk for more information.
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