From 4 October 2010 your practical driving test will include a section of ‘independent driving’.

During your test you’ll have to drive by either following traffic signs, a series of directions, or a combination of both, for about ten minutes.

If you're asked to follow a series of verbal directions, you'll be shown a diagram to help you.

It doesn't matter if you don't remember every direction, or if you go the wrong way - that can happen to the most experienced drivers.

Independent driving is not a test of your orientation and navigation skills. Driving independently means making your own decisions - this includes deciding when it’s safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation about where you’re going.

To watch the DSA independent driving video on YouTube

Questions and Answers

Will you fail if you go the wrong way or forget the directions?
Independent driving is not a test of the candidate’s orientation skills. If the candidate goes off route, but does not commit a fault, there’s nothing to assess. Any faults that did occur would be assessed under the circumstances at the time - as usual. There is no change to assessment.

What will happen if a traffic sign is not visible or readable for whatever reason (eg. blocked by a lorry, trees, or it's been removed or defaced)?
There will be times when, due to poor or obscured signage, the examiner may have to intervene. If this happens the examiner would say, "There are no signs here. Just continue ahead please" and then, "Now, carry on following the signs to ……"

Can a candidate ask the examiner to repeat directions whilst driving?
If the candidate asks for a reminder of the directions, the examiner will be happy to confirm them. Driving independently means making your own decisions and, just like when driving with friends, this includes deciding when it’s safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation on where you’re going.

Will the driving test last longer now?
No! In order to fit the independent driving in you will now be asked to complete only one manouver instead of the two that currently happens

For more information about independent driving
or to book driving lessons please contact
Mike The Driving Instructor on 07970 856 814 or 0118 961 6522