You’ll no doubt have heard that there are changes afoot regarding the driving test, with the emphasis being on making it more realistic for modern road conditions. So if you’re just about to get behind the wheel for the first time, or are likely to be in charge of someone who is, here’s what you need to know…

As road conditions have changed, so has the driving test to ensure new drivers have the necessary skills to cope with real life situations. After all, when was the last time you reversed around a corner on a quiet housing estate? Exactly.

That’s why a much revised test will come into force on 4 December this year with the aim of equipping people with the necessary skills, knowledge and confidence to cope with any circumstance and make it more relevant to the 21^st century.

In a nutshell, there will be four major changes.

The first is a longer independent driving element. Currently, the emphasis is on slow speed manoeuvres in quiet, low risk roads – whereas doubling the independent driving time from 10 to 20 minutes will allow testers to better assess the learner’s ability to drive on busier, higher-risk roads where, statistically, new drivers have the most crashes.

Around half of car drivers now rely on a satnav to tell them how to get somewhere, so the new test checks whether new drivers can use them safely. Following satnav instructions will replace the current procedure of following conventional road signs.

From December, new manoeuvres which are more representative of real life situations will replace now somewhat outdated procedures. So, for example, people will be tested on how well they can drive into and reverse out of a parking bay. As we understand it, the three-point turn and reversing round a bend will be missed out from the new test.

Finally, new drivers will be asked to do a few more things while actually driving to ensure they can cope with distraction. They might be asked safety questions, for example, or instructed to activate controls like the screen wash/wipe or heated rear screen.

For sure, as road conditions, driving habits and the technology used in cars evolves – so must the driving test. Moreover, we reckon these measures will also help drivers cope better with risk immediately after they’ve passed the test – which is when they’re most likely to have an accident – and as far as we’re concerned, that can only be a good thing.

Ian

The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of VW Heritage