A new change to the driving test

From October 4, 2010 your practical driving test will include a period of time of ‘independent driving‘.  For about ten minutes during your test you’ll drive having been given a set of directions; or following traffic signs, or a combination of both with no consistent verbal direction, as if you’re on your own basically. The examiner may also show you a diagram and ask you to follow that route.

The purpose of ‘independent driving’ will mean you’ll be making your own decisions. This includes deciding when it’s safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation about where you’re going.

Don’t worry if you don’t remember every direction or if you go the wrong way, that can happen to the most experienced drivers. Just ask your Instructor and I’m sure you will hear a few humorous stories. On the test you can also ask your examiner, this does not mean you will fail for doing so.

So, what to do?

Relax, be ready for the fact that one day you will have to drive on your own anyway, so this is as close to real life as you can get until you pass the driving test and you are finally on your own…that joyful moment!
There are some simple things to remember…

1. If you ask for a reminder of the directions, the examiner will give them to you. (try not to ask too often though)

2. If you go off the independent driving route it won’t affect the result of your test unless you commit a driving fault (those normal driving faults you may have incurred anyway). This means you won’t fail for going the wrong way, we sometimes do when we drive so just try and make sure you find your way back without becoming too flustered.

3. If you go off the route or take a wrong turn, the examiner will help you (if you need it) to get back on the route and continue with the independent driving. It would be better if you knew how to do that yourself, unless you are really lost!

4. If you encounter poor or obscured traffic signs, the examiner will give you directions until you can see the next traffic sign – it is not a requirement that you have detailed knowledge of the area. The routes have been designed to avoid such pit-falls.

5. Unfortunately you can’t use sat nav for independent driving as it gives you turn-by-turn prompts. ‘Independent Driving’ tests how you make your own decisions, its primarily about you reading the information in advance and choosing your own route according to the circumstances.

So, will I pass?

The million dollar question…probably!
The recent trials with a larger number of participants and conditions closely reflecting the planned new test, showed no significant fall in the pass rate.

The Pass Rate

So what are the Pass Rates?
The pass rates at the moment across Lothian is 49%
This can be broken down as you see below, see if you can spot your own test centre.

Edinburgh Musselburgh (MPTC)  46%
Edinburgh Currie  45%
Haddington  53%
Peebles  47%
Bathgate, Edinburgh  47%

Practice practice practice until your Instructor won’t want to talk anymore…the more you know the less we will say.

We want you to be able to drive by yourself, so we can feel happy about driving beside you.

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Tags: driving alone, driving test changes, independent driving, learning to drive, pass the driving test