Driving test changes from December 2017

The driving test in England, Scotland and Wales will be changing on Monday December 4th 2017.

The changes are designed to make sure all new drivers have the skills needed to help them through a lifetime of safe driving.

The 4 main changes to the test are:

• the independent driving part of the test will increase to 20 minutes. 
• most candidates will be asked to follow directions using Dvsa supplied satnav, maps will be pre-programmed with routes. One in four tests will continue with the existing independent drive. 
• the reversing manoeuvres will be changed. The two new manoeuvres are parking on the right hand side of the road, reversing a couple of car lengths as if someone had just parked in front of you and driving away. The second new maneouver is driving FORWARDS into a parking bay and REVERSING out of it. The turn in the road and reverse around a corner are being scrapped from test but are MANDETORY in the syllabus. The Dvsa remain unmoved on this. 
• answering a vehicle safety question while you’re driving. 
• Driving tests may be postponed due to harsh weather conditions.
• The new show me questions are as follows and always start with “Where safe” 
• Show me how you would roll down the side window,simply press the auto button all the way down on the drivers window
• Show me how you would sound your horn, simply press it where you feel it will cause no alarm or distraction to anyone. 
• Show me how you de-mist the front screen, select exterior air, the screen icon, fan to full and full heat. 
• Show me how to de-mist the rear screen, press the rear demise button. 
• Show me how to clean the front screen, operate the screen wash.
• Show me how to clean the rear screen, operate the rear screen wash. 
• Show me how to turn on dipped head lights, turn the switch on. 
• The tell me questions according to the DVSA website no longer ask you to open the bonnet. This is an oversight as for the questions “tell me how you would check (various liquid levels) you will be required to open the bonnet and show the examiner. 

Find out more about how the changes will work - it includes a video showing the changes.

You can also read a blog post about how the changes will affect driving instructors.