Independent driving explained
From 4 October this year, DSA is introducing a new 'independent driving' element to all practical driving and riding tests.
It's important that ADIs and learner drivers understand the changes and know what to expect during the test, so we put some of the most common queries about independent driving to DSA's deputy chief driving examiner Lesley Young.


What does 'independent driving' actually mean?
It means driving without step by step instruction. On test, candidates will be asked to drive without step-by-step directions from their examiner for about 10 minutes - in practice this will mean either following traffic signs, a series of verbal directions, or a combination of both. To help candidates visualise the directions, the examiner may also show them a simple diagram.


Why are you introducing independent driving?
We want to broaden the practical driving test so that it becomes more reflective of 'real driving', and a better assessment of whether candidates are ready to drive unsupervised after passing their test. We believe that this new element will lead to better and safer drivers.


Will independent driving make the test harder?
We conducted trials of independent driving with over 450 learner drivers at seven different test centres. Contrary to some reports in the press, the trials showed no signifi cant impact. The results showed that with careful route design, candidates were better able to complete the independent driving tasks without signifi cant increases in the driving faults observed. Additional qualitative research found wide spread support for inclusion of the exercises in the practical driving test.


Is it considered a fault if the candidate goes off route?
No, independent driving is not a test of the candidate's orientation skills. Provided the candidate does not commit a fault, there is nothing to assess.


The examiner will get the candidate back on route and continue with the independent driving section.


If the candidate asks for a reminder of the directions, will the examiner be able to tell them?
Yes, of course. 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.


Video: Sandra Dodson, head of on road assessment at DSA, dispels the myths around independent driving

Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6