DVSA is gathering public opinion on proposed plans to alter the GB driving licence test.
The changes that have been proposed are to:
- Increase the independent driving element of the practical driving test from 10 minutes to 20 minutes
- Request that drivers under instruction follow directions from a sat nav during the independent driving element of the test
- Abolish the reverse manoeuvres ‘reverse around a corner’ and ‘turn in the road’ to be replaced with more everyday manoeuvres such as driving into and reversing out of parking bays
- Ask one of the two ‘show me, tell me’ questions, currently asked prior to setting off on the test while driving.
The consultation launches today and the deadline is 25th August 2016. If you are interested in offering your opinion you can respond online here.
A 12-month driving test trial
The consultation is a result of a review of the practical driving test that was initiated in spring 2015, the research conducted by DVSA and The Transport Research Laboratory has involved a year-long trial.
The trial involved 32 driving test centres in various locations across Great Britain, with 4,500 learner drivers and 850 driving instructors taking part.
A comparison of the results has taken place between drivers on the trial test and those who took the test already in place. This has resulted in the suggestions proposed in the public consultation.
Why are the changes needed?
Changes to the driving test have been proposed to keep up with evolving driving technology and habits – according to DVSA, 52% of drivers now have a sat nav. It is becoming a part of everyday driving and learners need to know how to drive safely while using a sat nav.
The independent driving section of the driving test was added in 2010, and drivers are asked to follow signs to a particular destination without being given directions or instruction for approximately 10 minutes. DVSA research indicated that this part of the test has been successful and the response over the last five years has been positive because drivers can relate to it once they have passed their test and are driving on their own.
Another reason to implement changes is to improve safety in order to decrease the deaths of young people caused by road collisions on UK roads. Currently road collisions are responsible for more than 25% of all deaths of those aged between 15 and 19. (DVSA) Government statistics also indicated that 1/5 of casualties as a result of a traffic collision where at least one of the drivers was aged 17–24.
Safety is priority on UK roads
The government issued a publication in 2015 indicating how they are working to decrease the number of road casualties every year. The Department for Transport has set out their vision, strategy and priorities in doing this within the Road Safety Statement.
Road safety in Great Britain has improved since the introduction of the driving test. In 1931 there were a reported 7,000 deaths caused by road accidents, now that number has dropped to fewer than 2,000. These figures are despite the fact that there are more registered vehicles on the roads of Great Britain now; with only 2.3 million in 1931 compared to 35.6 million today.
Evolution of the driving test
The first official driving test was introduced in 1935. Although the main premise of an on-road test remains the same, there have been some changes along the way. In 1996 the theory test was added, this is the first stage of the test that needs to be passed before a practical test can be taken. In 2002 the hazard perception element was added to the theory test. There were changes to the practical test in 1990 when a ‘debrief’ was included upon termination of the test. In 2003 the ‘show me tell me’ questions were added and in 2010 the independent driving element was included.
There is a need for the driving test to evolve as cars, technology and roads change over time and new drivers need to be prepared for the real-life driving situations they are likely to find themselves in.