DSA Special: Independent driving explained
From 4 October 2010, learner drivers will be tested on independent driving as part of the practical driving test.
During their test, candidates will have to drive for about 10 minutes, either following a series of directions, following traffic signs, or a combination of both. To help candidates understand where they're going, the examiner may show them a diagram.
It doesn't matter if candidates don't remember every direction, or if they go the wrong way - that can happen to the most experienced drivers.
Some newspapers have claimed that independent driving would lead to a fall in the driving test pass rate. This claim is based on early research where conditions did not reflect the eventual design of the new element of the test.
Subsequent trials with a larger number of participants and more closely reflecting the conditions in the planned new test showed no significant fall in the pass rate.
The length of driving tests and test fees will not change when independent driving is introduced in October. Driving test fees can be found on the directgov web site.
All categories of practical driving test will include around 10 minutes of independent driving.
Manoeuvres
From October, car test candidates (category B) will have to complete one reversing manoeuvre rather than two. The manoeuvre will be selected at random by the examiner from:
- turning in the road
- reversing around a corner
- reverse parking (either on the road, or into a bay)
- An emergency stop exercise will still be conducted on one in three tests.
Manoeuvres in all other categories of tests will not be changed. Candidates for the ADI part two (driving ability) test will still have to complete all the manoeuvres.
Special needs
DSA already has procedures to identify special needs and disabilities when tests are booked online or over the phone. The examiner then knows which type of special needs the candidate has so reasonable adjustment can be made.
For independent driving this could be asking the candidate which method they prefer for the section – in other words, following signs, or a series of directions (a maximum of three) which are supported by a diagram approved by the British Dyslexia Association. In some cases this will be shortened to just two directions.
DSA recognise there are many ways of developing perfectly road-safe coping strategies in order to navigate from A to B and is satisfied that examiners will manage the situation accordingly. Independent driving is a significant road safety addition to the practical driving test but will not prevent candidates from holding a licence.
DSA is determined that no member of society should suffer detriment due to any change we introduce.
People who don't speak English
Driving examiners are very experienced at dealing with candidates who speak little or no English and they'll be able to manage the situation accordingly.
For example, sometimes this will include writing place names so it is clear to candidates where they are being asked to drive to. To help all candidates, when asked to follow a series of verbal directions the examiner can show a diagram, so that they can picture the route they've been asked to take.
Just as currently, the candidate can have an interpreter along with them on their test if they wish. Since 6 April 2010 ADIs have been able to act as an interpreter for their own pupils.
Routes and directions
If the candidate goes off-route during the independent driving section, the examiner will get the candidate back on route and continue with the independent driving section wherever possible. The test won't be terminated.
If the candidate looks like taking a wrong turning, the examiner will control the situation as they do now and preferably step in before the candidate goes off route. If that's not possible, the examiner will help the candidate get back on route as soon as possible by guiding them with normal directions.
Download an example of an independent driving route diagram (PDF, 305Kb)
Independent driving is not a test of the candidate's orientation skills. If the candidate goes off route, but does not commit a fault, there's nothing to assess. Any faults that did occur would be assessed under the circumstances at the time – as usual. There is no change to assessment.
There will be times when, due to poor or obscured signage, the examiner may have to intervene. If this happens the examiner would say, 'There are no signs here. Just continue ahead please' and then, 'Now, carry on following the signs to .........'
If the candidate asks for a reminder of the directions, the examiner will be happy to confirm them. Driving independently means making your own decisions and, just like when driving with friends, this includes deciding when it's safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation on where you're going.
Independent driving is designed to test the learner's ability to drive unsupervised and make decisions without guidance and in unfamiliar contexts. DSA is therefore taking the opportunity to review the appropriateness of current route publication practices.
The independent driving section of the test is approximately 10 minutes when you will be asked to drive making your own decisions. A sat nav gives directions in much the same way as the driver trainer, or the examiner, so it's not appropriate to use for independent driving.
Guidance and paperwork
Watch 'Independent driving in the driving test: what is it?' on YouTube
The DL25 driving test report form will not be changed when independent driving is introduced, as there is no change to assessment.
ADIs sometimes refer to a document called the DT1. This contains internal operational guidance for driving examiners in the conduct of driving tests. An updated
Theory & Hazard Perception Test
Theory
This part of the test lasts 57 minutes and is made up of 50 multiple choice questions, covering different aspects of driving and other related matters, the pass mark is 43. 
Most of the required information can be found in the Highway Code and the book Essential Driving Skills, published by the Driving Standards Agency.
Hazard Perception Test
The second section of the test, comprising 14 video clips, measures ability to detect hazards. Thirteen of the clips contain a single hazard and one contains two.
Both parts of the theory test must be passed on the same day and you must pass them before applying for the practical driving test.
Official DSA car theory test - Are you ready?
Safety Checks
The eyesight check
You will be required to read a vehicle registration number plate at a distance of approximately 20.5 meters in order to continue with the test.
Vehicle Safety checks
This part of the test - sometimes known as show me/tell me - requires the candidate to carry out basic safety checks on the vehicle. There are two questions to answer correctly.
Practical Driving test
A full description of the practical driving test and what the driving examiners are looking for can be seen by visiting the Driving Standards Agency website.
This part of the driving test is approximately 35-40 minutes in length. It requires you to show that you have a sound knowledge of the Highway Code as well as the ability to drive on various types of road and conditions.
Two slow reversing manoeuvres are tested and you may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop.
To be successful in this practical driving test, you must not commit more than 15 minor driving faults.
The documents you will require are:
- Both parts of your provisional licence (photocard and paper counter document) If you have the old type paper licence you will also have to bring a valid passport. No other form of photo identification will be accepted.
- Booking form or reference number.
- Theory test pass certificate (for the practical test).
Cancellations for either the theory or practical test require three working days’ notice.
Official DSA car practical test - Are you ready?
Test fees
Details of current test fees and other useful information can be found on the government's DSA website.
