Independent Driving

4th of October brings changes to the driving test, there has been a number of articles about the changes in the press and also on TV, a lot of it inaccurate.

Several years ago when the DSA introduced the safety check questions to the test (show me tell me) the press had a field day:
- pupils were going to have to change wheels,
- details of how to change the oil were to be imparted... all a load of rubbish as everyone found out.. the popular press never let the facts get in the way of a good story!

So what is going to happen for those taking the driving test after October 4th?

1st check out the video on this link http://www.driving-lessons-leeds.com/Driving_information/Independent_driving/Vid_on_independent_driving.html this was made last year when quiet a number of 'guinea pigs' had independent driving added to their driving tests.

2nd Good News! you will only have to do one manoeuvre! however you don't know which one it is so you still need to be confident with all the ones you could get. Also, do remember thet the 'controlled stop' although a manoeuvre is over & above the Turn in the road, reverse park etc

3rd You will be pulled over at some point in the test (remember to check mirrors!) and the examiner will inform you that for the next 10 minutes or so you will be driving independent of instruction,
i.e. the examiner will not being telling you 'next right' roundabout straight ahead 2nd exit' etc.
You will be given either verbal directions "follow A647 the turn right onto A657 at the roundabout turn right" or you will be shown a diagram that you will have to follow, just as if a friend has drawn directions for you. Or a mixture of both.

The idea is that you have to remember the instructions while not letting it effect your driving - you will not be failed for not following the directions to the letter! Your driving has to remain the main focus, if you take a left instead of a right, or miss a sign telling you where to turn, it's no problem (as long as correct driving procedures have taken place eg MSM).

Most pupils approaching test standard will already have had experience of driving independently, without really noticing - "You can find you're own way home from here" "let's drive over to the test centre, take which ever route you want". However, more test specific independent driving will be carried out in the later stages of your tuition.

In the mean time - don't panic!