Driving Test for new drivers in and around the Cheltenham and Tewkesbury areas

Changes to the Practical Driving Test

As from the 4th of October 2010 the UK practical driving test has two significant changes. The objective for one of these changes is primarily to assess the independent driving skills of the test candidate without any prompting from the examiner.

The test will be carried out as normal where you will be asked to read a number plate from a distance of 67 feet; perform `show me tell me` in relation to your car`s safety/maintenance; and preparation prior to moving away safely. Throughout the early stages of the test you will receive instructions as normal from the examiner such as, `at the next roundabout take the second exit or, at the end of the road turn right.` There will be no changes up to this point.

The first of the two changes will require the learner to undertake only one manoeuvre instead of two which could be either reversing left around a corner or a turn in the road. Prior to this, the examiner will ask you to park on a number of occasions before the manoeuvre is carried out. In any event the learner should be proficient at all four of the manoeuvres. Once this has been accomplished, the second change is all about unprompted independent driving and is aimed at testing your ability to drive to a destination without any enroute instructions from the examiner. This has been termed as a `real life` driving session. Again it`s all about practice and your driving instructor will have you well prepared for this, after all, part of your training is to observe and follow road signs, junctions ahead and know when to apply signals.

To begin with, you will receive, for example, instructions to drive to the town centre by following directional signs, or before moving away you will be given a series of verbal instructions that will be backed up with a visual aid such as a computer generated drawing indicating where you will be required to take the necessary turns in order to arrive at the destination. The objective, whichever instruction you receive, is to assess your ability to drive to a destination without being told what to do along the way and to determine whether you are able to observe, navigate and drive safely all at the same time without being guided. Should the visual aid be provided for this test and you get your directions wrong, the DSA has stated that you will not be penalised provided that safety has not been compromised.

The duration of the unprompted test will be about ten minutes, bringing the total time of the test to thirty eight to forty minutes.

Some learners may be terrified at this change, but it is reflective of real driving conditions. After all, once you have passed your test, you won`t be expecting anyone to give you instructions to drive around to find used cars for sale! You will be quite capable of doing this all by yourself without being told where to turn and where to stop. 

The Driving Test is in 2 parts, a written theory and a practical Driving Test. The theory test paper, which must be passed before the practical test, lasts 57 minutes and is made up of 50 multiple-choice questions and 14 Hazard Perception video clips. The theory test can be taken on a weekday, evening or Saturday at one of the 140 centres throughout the country.

The Highway Code will start you on the way, but you will need to practise your multiple choice and hazard perception skills. Here's a good site for the theory test.

If you are looking to take your Driving Test are you are based in Cheltenham, Evesham or Tewkesbury call us FREE on 0800 090 1614 and we will be only too happy to discuss your needs and get you on the road!

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