The changes were agreed after a public consultation of 3,900 people, along with a trial involving more than 4,300 learners drivers and 860 driving instructors.
The changes comprise four main updates, brought in to make our roads safer.
Any learner looking to take the driving test from December 4 2017, should be aware of the following changes:
The ‘independent driving’ section of the test was introduced in 2010 and was increased from 10 minutes to around 20 minutes.
During this part of the test, the driver being assessed has to drive without the driving examiner giving turn-by-turn instructions. It’ll last for roughly half of the test.
A fifth of drivers taking their test are chosen at random to rely on road signs to get to their destination.
Most learner drivers, however, are asked to follow directions using a sat nav.
The sat nav device, a TomTom Start 52, will be provided and programmed by the examiner. You cannot use your own sat nav.
All the driver will have to do is follow directions for around 20 minutes. Although, if you do get confused, you can ask the examiner for confirmation of where you’re going.
If you make a mistake and drive in the wrong direction, you will not be penalised unless you make a fault while doing so.
