Posted: Friday, 20 October 2017
We are now less than two months away from the most significant driving test changes we have seen in decades. Beginning in December, the driving test that learners must pass to get a car licence will be more attuned to real-world driving than it has been in the past. Lots of changes are in store for new drivers. Some things will not change though, including things that can result in the loss of a licence and the electronic licence checks employers use to keep track of such things.
The current driving test was one that was developed decades ago based on the traffic conditions and technology of the day. Both the government and safe driving advocacy groups believed it was time for change, so they set about developing a new driving test to bring the skills assessment into the 21st century. According to the Independent, the new driving test has been used on a trial basis to prove its effectiveness. To date, 4,500 learner drivers and 850 instructors have worked with it.
The new driving test effective from 4th December introduces new skills while also laying aside some skills the government no longer believes to be necessary. For example, four in five learners will have to demonstrate they can drive safely with the aid of a sat nav device. The device will be provided and programmed by the instructor as part of the test.
Learner drivers will also have to demonstrate a bit more knowledge of their vehicles through a 'show me, tell me' demonstration. They will have to prove they can do things like check their brakes, check headlights and tail lights, and measure tyre pressure.
As for things that aren't changing, the Independent says that the test will still take about 40 minutes to complete. The passing mark will also remain unchanged.
Things drivers can do to lose their licences in the future will not change either. As such, regular licence checks will still be an important part of employing drivers of all licence classes. Employers will still have access to licence checks utilising the same processes they utilise now.
Changes are coming to the driving test from December. Hopefully, the new test's focus on real-world driving will make the roads safer by guaranteeing drivers with new licences are fully prepared to drive in the evolving age of technology.
Source: Independent