Driving test changes from Oct 2010 with new element introduced as "independent driving test"

Driving test changes from Oct 2010 with new element introduced as "Independent
Driving Test"
Independent driving element in driving test will come in effect from Oct 2010.
•
What is an independent driving test:
Independent driving is tasking the candidate to drive for approximately 10 mins either
following a series of directions, following traffic signs, or a combination of both.
Independent driving is when the learner get out on the road He/She will be driving
alone and they need to know how to drive safely. Simultaneously it is very important for
a learner to look at the signs at the time of driving because that's in normal life what the
learners are going to do. It actually puts theory test and practical test together. It makes
you think about the signs, makes you think independently and makes you feel much more
confident.
•
Why independent driving will be introduced:
“The feasibility of introducing independent driving into the GB driving test” was
studied and according to it, there are few situations which demand this element in
d
riving test .
Statistics on the accident risk of new drivers shows that after passing their test they are at
their peak in terms of their risk of having an accident. A number of reviews have
concluded that traditional driver training does not seem to have any positive effect on
road safety in terms of accident reductions.
One interpretation of these findings is that the experience gained by drivers after passing
their test is completely unlike the experience they gain Pre-Test. Findings from
qualitative research on the perceptions of new drivers seems to support this; in focus
groups learner drivers expressed their belief that ‘real driving’ is fundamentally different
from the training required to pass the driving test.
A number of authors have suggested however that driver training should not only focus
on vehicle control skills but also on factors that have been shown to be related to accident
reductions, according to the research evidence. This includes higher perceptual skills
such as
•
H
azard perception
•
Safer attitudes towards risk
•
Better self-awareness of one’s driving ability.
Post-Test experience seems crucial for reducing accident liability, it is theoretically
possible that if the relevant elements of post-test experience can be identified and trained
pre-test then driver training may be better placed that it is currently to reduce post-test

---

accident risk. An existing example of this approach in GB driver training is the
introduction of a video-based measure of hazard perception skill in 2002 as part of the
driving theory test.
Once learner passes the test, the thing they struggle to deal with is not having the person
sitting next to them to guide them around when they need it. Sudden introduction of the
extra elements of having to read traffic signs, road markings, or possibly having
passengers or music in the car, made it more difficult for learner.
Possible solutions for safer new drivers may be a –
•
Tracker fitted to their vehicle to monitor speed
•
Vehicle handling
•
Maybe reducing insurance costs
•
Limit passengers
•
Plates compulsory
•
Limit engine size
•
40 hours supervised driving
•
Compulsory pass plus or motorway driving.
All for the first 2 years they are insured, not from when the test is passed.
•
Independent driving test examination:
On the independent driving test you have to do two maneuvers. However, when the
new test starts, you may only have to do ONE maneuver. The test duration may also be
increased to allow extra time for Independent Driving, and this will result in an increase
in the test fee. You will still need to practice all the maneuvers because the Examiner on
the day will decide which one you should do.
The whole thrust of independent driving is to prepare yourself for the real world.

---