Follow a sat nav instead of the examiner
For around 20 minutes of the driving test you will be asked to follow directions given to you from a sat nav. This is being done to make the test more realistic. The sat nav will be provided and the examiner will always be ready to step in and direct should the sat nav have any problems.
Two new manoeuvres
Instead of doing a turn in the road (three point turn) or reversing around a corner you will be asked to complete one of two new manoeuvres or parallel parking.
- Driving forwards into a parking bay and then reversing out
- Pull up on the right hand side of the road, reversing a short distance and then rejoin traffic
Show me question on the move
You'll be asked do the show me part of show me/tell me on the move. For example you could be asked to demonstrate how to wash the windscreen or operate the heater while you are driving. This is currently done at the start of the test when you are sitting still.
Why take part in the trial?
As well as knowing that you're helping to shape the future of the driving test and making the roads safer there are several advantages of taking part in the trial. You'll be paid £40 by the DVSA for completeing three online surveys and both you and I will be entered into a prize draw where the prizes include a brand new car, cash, shopping vouchers worth from £50 to £100 and ipads.
Here are some other changes that were proposed to parliament in February 2014.
None of these things have been confirmed
You can see the changes below mentioned on the official government site by clicking this link https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-to-overhaul-young-driver-rules-in-bid-to-improve-safety-and-cut-insurance-costs
Minimum learning time
In October 2013 it was suggsted that learners should take a minimum of 120 hours of driving lessons spread over at least 1 year before they are allowed to take a driving test. 100 hours would be done during daylight and 20 hours would have to be done in the dark.
Only lessons taken with a professional driving instructor would count towards your 120 hours and we will have to sign off the hours. Any driving you do with parents, friends etc. would not count.
The main problem with this is of course the cost. If the minimum time of 120 hours comes in then it would triple the amount you have to spend on driving lessons from the current average of £800 to £2400. It will also mean that instructors are booked for a year ahead so finding anyone that is available to teach would be difficult and lesson prices could rocket.
Motorway driving on lessons
It's likely that motorway driving will now be included on driving lessons and the driving test to make it safer for newly qualified drivers to use them.
Much tougher tests for new and current driving instructors
The way that you become a driving instructor is changing hugely. It could be a much longer and tougher process with far greater scrutiny and inspection for those applying to become instructors.
Younger age for driving
The age at which you can get a provisional driving licence could be reduced to 16 and then maybe 15 in the future.
Longer probation period for new drivers
The current 1 year probation period for new drivers (where you can be banned for 6 points instead of the usual 12) could be extended to 2 years.
Cheaper insurance
The cost of insuring your first car should fall due to all the changes being made. Nobody knows how much but it's been estimated that premiums could be cut by around 30%
Ban on foreign languages for theory and practical driving tests (CONFIRMED)
From April 7th 2014 you will be not be allowed to take a theory or practical driving test in anything other than English or Welsh. This was confirmed in 2013 and was brought in partly to combat the problem of people cheating on tests by having a translator that was telling them how to drive as well as translating the examiners directions.
Ban on night time driving for the first year
It could be made illegal to drive between 11pm and 7am for new drivers. This is when most accidents involving new drivers happen.
Ban on carrying passengers under 30
For the first year or two after passing your driving test, you will not be allowed to have anyone in the car under the age of 30. This means it will be illegal to carry your own children in the car.
This is being suggested as it's thought that many car accidents are caused by groups of youths going out in a car and egging each other on to do stupid things.