Independent Driving - Why is this included in the driving test?

In October 2010 the DSA changed the driving test to include "independent driving". The test itself still lasts approximately 40 minutes however to make time for this new exercise they have dropped one of the reversing manoeuvres so that you now only have to complete one.  See this Independent Driving Tips about independent driving.


Through research it has been identified that one of the main difficulties encountered by novice drivers once they have passed their test is that of driving alone - nerves, decision making, navigation, anticipation and awareness.  As a learner driver you will be used to hearing your instructor direct you by saying things such as "turn left at the end of the road" or "at the roundabout turn right 3rd exit".  When these directions are taken out of the equation it is interesting to see the impact that it has on the pupils driving skills, both on lessons and on the test - I have witnessed both scenarios many times around Liverpool and St Helens.


The act of the instructor/examiner giving a direction is immediately prompting the pupil that there is a hazard ahead (a hazard meaning something that they either need to slow down or change direction for).. and so prompts the pupil to check mirrors, signal if necessary and slow down. Evidently, when the direction instructions are no longer being provided then the pupil has no prompt of the oncoming hazard and only has their own observations, knowledge and anticipation skills to depend on.


I have observed the following common faults on the independent part of the driving test:

• Failing to check mirror's
• Failing to signal
• Not slowing down early enough/or not slowing down at all
• Not noticing the vehicle in front slowing down as too busy looking at road signs
• Changing lane too late or not changing lane at all
• Going the wrong way
• Failing to give way

Indeed these faults can occur anyway, even when being provided with directions however it seems to occur more frequently when the directions are omitted.


What exactly is independent driving?
In the independent section of your driving test you may be asked to follow road signs, for example "follow the road signs for Liverpool until I tell you otherwise".  This seems to be a fair and realistic task to do as this is something that you will definitely need to be able to do after you have passed your test.  The alternative option is that you may be given a set of three verbal instructions for which you are supposed to memorise. For example "turn right at the first roundabout (third exit, signposted St. Helens), then turn left at the second roundabout (first exit), and then turn right at the third roundabout (third exit)". Despite the examiner showing you a visual aid of the intended route (which is not designed to be a map and is by no means realistic or to scale) it is very unlikely that you will remember all three instructions.  Remember, the driving test is a test of your ability to drive safely and not a test of your navigation skills or ability to follow verbal instructions.  You may ask the examiner which way you need to go as many times as you wish.  What I always advise my pupils is to simply remember the first instruction "turn right at the first roundabout (third exit, signposted St. Helens)" and then once completed make sure you ask the examiner for the next instruction.  It is no use waiting until you have approached the second roundabout in the incorrect lane and then asking for the direction - so make sure you stay on the ball.  Any good instructor can advise you on how best to "play the game".


Is the introduction of independent driving a good thing?
In my opinion... yes.  Can you imagine having a full UK driving licence if you were so open to making the above mistakes?


Has the change to the test affected the pass rates?
The DSA envisaged the national pass rate to drop from approximately 50% to 25% with the introduction of independent driving however no results statistics have been published yet. With the correct training you can and will be one of the estimated 25% who pass, remember it is important to have enough practise before you take your practical driving test so cutting back on lessons and practise wont pay off . You could use an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) such as the team at Monarch Driving School and if you are lucky enough to have friends of family who meet the criteria for accompanying a learner driver then you can get some valuable practise outside of your formal driving lessons.