THE MANAGER of Redditch’s test centre has welcomed the changes to the driving exam which come into force on Monday, December 4, saying the test must move with the times.
Craig Lambourn said: “The DVSA is committed to helping you through a lifetime of safe driving.
“Making sure the driving test better assesses a driver’s ability to drive safely and independently is part of our strategy.
“It’s also vital the driving test keeps up to date with new technology and the areas where new drivers face the greatest risk once they’ve passed their test.”
More than 220,000 current learner drivers will take the new test.
It is the biggest alteration to the exam since the introduction of independent driving in 2010.
The new test will see the independent driving section increased to 20 minutes, with four out of five candidates following directions from a sat nav and reversing manoeuvres will also be changed.
Participants will also have to answer a question on vehicle safety while driving.
A manoeuvre new drivers will have to master is pulling over onto the right hand side (across incoming traffic) before moving off safely again.
Another innovation is pulling into a parking bay.