Driving test changed 'to reflect real-life conditions'

Date: 8/9/2010

The routes used for driving tests will no longer be made available online, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has announced.

Speaking to the BBC, Mike Penning, Road Safety Minister at the organisation, said this will help tests better represent "realistic driving conditions".

If people are able to memorise the courses they are not learning to drive "safely and independently", he continued.

The measure, which will come into force when new routes are brought in on October 4th, aims to support the introduction of an independent driving section to the test.

This will require learners to drive for around ten minutes without direct instructions from the assessor.

Chief Driving Examiner at the DSA Trevor Wedge stated the body wants to ensure people are "ready to make their own decisions when driving alone".

The BBC reported in June the announcement of a number of planned changes to the driving test in Northern Ireland.

Posted by Mary Treen