Independent Driving

The biggest challenge facing new drivers after passing their driving test is making decisions for themselves rather than being told where to go or what to do. This includes choosing lanes correctly, follow road signs and dealing with distrations whilst driving from one location to another.

From 4 October 2010 your practical driving test will include approximately 10 minutes of independent driving.

During your test you’ll have to drive independently by either following:

• traffic signs
• a series of directions
• a combination of both

To help you understand where you are going when following verbal directions, the examiner will show you a diagram.

Example Diagram :-

Independent driving is not a test of your orientation and navigation skills, it is a test of your decision making and perfoming them safely. This includes deciding when it’s safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation about where you’re going.

• It doesn't matter if you don't remember every direction, or if you go the wrong way. It won’t affect the result of your test unless you commit a driving fault.
• If you ask for a reminder of the directions, the examiner will confirm them to you.
• If you go off the route or take a wrong turning, the examiner will help you to get back on the route and continue with the independent driving.
• You won't need to have a detailed knowledge of the area. If there are poor or obscured traffic signs, the examiner will give you directions until you can see the next traffic sign.
• You can't use a sat nav for independent driving as it gives you turn-by-turn prompts. Independent driving tests how you make your own decisions.

Additional Video on You Tube
Independent driving in the driving test: what is it?