THE NEW UK DRIVING TEST (Manual and Automatic)
The UK driving test will change from Monday 4th December 2017. The changes are designed to make sure new drivers gain the skills required to help them drive safely for life.
The main reason for the change is so that you spend more time practicing on rural or high-speed roads instead of low speed side roads, so that it will better prepare you on these more dangerous roads for when you begin driving alone.
1) Sat Nav
The 'independent' driving part of the test will be increased from around 10 minutes to 20 minutes, which is about half of the duration of the test.
During this time most candidates will be asked to follow the directions from a sat nav. It won't matter if you go the wrong way as long as you don't make a driving fault whilst doing so.
1 in 5 driving tests won't use a sat nav. You will need to follow traffic signs for 20 mins instead.
2) Manoeuvre changes
You will be asked to do ONE of the following and it can be done during the independent drive
- Parallel park at the side of the road.
- Bay park - Either driving in to a bay and then reversing out (On test route) OR reversing into a bay and then driving out (At the test centre).
- Pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for 2 cars lengths and then rejoin the traffic.
3) Answer the 'show me' question whilst driving
The examiner will ask a 'show me' question on the move. For example you might be asked to show how you would clean the windscreen using the cars controls and wipers. This can be done during the independent driving part of the test.
The 'tell me' question will be asked at the start of the test before you start driving. For example, 'tell me' how you would check to see if your brake lights were working.
4) The pass mark, duration of the test and cost will remain the same.
Your allocated driving instructor will provide you with this information.
*Please note that we also do intensive courses upon request subject to availability.
UK FAMILIARISATION COURSE-OVERSEAS
This course is either half/full day designed by 'our trainers'. It covers the following OR it can be tailored to suit your needs and is for people with an active Overseas Licence OR new UK licence.
- The law
- Defensive driving techniques
- Advanced driving techniques
- Risk management
- Motorway/Dual carriageways/Town driving/Country lanes
* Please note we also do refresher lessons
PASS PLUS COURSE
By choosing the PASS PLUS scheme, you have chosen that you wish to develop the attitudes and skills that are essential for 'safe driving for life'.
Pupils who take this course, after the practical test, have less accidents in the first two years.
It's benefits are:
- Enabling you to gain quality driving experience safely, that you may not have already covered, such as motorways and country lanes
- Helping you become a more skilful driver
- Teaching you how to develop a positive driving style which is both enjoyable and safe
- Reducing your risk of being involved in a road incident
- Saving you money on your car insurance premium**
There is no test at the end,instead you will be assessed throughout. The minimum time requirement for this course is 6 hours and can be done in 2/3 hour slots.
The Syllabus:
1) Introduction
2) Town driving
3) All-weather driving
4) Out of town driving and rural roads
5) Night driving
6) Dual carriageways
7) Motorways