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Latest News

1. Observer on Test

The DSA have recently decided to rescind their proposal to force instructors to sit in on their students tests from October 2010. Instead it will continue to be the candidates choice.

From April last year, at the start of the test, the examiner will ask the candidates if they would like their instructor or another person  to sit in on the test. Regardless of the answer to the first question the examiner will then ask the candidate if they wish for their instructor to be present for the examiners' debrief at the end of the test. There are merits in the instructor sitting in on their student's test and debrief. I have sat in on nearly all my students tests over the last six years with their agreement and I have found this to be beneficial for both my students and myself.

2. Independent Driving

On 4th October 2010 the DSA introduced Independent Driving into all driving tests. For a period of about 10 minutes the candidate will be asked to follow traffic signs, such as place names, or will be given a maximum of four simple verbal directions at any one time or follow a combination of both. The verbal directions will be given at the side of the road and will be aided by simple diagrams, if necessary.

At the same time the DSA changed the way manoeuvres are tested by reducing this to one reverse manoeuvre out of a possible four. This will allow the test to concentrate on more general open road driving and allow candidates to more fully demonstrate their awareness, anticipation, planning and judgement skills, which are the essence of good driving. As before candidates will not know which one of the four manoeuvres will be selected. 

Also, as before candidates may also be asked to perform an Emergency (Controlled) Stop which will take place in approximately one in three tests.