THE BIGGEST changes in the driving test since 2010 came into force on Monday.
In the new test the independent driving section increases to 20 minutes with four out of five candidates following instructions on the sat nav.
Participants will answer a vehicle safety question whilst driving and reversing into a parking bay becomes part of the test, as does pulling safely over to the right-hand side of the road and moving off again.
Shocking statistics show road crashes are the biggest killer of young people, accounting for a quarter of all deaths of 15 to 19-year-olds.
It is hoped the new test will bring about a decrease in that number by ensuring they have the knowledge and skills they need for a lifetime of safe driving.
Worcestershire driving instructor David Mann welcomed the changes which have been made in a bid to better prepare new drivers for taking to the modern roads.
“It’s not a big thing and it is important we move with the times.”
He added one of the reasons behind it was because of the introduction and rising popularity of sat navs which now played a bigger part in the test.
“There is also more emphasis on getting students out on national speed limit roads and dual carriageways as the statistics show young people are having more accidents on the faster roads.
“The changes to the test are welcome but the important thing for us is that we continue to teach them all the other skills they will need.
“I always say we are not teaching people to pass a test, we are teaching them to drive for the duration of their lives.”
