How driving tests could change in the future.
In DVSA’s 2022 to 2023 business plan, the DVSA set out to investigate ways they could create a modern, flexible and efficient driving test service. One that is less dependent on fixed driving test centres, and takes advantage of new technology.
The existing driving test service is based on a network of driving test centres, often with fixed long term leases. This can result in a test centre being tied to a location where the road and traffic conditions have changed, and no longer provide the best environment to assess a candidate's ability to drive.
DVSA is trialling a system which takes the tests away from the current driving test centres. At this stage it’s only a trial. Approved driving instructors (ADIs) have been told about the trials happening at 4 locations to test the concept:
Birmingham (Kings Heath)
Doncaster
Dumfries
Mill Hill (London)
The driving test itself will not change, the standard a candidate must demonstrate they meet will stay the same. And the content of the test will stay the same; it will still contain the same manoeuvres, independent driving and show me tell me questions, for example.
By using flexible test locations and routes, DVSA can continue to offer a realistic driving test to candidates as Britain’s roads change and do its part in keeping our roads among the safest in the world.
If a learner is truly test ready, they should be able to pass on any roads, not just those which they have practised on. It is one of the reasons DVSA does not publish test routes, to discourage route learning.
Thanks for reading! If you found this article interesting, don’t forget to share with your friends. And don’t forget, thedrivingskool.com is your local driving school passionate about providing driving lessons in Hornchurch, Upminster, Rainham, Romford, Shenfield, Brentwood, Barking and Dagenham… and more. We also offer gift vouchers for driving lessons to help get someone special on the road!