Independent driving: the facts
For your driving lessons in Folkestone and Hythe, independent driving will become part of your practical driving test in October 2010.
The task for the candidate is to drive for about 10 minutes, either following a series of directions, following traffic signs, or a combination of both.
To help the candidate be clear about where they’re going, the examiner may also show them a diagram. And routes may be practised when learning to drive.
It doesn't matter if candidates don't remember every direction, or if they go the wrong way - that can happen to the most experienced drivers.
Newspaper reports
The claim in some newspapers that independent driving would lead to a fall in the driving test pass rate is based on early research where conditions
did not reflect the eventual design of the new element of the test.
Subsequent trials with a larger number of participants and more closely reflecting the conditions in the planned new test showed no significant fall in the pass rate.
Video shows independent driving
DSA has published a short video on its YouTube channel explaining more about independent driving.
Independent driving in the driving test: What is it? Watch the videos on YouTube
An introduction to Independent Driving
Download an example of an independent driving route diagram (PDF, 305Kb)
Short term insurance for pre-driving test practice
that won't affect the car owner's insurance for any claim made!