The new part of the driving test was introduced on Monday the 4th October 2011 called ' THE INDEPENDENT DRIVE '.
In this new part of the test the examiner will ask the pupil to pull up at the side of the road, then explain that they will be shown a simple line drawing map, representing the direction that they will be required to travel, identifying road names/numbers (as you would do if given directions from a pedestrian) and then given a destination. It should take the pupil approximately 10 minutes to complete the drive, in which time - provided that they correctly signal and position the vehicle and do not make any driving errors - they can deviate from the planned route but will not fail the test.
This new part has come into effect at the same time as the 'test route' directions that you could download from the DSA website, have been removed.
At SJP we have never used the 'test route' directions to teach our pupils, as continuously driving along the same roads that you would use on a test does not necessarily make you a good driver- in our opinion it means that you can pass your test, but may not have the skills or confidence to drive outside of the test area - no good if you live in Leicester and want to drive for a holiday to Skegness.
For more information please to go: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/PracticalTest/DG_189979
