New era for driving tests
Car driving tests in England, Scotland and Wales are changing from Monday, 4 December.
The new test will include the requirement to follow directions from a sat nav, answer vehicle safety questions while driving and perform different reversing manoeuvres. It will also feature a longer independent driving section.
Commenting on the changes, Jason Wakeford, director of campaigns for Brake, the road safety charity, said, ‘One in four drivers aged 18-24 crash within two years of taking their test, which is why a greater overhaul of the learning to drive system is needed to reduce needless deaths and injuries.
‘A graduated driver licensing system, including a minimum learning period, mandatory training on rural roads and restrictions for newly qualified drivers − such as a zero drink-drive limit − will allow novice drivers to build their skills and experience over a longer period of time. This approach has dramatically reduced road casualties in countries including Australia and New Zealand, and could save some 400 lives a year if implemented in the UK.
‘There is also the need for better and more affordable public transport, so fewer young people see starting driving in their teens as a necessity.’
