With recent talks of test centres closing altogether the idea of the somewhat intimidating driving test could change forever. The closure of the test centre would mean examinations could be started from agreed local buildings such as libraries or supermarkets. With this, driving tests would not only feel a lot more informal, they could become a lot less costly for the average learner- money saved on premises expenditures. If the plans do go through it would seem there's little nowadays can that can't be accomplished by a mere visit to the local store.
Independent driving was introduced for much the same reason; to avoid candidates memorising routes instead of reacting to them as they would in real-life situations. Rather than the examiner calling out precise directions, he or she would instead give a more vague instruction to follow the sign posts to a particular town or destination, thus requiring more independent thought from the candidate.
A Show me, Tell me segment was first added to the practical test in September 2003, in an attempt to provide drivers with a better understanding of the potentially dangerous machinery they were controlling. Learners would be required to answer any two of the questions the examiner would take at random from a pre-published list, including aspects such as understanding a safe oil level, tyre tread and water coolant level. An example of a potential 'show me' question could be the demonstration of checking the parking brake for excessive wear.
In September 2009 the theory test was further updated by introducing a case study section. A scenario would be shown to participants who would then be required to answer questions directly relating to it. It was designed to again make the test more relatable to realistic situations. It was a 2002 addition to the Hazard Perception test section of the theory that saw real-time films of driving scenarios shown to candidates, required to spot the intentional potential hazards.
After it was realised that the majority of learners were memorising the routes taken on their practical tests -rather than responding to them as a driver normally would- October 2010 saw yet more changes made by the DSA [Driving Standards Association]; The routes taken would no longer be published for driving instructors to focus on in their lessons. In an attempt to make the test situations even more representative of normal driving scenarios, 2010 also brought about independent driving. Candidates are now required to follow signposts to an agreed destination rather than following strict instructions. The leaked rumours of test centre closure with 2012 would alter the face of the driving test altogether.
Independent driving was introduced for much the same reason; to avoid candidates memorising routes instead of reacting to them as they would in real-life situations. Rather than the examiner calling out precise directions, he or she would instead give a more vague instruction to follow the sign posts to a particular town or destination, thus requiring more independent thought from the candidate.
A Show me, Tell me segment was first added to the practical test in September 2003, in an attempt to provide drivers with a better understanding of the potentially dangerous machinery they were controlling. Learners would be required to answer any two of the questions the examiner would take at random from a pre-published list, including aspects such as understanding a safe oil level, tyre tread and water coolant level. An example of a potential 'show me' question could be the demonstration of checking the parking brake for excessive wear.
In September 2009 the theory test was further updated by introducing a case study section. A scenario would be shown to participants who would then be required to answer questions directly relating to it. It was designed to again make the test more relatable to realistic situations. It was a 2002 addition to the Hazard Perception test section of the theory that saw real-time films of driving scenarios shown to candidates, required to spot the intentional potential hazards.
After it was realised that the majority of learners were memorising the routes taken on their practical tests -rather than responding to them as a driver normally would- October 2010 saw yet more changes made by the DSA [Driving Standards Association]; The routes taken would no longer be published for driving instructors to focus on in their lessons. In an attempt to make the test situations even more representative of normal driving scenarios, 2010 also brought about independent driving. Candidates are now required to follow signposts to an agreed destination rather than following strict instructions. The leaked rumours of test centre closure with 2012 would alter the face of the driving test altogether.