Learners in Oxford to face new driving test routes aimed at improving road safety
The DVSA trial will update driving tests to better prepare young drivers for rural and high-speed roads, following safety concerns about young driver casualties
A new trial to update practical driving tests across the UK has been launched by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), with changes aimed at reducing the number of young driver casualties.
The trial, running until August 2025, will impact 20 driving test centres nationwide, including Oxford, as reported by Carwow.
Nearly half (48%) of all young driver casualties occur on rural roads, which are considered the most dangerous high-speed environments for inexperienced motorists. In response to this, the DVSA is adjusting the driving test routes to provide learner drivers with more real-world experience on these challenging roads.
The updated test routes will include three key changes:
- The number of stops during the test will decrease from four to three, allowing more time to be spent on rural and high-speed roads.
- Emergency stop exercises will now be conducted in one in seven tests instead of one in three, reflecting the improved safety features of modern cars, such as anti-lock braking systems (ABS).
- The independent driving section, which includes satellite navigation, will be extended to potentially cover the full test duration.
The DVSA has confirmed that while the content and overall duration of the driving test will remain unchanged, these adjustments are designed to better replicate real-world driving conditions.
“We are introducing these changes to ensure that learner drivers are better prepared for the environments that pose the biggest risks to them,” a DVSA spokesperson said.
The trial will involve up to four examiners at each participating test centre, and DVSA officials will contact all learners with upcoming bookings to explain the changes and offer reassurance.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated that the initiative is part of a broader effort to tackle rural road collisions involving young drivers. However, she confirmed that a Graduated Driving Licence, which would impose additional restrictions on new drivers, is not currently under consideration.
“By giving learners a more realistic experience before they pass, especially on rural roads, we aim to improve road safety for young drivers,” she said.
Once the trial concludes in August 2025, the DVSA will share the results with the driving instruction industry. The Transport Secretary also announced new measures to make 10,000 additional driving tests available each month in an effort to reduce waiting times for learner drivers.