New changes to driving tests should have been introduced ages ago, says Oxford instructor
Adnan Abbasi welcomes the emphasis on faster and rural roads, but says it is long overdue
As of today, learner drivers across the UK will take updated driving tests that cover more dual carriageways and single carriageway countryside roads, aiming to better prepare them for real-world driving.
CEO of the Oxford Driving Academy, Adnan Abbasi, said the changes are positive, but should have come sooner.
"It's definitely is a step in the right direction," Adnan said. "But they should’ve been implemented ages ago.
"We’ve been teaching our students these long drives on dual carriageways, single carriageways, and motorways long before they put this proposal forward."
The changes, announced by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), are designed to address key gaps in learner drivers' experience.
Adnan noted that many learners currently focus on the test rather than gaining the skills needed for more complex driving scenarios.
"Most of the students that come to learn to drive only want to pass their test for the sake of it. Very few students say they want to learn how to drive on the dual carriageway or motorway."
While supportive of the changes, Adnan said "I personally think motorway driving on a test should be also made compulsory."
Based on the current changes, Adnan identified several routes in the Oxford area that can help learners prepare.
"I think the Headington to Wheatley test route and Headington to the crematorium route are going to be very popular.
"There's also a test route from Headington going towards Somerton on a dual carriageway which is probably one of the busiest test routes in Oxford so we'll be covering that as well."