The driving test is changing - here's what you need to know

The driving test in England, Scotland and Wales is changing in a few weeks time. The decision to make the changes was because road collisions are the biggest killer of young people and they account for over a quarter of all deaths of those aged between 15 and 19.

The changes are being made because most fatal collisions happen on high-speed roads (not motorways) and changing the format will allow more of these types of roads to be included in driving test routes.

The changes have also been supported by public consultation with over 3,900 people taking part.

Here's everything you should know about the new test:

There are four changes to the test which include following directions from a sat nav and testing different manoeuvres.

1. Independent driving time will increase

The portion of the test for independent driving (driving without prompts from the examiner) will increase to 20 minutes, instead of the current 10 minutes.

2. Following a sat nav

Driving with a sat nav has become more and more popular recently. Now, during the independent driving portion of the test the candidate will be expected to follow directions from a sat nav, which will be set up beforehand by the examiner (you can't use your own sat nav).

According to the DVSA website only one in five tests will involve a sat nav.

3. New manoeuvres

Two manoeuvres will no longer be tested, but will be taught, they are ‘reverse around a corner’ and ‘turn-in-the-road’.

There will now be three possible reversing manoeuvres which could be tested, they are:

• parallel park at the side of the road
• park in a bay - either driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out
• pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for 2 car lengths and rejoin the traffic

4. Answering a vehicle safety question

The examiner will now ask the candidate two vehicle safety questions, these will be known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions.

The 'tell me' question will be asked before the candidate starts driving. It will be how would you carry out a task.

The 'show me' question will happen while the candidate is driving. For example, how to wash the windscreen using the car controls and wipers.

Watch the full video from the DVLA about the changes that will come into force on the 4th December.

These changes will come into force in England, Scotland and Wales from the 4th December, this includes those who have failed before that date and retake it after, or if the test is previously cancelled or postponed until after that date.

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