6 months since the driving test changed

It’s now 6 months since the driving test changed and the latest driver and rider testing statistics have been published which show a year on year decline in the number of theory and practical tests. In line with the release of these figures, the DVSA have issued some information on the early impact of the changes and some advice on how to better prepare your students:

Driving test pass rate
The new practical test was designed to be more reflective of real life driving and situations new drivers will face once they have passed their test. Better assessing these skills during the test will help drivers stay safer on our roads.There has been a small reduction in the pass rate – 45.4% compared 46.8% last year, but the DVSA expect this to increase once candidates and instructors become more familiar with the new test and how it’s conducted.

Top 5 serious driving test faults
The top 5 reasons for failing a driving test have not changed. Here is some advice on how your students can avoid these.

1.Observations at junctions
During the test, your students will get a serious fault if they aren’t taking effective observations before emerging at junctions and emerge into the path of other vehicles. You should remind your students to look both ways to make sure it’s safe before proceeding.
2.Mirrors before changing direction
Another common fault pupils make is not remembering to use their mirrors, or only checking one of them. You should remind your students of the importance of always checking their mirrors effectively before doing things like changing lanes, signalling or increasing or decreasing speed. This is a simple mistake that can be easily prevented.
3.Moving off safely
Similarly, when your students are moving off from the side of the road, they need to make sure they look around, check their blind spots and indicate correctly.
4.Control when steering
Your students need to be able to maintain a steady course in normal driving during the test. Things like mounting the kerb while driving, or not following the contour of the kerb results in faults in this area.
5.Turning right at junctions
When approaching a junction and turning right, it’s important your students position their vehicle correctly. The vehicle shouldn’t cut the corner when turning right. Your students should also watch out for cyclists and motorcyclists, and any pedestrians crossing the road.

Driving test timing study
From 16 July 2018, the DVSA will conduct a timing study in a third of driving test centres across Great Britain. The study will last for around 3 to 4 months and will monitor the overall time taken to conduct the test. This might mean that additional examiners may sit in on some tests at your local test centre. This won’t result in additional scrutiny of your students, but you might want to let them know they might have another examiner in the car during their test.