Learner drivers will have to master satnav as test gets shake-up

First change in morethan20 years will assess driver’s ability on modern roads

Learner drivers will have to safely use satnavs to pass their driving test as part of a major overhaul of the assessment.

Other changes announced by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency include doubling the length of independent driving to 20 minutes, and replacing manoeuvres such as reversing around a corner with more common scenarios like driving into a parking bay.

Motoring research charity RAC Foundation said it is the most significant shake-up of the test since the written theory exam was introduced in 1996.

Transport minister Andrew Jones claimed the measures will help save lives.

He said: “These changes will help reduce the number of people killed or injured on our roads and equip new drivers with the skills they need to use our roads safely.

“Ensuring the driving test is relevant in the 21st Century, for example the introduction of satnavs, will go a long way towards doing this.”

The new driving test will be used from December 4.

DVSA chief executive Gareth Llewellyn said: “Making sure the driving test better assesses a driver’s ability to drive safely and independently is part of our strategy to help you stay safe on Britain’s roads.

“It’s vital that the driving test keeps up to date with new vehicle technology and the areas where new drivers face the greatest risk once they’ve passed their test.”

Around half of all car drivers own a satnav and 70% of respondents to a public consultation supported the DVSA’s desire for drivers to be trained to use them safely.

Reducing the focus on slow speed manoeuvres in quiet roads will allow examiners to better assess the ability of learners to drive safely in busier areas, where new drivers have the most crashes, the DVSA said.

Motoring groups welcomed the changes.

RAC Foundation director Steve Gooding said: “Much has changed since the first driving test in 1935, and it must be right that the test evolves, just as the cars we drive are themselves changing.”

AA president Edmund King believes the new test can help produce “better, safer motorists”.

He continued: “We know that new drivers are a higher risk on the roads, therefore we need to better prepare them for real-world driving.”