On June 27th 2011 the DVA introduced independent driving as part of the practical driving test in all areas of Northern Ireland. What is independent driving? Independent driving is a new section of the driving test where candidates will be asked to follow a series of directions, road signs, or a combination of both. The examiners also use schematic drawings to backup the series of directions that have been given. How long will the independent section last? The Independent section of the driving test will last about 10 minutes. What if I forget where to go? If you forget the directions you have been given you are allowed to ask the examiner to repeat them. (It should be noted that you must ask at a safe and convenient time and not when a change of signal, position or direction could confuse other road users. An examiners job is to conduct the test, this includes giving directions and examining your driving skills, they are not there as instructors and only give driving instructions to prevent a dangerous situation developing...if a driving examiner is forced to give instruction on test it will be in the interest of safety, it could be recorded as: Examiner Took Action - Verbal, the result would be test failure.) In short - Ask in good time! What if I take a wrong turn? If a wrong turn is taken it wont have any bearing on the result of the test as long as a driving fault has not been committed, the examiner will go back to giving step by step directions until you are back on course. Are there any other changes to the test? Yes, because the independent section lasts about 10 minutes candidates will now only be asked to perform 1 reversing manoeuvre instead of 2, the length of the test remains unchanged! Should I be worried about independent driving? No, not if you have been well prepared and had plenty of practise driving independently. Independent driving is designed to monitor a test candidate making their own decisions, unaided and without prompts. Example Below is an example of an Independent driving diagram that I have used during driving lessons and mock driving tests in Ballymena, this is my own production and has not been copied from an official driving test although it is very similar to the type the examiners use. This diagram is shown to the pupil at the side of the road when the series of directions are given, the pupil is also given an opportunity to repeat the directions back to me before moving off.  Directions:Move off when ready and follow the road ahead until you reach the roundabout At the roundabout follow the road ahead taking the 2nd exit sign-posted for... At the crossroads turn left At the next crossroads turn left In the new road drive ahead until you pass 2 side roads on the left then pull up in a safe, convenient and legal place After completing this series of directions another diagram would be shown, each beginning where the last ended, about 3 in total. You can watch a video about independent driving on my videos page...here>> Joe's Driver Training is a driving school in Ballymena operated by a DOE Approved Driving Instructor who teaches independent driving. If you would like more information about the driving test, driving lessons or independent driving in Ballymena please feel free to contact Joe on 07799 497 471 |
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