DVSA rolls out new driving test changes today
The DVSA has introduced new changes to driving tests across the UK, aimed at giving learner drivers more experience on rural roads.
The initiative, which was launched today, comes in response to alarming safety statistics showing that nearly half of the casualties involving young drivers occur on rural roads.
The three-month trial will affect thousands of learners at 20 driving test centres nationwide, with the changes designed to better prepare new drivers for the challenging conditions they will face after passing their test by offering more “real-life” road experiences.
The need for change comes after reports found that rural roads have been considered among the most dangerous high-speed roads for inexperienced drivers.
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The DVSA practical test trial will be in place until August
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Current data found that 48 per cent of casualties in collisions involving young car drivers occur on rural roads, compared to 42 per cent for other age groups.
The trial aims to plug this safety gap by creating more realistic testing conditions that reflect “real-world” driving scenarios.
Up to four examiners will participate at each of the 20 test centres throughout the UK, with the DVSA stating that the trial is designed to improve road safety by better replicating the challenging conditions new drivers face.
Officials will contact learners with tests booked at these centres to reassure them about the changes.
The trial will introduce three key changes to driving test routes without altering the content that learners need to know or the overall test duration.
The changes include updates to the number of stops during the test, which will be reduced from four to three, allowing for more time on higher speed roads.
Meanwhile, the frequency of emergency stops will change from one in three tests to one in seven, reflecting improvements in vehicle safety technology since Anti-lock Braking Systems became mandatory in new cars in 2004.
The third change offers flexibility to extend the independent driving section using sat nav from the current 20 minutes to potentially the full test duration.
The trial will take place at test centres including Avonmouth, Cambridge, Cardiff, Hendon, Maidstone, Norwich and Oxford, among others.
The full list of 20 participating centres also includes Bishopbriggs, Bolton, Dudley, Halifax, Hereford, Hornchurch, Isleworth, Middlesbrough, Musselburgh, Norris Green, Nottingham (Chilwell), Portsmouth, and Wakefield.
The DVSA stressed that the changes have been designed to allow more time on rural and high-speed roads without altering what learners need to study or practice.
Test content and duration will remain unchanged, with the DVSA contacting affected learners to provide reassurance about the modifications.
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The changes will impact practical tests at roughly 20 different centres across the UK
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Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander recently addressed the issue of rural road safety for new drivers as part of the Government’s broader road safety initiatives.
When questioned by the Transport Committee about potential restrictions for new drivers, Alexander clarified: “We’re not currently considering a Graduated Driving Licence, which would restrict new drivers from driving with additional passengers in the car.
“More broadly, your question about things like night driving, rural collisions and the experience of rural driving that’s part of the work that is underway at the moment.”
Once concluded in early August 2025, the agency will share results and next steps with the industry.
