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Independent driving: changes to practical driving test

Driver in vehicle with learner plates Independent driving will become part of the practical driving test in Northern Ireland from 27 June 2011. Find out what independent driving is and how you will be assessed during the practical driving test.

Which tests include independent driving or riding?

The independent driving or riding section is included in the following practical driving tests:

  • car
  • motorcycle
  • large goods vehicle (LGV)
  • passenger carrying vehicle (PCV) tests
  • approved driving instructor (ADI) driving ability (sometimes called 'part two')

Independent driving explained

At present, examiners give candidates step-by-step instructions during the test. But from 27 June 2011 the driving test will include a section of independent driving. For all other parts of the test, candidates will still get step-by-step instructions.

In the independent driving section of the test, you'll have to drive independently by either following:

  • traffic signs
  • a series of directions
  • a combination of both

To help you understand where you are going when following verbal directions, the examiner will show you a diagram like this one:

The video at the link below was produced by the Driving Standards Agency in GB. Independent driving has been included in driving tests in GB since October 2010. This video will give you a good indication of what to expect.

What happens if you forget the directions?

It doesn't matter if you don't remember every direction, or if you go the wrong way - that can happen to the most experienced drivers.

Independent driving is not a test of how you follow directions. Driving independently means making your own decisions - this includes deciding when it's safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation about where you're going.

If you ask for a reminder of the directions, the examiner will confirm them to you.

What happens if you go off the independent driving route?

If you go off the independent driving route it won't affect the result of your test unless you commit a driving fault.

If you go off the route or take a wrong turning, the examiner will help you to get back on the route. You can then continue with the independent driving.

What happens if there are poor traffic signs?

If there are poor or obscured traffic signs, the examiner will give you directions until you can see the next traffic sign - you won't need to have a detailed knowledge of the area.

Why can't you use sat nav?

You can't use a sat nav for independent driving as it gives you turn-by-turn prompts. Independent driving tests how you make your own decisions.

Special needs and the independent driving section

The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) has procedures to identify special needs and disabilities when tests are booked. The examiner then knows which type of special needs you have so reasonable adjustment can be made.

For the independent driving section, this could be by asking you which method you prefer - following traffic signs or a series of directions (a maximum of three), which are supported by a diagram. In some cases this may be shortened to just two directions.

If you speak little or no English

Driving examiners are very experienced at dealing with candidates who speak little or no English. For example, sometimes they will write place names so it is clear to you where you're being asked to drive to.

You can have an interpreter along with you on your test if you wish. Your approved driving instructor can act as your interpreter.

Test routes will no longer be published

To help make the driving test more representative of real driving, the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) will no longer publish details of test routes. Currently, test routes used by each driving test centre are published online; this will stop when the DVA introduces new routes on 27 June 2011.

This change is being made to support the introduction of independent driving. The point is to allow you to demonstrate your ability to drive safely in realistic driving situations, rather than memorising a particular test route.