Leading car leasing company, UK Carline, have commented on the recent research the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) are conducting on seeing which changes need to be made to the current driving test.

The DVSA have conducted research to determine how to alter parts of the driving test to reflect current driving practises not taught in the lessons. Manoeuvre methods such as the three point turn are on the cutting board, and the use of Sat Navs are being considered as part of the independent driving segment of the test.

The changes will be the first in twenty years, with hopes to extend the independent driving segment to 20 minutes, from the current 10 minute time spent in the 40 minute test. Satnav based navigation would be part of the segment, offering an alternative to studying road signs.

Manoeuvres are also set to change, with drivers learning current techniques over the redundant ‘turn in the road’ and ‘reverse around a corner’ methods currently taught. ‘Reversing from a parking bay’ and ‘pulling up on the right or left before re-joining a section of traffic’ are being considered as current replacements.

1000 learners in the UK will trial the new practical exam measures to determine just how effective the new lessons will be, and the Driving Instructors Association (DIA) are helping with the changes.

A spokesperson for the company said, ‘DIA has been heavily involved in the scoping of this project and is enthusiastic about the opportunity it presents to evolve the L-test to a level where it more realistically assesses a candidate’s ability to competently and safely manage road based risk and driving in real life, on real roads.’ 

Often commenting on industry news, a spokesperson for UK Carline commented on the driving test changes and said, ‘The changes to the driving test have been a long time coming, as technology within cars has changed to make it easier for drivers to navigate and drive. The new test will mean the next wave of new drivers will be more prepared on the road than ever before we should see improvements in driving with outdated techniques no longer taught.

Many of our leased cars have Sat Nav options available in the packages, so any new driver leasing with us will be right at home with the technology in place.’

UK Carline are one of the leading car leasing companies in the country, and supply a wide range of vehicles from top manufacturers including Nissan, Kia, Toyota, Volkswagen and Citroen to name just a few. They provide competitive leasing deals for both personal and business leases thanks to close relationships with the manufacturers, but provide impartial advice thanks to the company being completely independent. For further information on the range of vehicles and services UK Carline offer, visit www.ukcarline.co.uk today.