Changes To The Practical Test

2010 will see the introduction of several changes for learner drivers, instructors and examiners.

The results of the DSA's Learning to Drive consultation identified ways to improve driver training and testing. It emerged that encouraging test candidates to have an observer on test, who would also listen to the feedback at the end, would improve their learning and development.

Examiners and instructors are already aware of this practice. In 2008/9 18,000 instructors accompanied
pupils on 81,000 tests – at the request of the candidate.

From 6 April 2010 these figures will rise, because examiners will always ask candidates if they would like their instructor (or another observer – preferably the person who has taught them) to sit in on their test and listen to the feedback. However, it is purely the candidate’s choice.

The benefit to the candidate is that it gives instructors the opportunity to better support candidates’ ongoing learning and development. For example, if the candidate fails the test, the instructor will have witnessed the drive first-hand, listened to the examiner’s feedback, and can better discuss it with the candidate afterwards.

They can then develop the candidate’s areas of weakness during lessons. If the candidate passes, the observer can give feedback about what they can do to further improve their driving, for example Pass Plus, or agreeing to an individually tailored post-test driver development plan.

Candidates who decide not to take an observer on test are potentially missing out on maximising their
instructor’s expertise. It is also a missed opportunity for instructors to monitor their candidates’ performance.









Extracts Only.
Original article contained in March 2010 DSA "Despatch" magazine.