Independent driving has become a key part of the UK driving test. And for many people, it’s kind of daunting. While you’ll practise it during your driving lessons, it still carries an element of the unknown. Not least because you don’t know in advance whether you’ll be asked to follow a sat nav or road signs. So, what is actually involved in the independent driving element, and how can you prepare for it?
Your Guide to Driving Test Independent Driving
What is independent driving?
As the name implies, independent driving is the section of your practical driving test where the examiner asks you to drive without giving you step-by-step instructions. Instead, you might be asked to follow a series of traffic signs or use a sat nav to reach a particular destination. The aim is for you to demonstrate that you can drive safely while concentrating on navigation. And that’s the important thing to remember; it’s not really about navigation, but about staying safe. So, if you miss a turn, don’t panic. As long as you’re driving safely, all will be fine.
This section of the test usually lasts for around 20 minutes.
Following a sat-nav
For most people, independent driving will involve using a sat-nav. If you’ve never used one before, that’s fine; it’s not about testing your tech skills, and the examiner will show you what to do. What you have to concentrate on is following the instructions without taking your attention away from the road and other drivers.
Following traffic signs
Not all driving test examiners favour sat nav use. If that’s the case for you, you’ll be asked to follow traffic signs towards a particular destination instead. And that’s where good observation becomes really important. But again, if you miss a sign, it’s not the end of the world. Just carry on driving, explain to the examiner that you didn’t see the sign and didn’t want to make an unsafe manoeuvre. Ask them if they’d like you to find a place to turn around, or proceed somewhere else.
What if you go the wrong way?
This is one of the biggest worries learners have about independent driving. But going the wrong way doesn’t automatically mean you’ve failed your driving test. Even experienced drivers get lost from time to time. It’s how you react to the mistake that matters. As long as you stay safe and in control, taking the wrong route itself isn’t necessarily a serious fault.
Can you ask the examiner to repeat an instruction?
Absolutely. If you didn’t hear or understand an instruction, you can always ask the examiner to repeat it. As long as you’re not asking them to directly guide you to the relevant destination, there is no problem with asking questions.
Common independent driving mistakes
It’s easy to make mistakes in any part of the driving test, because nerves play such a big part. S, these are the things to look out for in the independent driving section:
- Focusing too much on the sat-nav and not enough on the road.
- Looking for signs at the last moment.
- Changing lanes suddenly after missing a direction.
- Becoming nervous after making a mistake.
- Driving too slowly because you’re concentrating on directions.
- Forgetting observations while trying to remember where they’re going.
How can you prepare for independent driving?
Your driving instructor will always give you the opportunity to practise independent driving during your lessons. And this is the very best way for you to prepare. But you can also extend that in your private practise, if you can persuade an experienced driver to go out with you.
Just try not to worry about getting every direction right. The more important thing will always be safe decision-making and staying calm when you make a mistake.
Independent driving is really about demonstrating that you’re confident enough to make decisions on your own while driving. And to stay safe when things go wrong.
Are you looking for driving lessons in the West Midlands? Get in touch with DGN.
