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Driving School Boss Questions New Driving Test Additions

The owner of a West Yorkshire driving school has questioned the use of “sat navs” in the new driving test, which comes into force later this year.

Bev Midgley, who launched Drighlington-based Drive Dynamics ten years ago, said she feared the use of in-car technology could distract learners on their tests and ultimately lead to accidents.

Coming into effect on December 4, the new test will see more prominence being given to the independent driving segment, which will increase from ten minutes to 20 minutes.

And, more significantly, during this section, four in five candidates will be asked to follow directions from a sat nav provided by the examiner, while the rest will follow traffic signs.

Additionally, those being tested will be asked to perform one of three manoeuvres: - parallel park at the side of the road; park in a bay; or pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for two car lengths and then rejoin the traffic.

Bev said: “Over the last few years driving conditions have undoubtedly become increasingly more dangerous and it’s right the driving test is updated to reflect this.

“The new addition where four out of five tests will incorporate a sat nav is significant.

“On the whole, the changes are welcomed as intelligent and safer driving is focused on the use of technology.

“However, in-car technology is a distraction and distractions are the last thing any driver needs, particularly learners or those who have just passed their test.

“I believe it will also lead to confusion of what is and isn’t permitted by law, as many young drivers will use their mobile phones as sat navs. Fixed mobiles on the dashboard are allowable, but they must have text alerts switched off.”

Bev, whose business has more than 300 driving instructors on its books, added: “Many instructors and pupils feel that the use of a sat nav is to be welcomed, as they are an essential part of driving.

“Whilst sat navs can reduce risks by informing of upcoming hazards and improve congestion through traffic management and diverted routes, they still need to be used with caution.

“Police can, and will, prosecute drivers they don’t believe to be properly in control of their vehicles, and fiddling with a sat nav and not concentrating on road ahead, can fall into that bracket.

“‘Independent driving’ has become the industry’s buzz phrase for safe driving and it’s the duty of the instructor to ensure their pupils this signals a move towards a realistic test and arguably better drivers for the future.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Mark Watts .