New drivers to be tested on their Sat Nav skills

The classic driving test will be getting a modern update, with new drivers being tested on their Sat Nav skills.

Those who are undertaking the test will be expected to follow directions on a Sat Nav, reflecting real life conditions in the hopes that drivers will be better prepared for the road.

This comes with other proposed changes, the biggest since the theory exam was introduced in 1996, such as reversing out of a parking bay. Also under debate is whether the three-point turn and reversing around a corner should be scrapped from the test.

From April until the end of the year, it’s estimated 1000 learner drivers will take part in the Sat Nav trials across 20 driving test centres in the UK.

Driving instructor Brian Marshall said: “The theory test was changed a few years ago and these changes will make it more like real life driving”

The potential changes have faced some criticism from the likes of the RAC foundation. RAC spokesman Stephen Glaister said: “When a Sat Nav leads us down a dead end, we need to know how to perform a three-point turn”

Added to this, young drivers will also be asked safety questions on the move to test their skills while being distracted.

As young driver accidents are on the up, changing the test to reflect what it’s actually like on the road may be a welcome modernisation.

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