Major change to driving tests announced in new roads trial

The DVSA has launched a new three-month trial to revamp practical driving tests across the UK, with a focus on giving learner drivers a better handle on rural roads. This move is in reaction to alarming safety statistics showing that nearly half (48%) of all young driver casualties happen on these roads – these are the most perilous high-speed areas for those who are new behind the wheel.

The trial is set to bridge this safety gap by introducing more realistic testing conditions that mirror "real-world" driving situations. Set to continue until August 2025, the trial will involve 20 driving test centres around the country, including spots like Cardiff, Cambridge, Oxford and Middlesbrough, potentially affecting thousands of learners.

Despite these changes, the DVSA has assured that the length and content of the driving test will stay unchanged, but learners can expect three significant updates to the test route structure.

According to the DVSA, these alterations aim to emulate "real-world" driving conditions more accurately and equip learners for the challenges they'll face after passing their test.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has recently spoken out about the importance of rural road safety for new drivers as part of the Government's wider road safety strategies.

When grilled by the Transport Committee on possible restrictions for novice motorists, Alexander made things clear: "We're not currently considering a Graduated Driving Licence, which would restrict new drivers from driving with additional passengers in the car.

"More broadly, your question about things like night driving, rural collisions and the experience of rural driving that's part of the work that is underway at the moment."

With findings expected to be finalised by early August 2025, the DVSA will discuss outcomes and subsequent actions with the industry, reports the Manchester Evening News. The organisation is also taking on the challenge of historically high waiting periods for driving examinations.

Given that over half of the UK's test locations are now experiencing hold-ups stretching six months or longer, fresh strategies to implement an extra 10,000 test appointments every month have been set out.

The agency has committed to hiring scores of new inspectors and reintroducing overtime remuneration to eliminate the build-up.