Website of the UK government

Independent driving explained

Watch a video about independent driving

• Independent driving Opens new window

From 4 October 2010 your practical driving test will include a section of ‘independent driving’.

During your test you’ll have to drive by either following a series of directions, following traffic signs, or a combination of both, for about ten minutes.

To help you understand where you’re going, the examiner may show you a diagram.

It doesn't matter if you don't remember every direction, or if you go the wrong way - that can happen to the most experienced drivers.

Independent driving is not a test of your orientation and navigation skills. Driving independently means making your own decisions - this includes deciding when it’s safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation about where you’re going.

The independent driving route

If you ask for a reminder of the directions, the examiner will confirm them to you.

If you go off the independent driving route it won’t affect the result of your test unless you commit a driving fault.
If you go off the route or take a wrong turning, the examiner will help you to get back on the route and continue with the independent driving.

If there are poor or obscured traffic signs, the examiner will give you directions until you can see the next traffic sign - you won’t need to have a detailed knowledge of the area.

You can’t use a sat nav for independent driving as it gives you turn-by-turn prompts. Independent driving tests how you make your own decisions.

Newspaper reports

Some newspapers have claimed that independent driving would lead to a fall in the driving test pass rate. This claim is based on early research where conditions did not reflect the eventual design of the new element of the test.

Subsequent trials with a larger number of participants and more closely reflecting the conditions in the planned new test showed no significant fall in the pass rate.

Video shows independent driving

The Driving Standards Agency has published a short video on its YouTube channel explaining more about independent driving.

• Independent driving video - DSA Opens new window

More on Directgov

• Practical test (motoring section)

• Book your practical driving test online Opens new window

• Theory test (motoring section)

• Book your theory driving test online Opens new window

• Learning to drive or ride (motoring section)