Millions of learner drivers across the United Kingdom are facing a significant change to the driving test that came into effect today. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has confirmed the update, which will impact approximately 3.7 million people—the number of tests taken in Great Britain between March 2022 and March 2023.
What is changing in the driving test?
The core update involves increasing the time learner drivers spend on higher-speed roads, particularly rural routes. This shift is designed to mirror real-world driving conditions more accurately and ensure new drivers gain crucial experience on the types of roads they will frequently use after passing their test.
The decision was made following a successful five-month trial at 20 test centres earlier this year. During this pilot, examiners noted clear benefits. The number of stops during a test fell from an average of four to three, and the need for emergency stops became far less common, dropping from occurring in one in three tests to just one in seven.
Why is this change necessary?
Road safety experts have strongly endorsed the new approach. Edmund King OBE, director of the AA Charitable Trust, emphasised the urgent need for this training, stating that rural roads present a particular danger to young and novice drivers.
"Our own research has shown young drivers are over-represented in crashes on rural roads, compared to other roads," King said. He believes that increasing exposure to these environments during the test is a vital step towards reducing this disparity and keeping new drivers safe.
Amanda Lane, head of driver testing and policy at the DVSA, added that many new drivers struggle most when they first encounter high-speed roads outside built-up areas. She described the update as a "subtle but meaningful" change that will help prepare learners for a "lifetime of safe driving."
Widespread support for the new rules
The alterations have been met with broad approval from within the industry. Following the trial, almost 90% of driving examiners expressed a desire for the changes to be made permanent.
Driving instructors and training organisations have also welcomed the update. Dan Leverton, academy director at Bill Plant Driving School, called rural roads a "perfect storm" of hazards and said instructors will embrace changes that ultimately "reduce casualties and save lives."
Jon Sutcliffe, COO at RED Driver Training, labelled the move a "progressive step" for road safety, ensuring new motorists gain valuable experience in some of the most challenging driving environments.
The National Associations Strategic Partnership (NASP) has also backed the move, confirming it improves safety, raises overall driver competency, and helps reduce collisions. The DVSA has clarified that while the test's focus is shifting, the fundamental skills being assessed remain unchanged.
