The Driving Test and Driving lessons in Bournemouth. Contact The Driving School in Bournemouth, www.the-driving-school.biz.

The new 2010 driving test.

Firstly lets dispel some rumours:

The cost of the test has not changed.
The lengh of the test is the same.
The maximum number of permitted faults is the same.
The amount of driving lessons needed has not changed.
You are no more likely to fail, the new parts of the test are not even marked.

The changes to the driving test that commenced on 4th October are:

Independent driving - For a 10 minutes period of the test you'll be asked to drive unassisted, without the examiner giving directions. The examiner will ask you to park the car and then give you up to 3 directions to follow. For example - "Take the 2nd right, 1st left and then 3rd right". They may alternatively ask you to drive to destination which will be clearly sign posted. Do not worry if you have dyslexia or any other conditions as you may ask for more help.

The examiner may give a mixture of directions such as "Take the 2nd right, 3rd left and then follow the signs toward Bournemouth Town Centre". You may also be shown direction cards similar to those shown below to help you recognise the route you'll be taking. If you want the examiner to write down the place name so you know how it's spelt on signs, just ask.

After each set of directions you'll be asked to park and then given more directions. Examples of the diagrams you'll be given are:

Note: You are not marked on going the wrong way.

It doesn't matter if you go the wrong way or end up in the wrong place. The worst thing anyone can do on the test is to suddenly change your mind. Assume you're approaching and positioned to go straight ahead at a roundabout and suddenly you see a sign saying that the exit you want to take is off to the right. You should just follow the exit ahead because sudden braking and and changes in road position is extremely dangerous. Both minor and serious faults are recorded as usual, but your destination is irrelevant.

If you go the wrong way, just carry on and the examiner will redirect you. If you're coming up to a roundabout and you miss the sign, just say you haven't seen the sign and go left or continue in whichever lane you're in. You will not fail, you will not be marked down. The whole idea of this part of the test is to simulate being on your own and there will be plenty of times when you miss signs or go the wrong way, it doesn't matter!

So summarise, the only difference is that instead of being given directions for each junction, you'll be expected to remember up to 3 directions per time for a short section of the test.

Manouever Changes

You will now only need to do one manouever on a test instead of two so you will spend more time on the move and will travel much further from the test centre.

The new 2010 driving test.

Firstly lets dispel some rumours:

The changes to the driving test that commenced on 4th October are:

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