Sat navs and independent driving on the test, explained

The practical driving test was changed on 4 December 2017 to better reflect real driving. The biggest change was a longer section of independent driving, usually following a sat nav.

#What independent driving is

For about 20 minutes of your test, the examiner stops giving turn-by-turn directions. In most tests, you follow directions from a sat nav the examiner sets up for you. In the rest, you follow traffic signs to a place.

#You won't fail for a wrong turn

Going the wrong way isn't a fault on its own, as long as you do it safely. If you miss a turn, carry on safely and the sat nav (or the examiner) will get you back on track.

#How to prepare

• Practise with a sat nav on your lessons, so following it while watching the road feels normal.
• Listen to the instructions and look at the screen briefly, then put your eyes back on the road.
• Read lane markings and signs early: the sat nav tells you where to go, but signs and markings tell you how to get there safely.
• Keep your normal routines: mirrors, signals and observation matter more than the route.

#The other changes

At the same time, the test changed to:

• ask a "show me" question while you're driving
• replace the old "reverse around a corner" and "turn in the road" manoeuvres with parallel parking, parking in a bay, or pulling up on the right and reversing

Read our full guide to what happens on the practical test.