With recent talks of test centres closing altogether the idea of the somewhat intimidating driving test could change forever. The closure of the test centre would mean examinations could be started from agreed local buildings such as libraries or supermarkets. With this, driving tests would not only feel a lot more informal, they could become a lot less costly for the average learner- money saved on premises expenditures. If the plans do go through it would seem there's little nowadays can that can't be accomplished by a mere visit to the local store.
Over the years driving tests are virtually unrecognisable since their inception in June 1935. Driving tests were first made compulsory due to the thousands of car accidents occurring each year, a figure made all the more worrying by the lack of cars on the road in the first place. Some of the first candidates were asked questions on the Highway Code, requested to perform a three-point turn and reverse, and tested on how well they performed hill starts and emergency braking.
When information regarding the complete closure of test centres was leaked for 2012, it was suggested that the idea of driving tests could be changing altogether, with candidates beginning their test from a local public building such as a supermarket or pub. Though not yet confirmed, the change would bring the testing areas closer to those who would otherwise have to travel long distances, and save Government money in the long term. A large number of test centres have already closed around the country in the last few years, supporting the theory of those who believe the test centre will indeed become obsolete.
In 2003, it was decided that the theory and the practical itself just didn't present enough of a challenge to fully prepare prospective road users, and the 'Show me, Tell me' section was introduced. Show me, tell me is still used in tests today with learners required to be ready to pop the car bonnet open and inspect the various components inside. Under this new addition the examiner asks two questions at the beginning of the practical test, an example being; 'tell me where the brake fluid reservoir is and check that there is a safe fluid level.' If the candidate answers incorrectly it won't necessarily mean they fail, it just counts as a minor fault toward the 15 currently allowed before an automatic fail is instigated.
The DSA, Driving Standards Agency, have more driving test changes set to take off in the next year. By late 2013 the Hazard Perception test will have undergone a 21st century face-lift, swapping the current 'real-life' clips for equally realistic computer generated alternatives. Computerised imagery has progressed in leaps and bounds since the Hazard Perception test first started in November 2002, and the new computer generated clips will avoid any risk when filming future potential hazards.
Over the years driving tests are virtually unrecognisable since their inception in June 1935. Driving tests were first made compulsory due to the thousands of car accidents occurring each year, a figure made all the more worrying by the lack of cars on the road in the first place. Some of the first candidates were asked questions on the Highway Code, requested to perform a three-point turn and reverse, and tested on how well they performed hill starts and emergency braking.
When information regarding the complete closure of test centres was leaked for 2012, it was suggested that the idea of driving tests could be changing altogether, with candidates beginning their test from a local public building such as a supermarket or pub. Though not yet confirmed, the change would bring the testing areas closer to those who would otherwise have to travel long distances, and save Government money in the long term. A large number of test centres have already closed around the country in the last few years, supporting the theory of those who believe the test centre will indeed become obsolete.
In 2003, it was decided that the theory and the practical itself just didn't present enough of a challenge to fully prepare prospective road users, and the 'Show me, Tell me' section was introduced. Show me, tell me is still used in tests today with learners required to be ready to pop the car bonnet open and inspect the various components inside. Under this new addition the examiner asks two questions at the beginning of the practical test, an example being; 'tell me where the brake fluid reservoir is and check that there is a safe fluid level.' If the candidate answers incorrectly it won't necessarily mean they fail, it just counts as a minor fault toward the 15 currently allowed before an automatic fail is instigated.
The DSA, Driving Standards Agency, have more driving test changes set to take off in the next year. By late 2013 the Hazard Perception test will have undergone a 21st century face-lift, swapping the current 'real-life' clips for equally realistic computer generated alternatives. Computerised imagery has progressed in leaps and bounds since the Hazard Perception test first started in November 2002, and the new computer generated clips will avoid any risk when filming future potential hazards.
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