The independent driving section of the practical driving test

The independent driving section of your practical driving test is a fairly new exercise that is now included within your driving test. It's purpose is to asses the pupils understanding of road signs and directions. Your driving instructors in Leeds will practice the independent driving section with you before going in for your driving test to ensure you're fully prepared for what they will ask you to do.

The independent driving isn't only included in the car driving test but also the motorcycle module two, large goods vehicles test., passenger carrying vehicles and taxi driving test. Even your driving instructors have been assessed on their independent driving skills when taking their driving instruction test; they know exactly how you feel and how to handle your nerves when carrying out the independent driving section of your driving test.

Throughout the duration of your practical driving test you will be asked to do approximately ten minutes of independent driving. The independent driving section of your test can consist of following:

* Traffic signs
* A series of directions
* A combination of the two above

When following traffic signs you will be asked to follow signs for a certain area which will be clearly sign posted on the route you're travelling. Your driving instructors Leeds will teach you how to read the road signs in order for you to have the ability to correctly follow the directions sign posted. Our advice would be to plan and scan far in front which will allow you to understand the direction you need to go early enough for you to carry out the correct procedures.

The next things they could ask you to do is follow a series of directions. You will be shown a diagram on a sheet showing a number of different directions, you will be asked if you understand,and then be expected to follow them as you have seen.

Don't worry if you forget the directions or go the wrong way, we have had pupils do this before and we want to make it clear that you won't fail your driving test if you go the wrong way as long as no driving faults are committed. The independent driving section of the practical driving test is not to test your navigation or orientation skills as we always tell pupils. If you forget the directions shown to you on the diagram or there is an obstruction of a sign post you can ask your examiner for directions and they will point you in the right direction.