The New Driving Test = The ‘tell me’ safety question
Pre-briefing at the start of the test
Here’s the new explanation that driving examiners will give at the start of the test.
The test will last about 38 to 40 minutes and will include about 20 minutes of independent driving and various roads and traffic conditions. I will ask you to complete one manoeuvre and we may carry out an emergency stop. The sort of things you’ve been practising with your instructor or accompanying driver.
The ‘tell me’ safety question
This question will still be asked at the test centre, before your pupil starts driving. Here’s the new explanation that will be used.
Now I’d like to ask you one question about your vehicle and other matters relating to vehicle safety. The second question will be a ‘show me’ question on the move.
If you’d like to make yourself comfortable in your car now please, I will join you in a moment.
The full set of possible ‘tell me’ questions is on GOV.UK.
I want to emphasise that your pupil will still need to open the bonnet if they’re asked question 12, 13 or 14.
In September, we’ll publish a video about the ‘tell me’ questions so your pupils know:
- how to carry out the checks
- why it’s important that they do them regularly
The ‘show me’ safety question
This question will be asked while your pupil is driving.
It can be asked at any time during the test, including during the independent driving part.
The examiner will ask the question in a location which gives your pupil enough chance to demonstrate the safety check. Here’s the instruction they’ll give.
When it’s safe, could you show me…
This video shows a couple of examples.
Independent driving
The examiner will ask your pupil to pull over before starting the independent driving part of the test. At this point, the examiner will select and start the route, if it’s using a sat nav.
Here’s the instruction that examiners will give when using a sat nav.
Shortly I’d like you to drive for some distance independently. I’d like you to follow a series of directions from the sat nav please. Continue to follow the sat nav until I tell you otherwise. Drive on when you’re ready.
Remember, 1 in 5 tests will be following traffic signs, and not directions from a sat nav. The instruction given for these will be as follows.
Shortly, I’d like you to drive for some distance independently. I’d like you to follow the traffic signs for [location] please. Continue to follow the signs until I tell you otherwise. Drive on when you’re ready.
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