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Scottish teenager Grant Ferguson has become one of the very first people in the UK to not only take the new driving test that’s being trialled around the country, but also to pass the exam – first time! The new UK driving test is currently being trialled at 20 test centres, including one in East Dunbartonshire where Grant was offered the opportunity to make a difference towards road safety.
As part of the new UK driving test, Grant was asked to follow a route that the examiner had pre-programmed into a satellite navigation system prior to the start of the test. During this 20 minute section of the test, Grant had been advised by his driving instructor to follow the instructions using the device’s audio setting, rather than by sight. The overall aim of this new section of the test is to ensure drivers have the ability to focus on the road ahead while still learning how to utilise modern driving gadgets such as sat navs which, when used correctly, can make driving safer.
As a part of the new driving test shake up, Grant would not have been asked to reverse around a corner as usual. However, he instead may have been quizzed on different features of the vehicle, and might also have been asked to demonstrate how to use beneficial features within the car, such as a heated rear windscreen, for example.
Why Test Sat Nav Skills?
It is expected that the new UK driving test will promote the importance of GPS systems to young drivers in particular, encouraging them to buy what is fast becoming essential driving technology. Grant himself says ‘I’ll definitely be buying a satnav because that’s what I know and it gives you a bit of freedom to go where you want’. However, it’s not just about freedom. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents claims that the technology can ‘prevent drivers from making last minute lane changes or hesitating because they are not sure of directions’.
Using Sat Navs Safely
Sat navs can, undoubtedly, save lives, but a common issue that’s been seen since the gadget was introduced for vehicles is that many drivers do not know how to use them correctly, and they could actually be increasing risk on the roads. According to media sources, an estimated 1 in 7 UK drivers endanger themselves, their passengers, and other road users by making last minute maneuvers to correct sat nav mistakes after blindly following instructions. The hope is that the new aspect of the UK driving test will teach young drivers not to rely solely upon technology, but to combine technological guidance with common sense and knowledge of the road.
Around 1000 more people are expected to follow in Grant’s shoes to take the new UK driving test while it is being trialled during 2015. Pass rates are expected to play a prominent role in deciding whether or not the new driving test should be implemented as standard across the country.
