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Could we soon be tested on our sat nav skills when learning to drive? Yes, if proposed changes to the current UK driving test are approved! From April 2015, 20 driving test centres across the country will be testing their drivers on their ability to follow directions using an in-car satellite navigation system, rather than relying upon traditional road signs. If the trial proves to be successful, it is anticipated that this new and improved driving test will be officially rolled out to all test centres in the UK.
Improving the Outdated Driving Test
A question many drivers are asking is ‘why?’. The answer is simple – there have been many concerns raised within the past few years regarding the popular opinion that the current UK driving test is outdated and doesn’t necessarily reflect the true driving conditions on todays roads. We’re living in the age of technology, and although the environment around us has changed, the driving test has remained stagnant since the introduction of the theory test back in 1996. It’s argued that it’s not time to bring the driving test into the 21st century, replacing some of the older aspects with current road concerns that are contributing towards accidents and injury.
1.5 Million Drivers Admit to Dangerous Driving Using Sat Navs
An estimated 1.5 million drivers in Britain have admitted to performing sudden, poorly thought out, and potentially dangerous maneuvers and actions on the road when following sat nav directions – particularly when the device states that a wrong turn has been made – leading to 300,000 sat nav-related accidents. This is a shocking statistic that the British government is determined to lower. It is hoped that educating drivers about good sat nav usage will reduce risk and make these devices a safe and beneficial piece of equipment for use on the roads.
Although sat navs are loved by many drivers, 22 percent of us claim to have been seriously distracted by them at least once while behind the wheel, making the devices some of the most common distractions for drivers today. It’s important to give more attention to the use of sat navs, educating drivers on the best ways to utilise the features without becoming a danger to themselves, other drivers, or pedestrians.
While the proposed changes to the driving test will most likely focus upon a driver’s ability to use a sat nav for navigational purposes, it’s vital that, as a nation, we’re aware of the best practices for using these devices. Here’s 3 tips to help make using sat navs much safer:
- Position the device where the driver can easily glance at the screen, but not in an area that obstructs the driver’s view, their mirrors, or any front air bags
- Always use common sense. If your sat nav wants to take you through a flooded field or down a road that’s clearly too narrow for your vehicle, choose a different route
- Remember that the information accessed by sat navs may not be 100 percent accurate. Always keep an eye on road signs to ensure you’re travelling within the speed limit
The new driving test will be undertaken by volunteers between April and December 2015. If successful, we could see the satellite navigation aspect of the driving test being implemented nationwide – said to be one of the biggest ever shake ups to the UK driving test.
