A new driving test that includes a longer independent driving section and requires candidates to follow satellite navigation (sat nav) has been introduced in the UK.

The modernised test was first announced by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in April this year in an attempt to make a comprehensive assessment and prepare the drivers to drive safely.

During the new test, the candidates are required to drive independently for around 20 minutes following directions from a sat nav or a series of traffic signs.

The independent driving time previously allotted to the candidates was ten minutes.

In addition to the driving test, the candidates are required to perform a reversing manoeuvre from a selection of three techniques and answer a vehicle safety question while driving.

DVSA chief driving examiner Lesley Young said: “DVSA is committed to helping drivers through a lifetime of safe driving.

“The new test will help prepare new drivers for driving on modern roads and support a reduction in the number of young people killed and seriously injured on our roads.”

“The new test will help prepare new drivers for driving on modern roads and support a reduction in the number of young people killed and seriously injured on our roads.

“We’ll continue to explore opportunities to further develop driver training and testing to make sure the driving test reflects real-life driving.”

The new test was also endorsed by the road safety stakeholder Road Safety GB.

Road Safety GB chair Sonya Hurt said: “We fully support the changes that have been introduced in the new practical driving test, which we believe will provide a more realistic assessment of a candidate’s ability to drive without supervision.

“Modern vehicles feature an increasing array of driver assist technology, and as such it is sensible and realistic to test the candidate’s ability to use a sat nav system.”