DVSA Launches New Trial to Boost Exposure to Rural and High-Speed Roads on Test

Changes by DVSA designed to increase exposure to real world driving conditions

A new DVSA trial starting 6 May 2025 will aim to better prepare learners for the realities of life beyond the L-plates – by increasing the time spent on higher speed roads during the practical driving test.

As driving instructors, we know that rural and higher speed roads pose a significant challenge for novice drivers. These environments are among the most dangerous, particularly for young and inexperienced motorists. In fact, current statistics show that 48% of killed or seriously injured (KSI) casualties in collisions involving young car drivers occur on rural roads – compared to 42% for other age groups.

With that in mind, DVSA is introducing a three-month trial across 20 driving test centres (DTCs) to explore ways to make the driving test more representative of real-world driving – especially the challenges of navigating rural routes and higher speed conditions.

What’s Changing – and Why

While the content you teach your pupils and the overall length of the driving test will stay the same, the trial introduces three key route-based changes that will affect how some driving tests are conducted:

1. Fewer Stops During the Test

   
   

   Currently, driving tests typically involve four stops, often conducted on low-speed roads. These stops can restrict how far the route can extend and, in turn, limit access to higher speed roads.

The trial will reduce the number of stops from four to three. This small adjustment offers more flexibility in test route planning, allowing greater use of rural and faster roads – without compromising safety.

2. Reduced Frequency of Emergency Stops

   
   

   The emergency stop (ES) – or controlled stop – will be carried out in one in every seven tests during the trial, rather than the current one in three. This aligns with modern vehicle safety technology, such as ABS, which has been mandatory in new cars since 2004.

Like the standard stops, emergency stops need to be performed in lower speed areas. By reducing their frequency, more time can be spent navigating roads with national speed limits and higher risks – again helping tests reflect real driving conditions.

3. Longer Independent Driving via Sat Nav

   
   

   The trial will also allow greater flexibility in the independent driving section of the test. Currently capped at 20 minutes, this could be extended to last the full duration of the test, using sat nav guidance.

   
   

Independent driving is a crucial skill in the real world, and this move aims to give examiners more freedom to assess it meaningfully. More sat nav-based driving could mean more exposure to complex, high-speed decision-making.

Where and When the Trial Is Happening

The trial will run from 6 May to early August 2025 and includes the following test centres:

Avonmouth, Bishopbriggs, Bolton, Cambridge, Cardiff, Dudley, Halifax, Hendon, Hereford, Hornchurch, Isleworth, Maidstone, Middlesbrough, Musselburgh, Norris Green, Norwich (Peachman Way), Nottingham (Chilwell), Oxford, Portsmouth, and Wakefield.

Up to four examiners from each of these centres will be involved, conducting tests using updated routes that incorporate the changes outlined.

No Change for Pupils – Just a Different Experience

It’s important to reassure pupils that what they need to learn or revise won’t change. The test remains the same in terms of format, duration, and marking criteria. DVSA will be contacting learners with upcoming tests at these centres to explain the trial and reassure them in advance.

What Happens Next

DVSA will closely monitor the trial’s implementation, reviewing the impact on test quality, route planning, and road safety. Once the trial concludes, they’ll share results and next steps with the industry.