Driving Test Changes: What’s New From November 2025
In April 2025, the DVSA introduced a trial with several small but important changes to the practical car driving test. The aim was simple:
to make the test feel more like real-world driving and better prepare learners for safe, confident driving for life.
Following the success of this trial, these changes will now become a permanent part of the UK driving test from 24 November 2025, applying to all driving test centres across Great Britain.
What Changed During the Trial – and Why
The trial ran at 20 driving test centres and focused on three key updates to improve the overall test experience:
1. Fewer Stops During the Test
The number of stops was reduced from four to three, helping the test flow more naturally and reflect everyday driving conditions.
2. Less Frequent Emergency Stops
The emergency stop exercise was reduced from 1 in every 3 tests to 1 in every 7 tests. This still ensures drivers are assessed on this vital skill, without it feeling overly repetitive or disruptive.
3. More Flexible Independent Driving
Independent driving now runs for the full duration of the test and can include:
- Following a sat nav
- Following traffic signs
- Or a combination of both
This better mirrors real-life driving, where motorists often switch between navigation methods.
Why These Changes Matter
These updates were designed to create a more realistic and natural driving assessment. By improving route planning and reducing unnecessary interruptions, examiners can observe learners driving in conditions that closely match everyday life on the road.
The result?
A driving test that better supports safe, confident, and capable drivers — which is why the changes are now being rolled out nationwide.
More info from Source https://despatch.blog.gov.uk/2025/11/19/making-adjustments-to-the-driving-test/
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