From 6 April 2010, learner drivers taking their practical test will be encouraged to take an observer with them.
The
Driving Standards Agency believes that taking their instructor, or the
person that taught them to drive, with them on their test will help
candidates' learning and development and make them safer drivers.
Brian
Gilhooley, Driving Standards Agency: "From 6 April, all driving
examiners will ask the customer if they wish to have an observer
accompany them on the test. In the main, this will be the person who
trained them.
"It will be entirely the customer's decision. If
they wish to do so, the observer will sit in the rear of the vehicle,
watch the test and be present for the post-test debrief."
In 2008
to 2009, 18,000 instructors accompanied pupils on 81,000 tests at the
request of the candidate. From April, these figures are expected to
rise.
Brian Gilhooley: "Pass or fail, we can all learn additional
skills from the experience. By having the observer present on the test,
they'll be in the position to identify future development needs for a
subsequent test or additional skills to build on after passing the
test."
We put the news to learner drivers to find out what they think of the move.
Kelvin,
learner driver: "I recently failed my driving test and that was for a
silly reason, so having some else in the back of the car might motivate
you."
Levyna, learner driver: "I think it's a good idea because
you feel more confident that you've got somebody with you that you've
been used to having in the car."
Mohammad, learner driver: "I
think it's not a bad idea, especially if it's the person who taught you
how to drive. You might feel more comfortable with him or her sitting
in the back of the car, so that when it comes to manoeuvres, you know
what to do. Personally, I wouldn't mind having my teacher sitting in
the back of the car. If it was anyone else, I might be nervous."
Aziza,
learner driver: "I think it's a good idea to have your observer there,
because if you make a mistake in the test, or fail, they would be there
to help you avoid making those mistakes again. So to have your
instructor there would help you a lot. It would help you save money as
well, because if your instructor wasn't there, they wouldn't know
exactly what mistakes you'd made in your test."
At present,
candidates have to ask the examiner if they can take an observer on the
test. From 6 April, driving examiners will ask the candidates if they
would like to bring their instructor with them.