Driving tests through the years,

Arrow Driving Academy offers competitive priced driving lessons in Hull and we are a professional, friendly, down to earth team that make learning to drive a positive, co-operative experience. I am aware from my own driver training that managing the daunting prospect of the theory and driving test can be a huge challenge for some students and it has got us considering the changes the test has gone through over the years. Students tend to worry about the tests and elements in the test such as how to eco drive, the independent driving section and the whole of the theory test! All of which are relatively recent additions to the test. The driving test has been around for more than 75 years now and though it has gone through some huge transformations at its core it is still about showing the examiner you have the ability to drive. No good instructor would put a student through the driving test if they were not sure they could pass. I have a feeling though it was a bit simpler when the test first came about!

The first test that was booked cost the equivalent of 37.5p!  The early tests had no test centres so students had to arrange to meet the examiner somewhere! It’s amazing really but it had to start somewhere.  The theory test (an area that some students have some worries over) did not come about until 1996 when it replaced the traditional Highway Code questions that would take place during the practical test. It seems strange to us now that there was no theory test prior to that; it is a crucial element to learning to drive safely. In 2003 the Show Me Tell Me element of the test was added. This is a short question and answer session prior to the start of the exam (We have a section which covers this on the Arrow Driving Academy site right here).

In 2008, an eco-safe assessment element was added to the test. Students who have parents that have taken them out driving during or prior to starting paid instruction often come away confused as parents who passed prior to 2008 may have not undergone eco-safe driving training and drive in a slightly different way. It is nothing to worry about and eco driving is a key area that we engage our students in and it runs through all of our lessons. But what is it? How do I eco drive? As an overview eco driving is simply a way of driving the vehicle, which reduces environmental damage to the planet at the same time as improving road safety. It is not necessarily about driving at slower speeds as some people think it is but it is about effective use of the accelerator and brakes and avoiding harsh braking and acceleration whenever possible. It is also about forward planning, looking well ahead and judging the road and traffic. All elements are covered on the driving lesson and on top of the benefits to safety and the environment. I personally think it is a smoother way to drive and more comfortable for driver and passenger.

In October 2010, a 10 minute independent driving section was introduced, details of which can be found here

https://www.gov.uk/practical-driving-test-for-cars/independent-driving-section-of-the-test

It is essentially an element of the test were the instructor will ask you to drive independently of his or her instruction for a period of around 10 minutes. During your test you’ll have to drive independently by either following:

• Traffic signs
• A series of directions
• A combination of both

One thing we are certain of is the test will gradually evolve over time and incorporate new or updated elements. We are confident we will keep ahead of these changes and keep our lessons relevant, up to date and as stress free as possible, though there is no accounting for other road users!! Whilst we are on the subject of tests and lessons we now offer driving lessons in the following areas

Driving lessons in Beverley
Driving Lessons in Hornsea
Driving Lessons in Driffield
Driving Lessons in Aldborough

Have a fantastic week and keep safe on those roads,

Paul