Three-point turn may be dropped from UK driving test

[PaxVobiscum]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-30249249

The three-point turn could be dropped from the UK driving test as part of biggest update to the exam in 20 years.

Under a revised practical exam, learners may also be asked to use a satellite navigation system instead of following road signs.

About 1,000 learners will take part in a trial of a new practical exam.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency said any eventual changes would be subject to full public consultation.

"We are carrying out initial research to explore how the driving test could better reflect real-life driving," said a DVSA spokesman.

I would have thought the probability of needing to do a "causing the vehicle to face in the opposite direction by means of the forward and reverse gears" manoeuvre would increase with the use of satnavs.

 

[Emyr]

One of the main hazards for urban cyclists is drivers, particularly those of minicabs and black cabs, performing U-turns without checking for following or oncoming road users.

As far as I'm aware, the U-turn has never been (or not recently been) a taught or assessed manouver.

Without the Turn In The Road (aka 3-point turn), how will drivers double back without a rountabout or looping route?

 

[muz379]

I learnt to control my car in reverse yet was not assessed on my ability to do the turn in the road on my test because they choose two reversing maneuvers . Tbh is there any reason why driving instructors cant teach things that wont be on the test , I do it reasonably often outside my house as well because I park with the flow of traffic but a lot of the time I want to get to the dual carriageway at the end of the road in the opposite direction . I see no reason to drop it , it shows that the person sitting the test can control the car sufficiently in reverse whilst also making good observations of the surrounding .

I disagree with the bit about following a sat nav . I never have used and never want to use a sat nav when driving . I view them as a distraction , and often lead to people doing dangerous things not paying full attention to the road . I always have a look on the internet at a map before I drive anywhere I have never been before . And I have an AA road atlas in the car in case I do get lost . If I have a passenger I also get them to assist in reading road signs etc so I can concentrate on driving the car .

 

[Antman]

I learnt to control my car in reverse yet was not assessed on my ability to do the turn in the road on my test because they choose two reversing maneuvers . Tbh is there any reason why driving instructors cant teach things that wont be on the test , I do it reasonably often outside my house as well because I park with the flow of traffic but a lot of the time I want to get to the dual carriageway at the end of the road in the opposite direction . I see no reason to drop it , it shows that the person sitting the test can control the car sufficiently in reverse whilst also making good observations of the surrounding .

I disagree with the bit about following a sat nav . I never have used and never want to use a sat nav when driving . I view them as a distraction , and often lead to people doing dangerous things not paying full attention to the road . I always have a look on the internet at a map before I drive anywhere I have never been before . And I have an AA road atlas in the car in case I do get lost . If I have a passenger I also get them to assist in reading road signs etc so I can concentrate on driving the car .

I'm glad that I'm not the only one that hates sat navs

 

[GB]

As far as I'm aware, the U-turn has never been (or not recently been) a taught or assessed manouver.

Strange that its not on the car test but is on the bike test.

 

[PeterY]

I'm glad that I'm not the only one that hates sat navs

Likewise. I've never had the need for one. I still use a map and build up a picture of the route in my mind.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

I'm glad that I'm not the only one that hates sat navs

I don't even own a sat nav; I plan my routes and potential main diversions before setting out.

 

[DarloRich]

Likewise. I've never had the need for one. I still use a map and build up a picture of the route in my mind.

this^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Surely the heightened risk to cyclists and others of the 3 point turn is a reason to teach it MORE often?

 

[Butts]

I don't even own a sat nav; I plan my routes and potential main diversions before setting out.

To be fair they can be useful in an urban area you are unfamiliar with - when they work properly
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

this^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Surely the heightened risk to cyclists and others of the 3 point turn is a reason to teach it MORE often?

No just ban Cyclists completely

How did you cope with all the "Horse and Carts" when driving around Darlington ?

 

[DarloRich]

How did you cope with all the "Horse and Carts" when driving around Darlington ?

I had my man whip their owners until they moved them out of the road.

 

[bb21]

I am equally at a loss as to the point of the use of sat nav. It is not an essential part of a person's driving ability so I don't see why it should be part of the test.

Three-point turn meanwhile is an essential part of someone's driving ability. As someone mentioned, it is a great way to assess the learner's ability to control the car.

 

[Butts]

I had my man whip their owners until they moved them out of the road.

That would be a sensible measure to adopt in Milton Keynes with regard to all the Cyclists - particularly at all those pesky roundabouts

 

[ralphchadkirk]

I can understand the want to increase the independent driving from 10 to 20 minutes, and at a stretch, I can understand why they might want to assess the use of a sat nav as well - regardless of the technophobes that (ironically) seem to inhabit the internet a lot of people drive with satellite navigation - and a lot do it poorly - so all the more reason to have it assessed.

I can't understand the want to get rid of the turn in the road though. That is an important part of driving (admittedly, it is not done in all tests though).

 

[richw]

Likewise. I've never had the need for one. I still use a map and build up a picture of the route in my mind.

I have one, but cant remember the last time I used it for its intended purpose. I have it turned on if I'm in unfamiliar areas with speed limit warnings and camera alerts etc but no route planned

I am equally at a loss as to the point of the use of sat nav. It is not an essential part of a person's driving ability so I don't see why it should be part of the test.

Three-point turn meanwhile is an essential part of someone's driving ability. As someone mentioned, it is a great way to assess the learner's ability to control the car.

I cant remember the last time I did a three point turn.
On the other hand parallel parking in a space that's actually tight rather than 2 car lengths.

I also would like to see people learning in cars bigger than a Fiesta. Round here most of the road fatalities are 18 year olds getting into bigger higher powered cars and not being able to control them.

 

[bb21]

I cant remember the last time I did a three point turn.
On the other hand parallel parking in a space that's actually tight rather than 2 car lengths.

It may not be needed often, but nevertheless a quite important skill.

What would you do when stuck in a dead-end road and needing to get out? We have quite a lot of them around here.

 

[richw]

It may not be needed often, but nevertheless a quite important skill.

What would you do when stuck in a dead-end road and needing to get out? We have quite a lot of them around here.

Teach it of course. Round here there are not many places where it would be needed unless you were lost. So it isn't particularly important to know. However hardly anywhere has off street parking, and tight parallel parking is important. I hadn't a clue on parking tight space when I passed my test as they teach in such large space.

 

[bb21]

I see, I guess it depends on local circumstances.

Parallel parking was quite important with my instructor. He only let me loose when I could park in one and half length.

 

[Butts]

Teach it of course. Round here there are not many places where it would be needed unless you were lost. So it isn't particularly important to know. However hardly anywhere has off street parking, and tight parallel parking is important. I hadn't a clue on parking tight space when I passed my test as they teach in such large space.

Have you seen those cars that can park themselves...don't know if I could trust the system

 

[richw]

I see, I guess it depends on local circumstances.

Parallel parking was quite important with my instructor. He only let me loose when I could park in one and half length.

I quite often have to park in spaces 1-2 feet bigger than my car. I've never been taught to park in such small spaces. Especially in quite a big car as every driver instructor teaches in tiny little cars.

 

[carriageline]

To be fair, I use my satnav every day, near enough every time I'm setting on a journey, even if I know the route. It's handy for speed cameras and giving ETAs, but now it's near enough irreplaceable for its traffic system and the hours it has saved me from diverting me around traffic, and completely avoiding 20 minutes of traffic i otherwise would of known nothing about.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[muz379]

I can understand the want to increase the independent driving from 10 to 20 minutes, and at a stretch, I can understand why they might want to assess the use of a sat nav as well - regardless of the technophobes that (ironically) seem to inhabit the internet a lot of people drive with satellite navigation - and a lot do it poorly - so all the more reason to have it assessed.

The problem with using sat nav in a test situation is its not a real simulation of real life driving because any good driving instructor will have taken you out over the area that the routes cover from the test center you are taking your test at . and quite often its a local area you are familliar with anyway . So you just need to glance at the sat nav not really follow it as you know the routes anyway .

The problem comes when people are in unfamilliar locations when using a sat nav .

When I did my pass plus my instructor got me to use one for part of the motorway driving and coming up to major junctions where I would be turning off etc I found it completely distracting at a very crucial time . One thing my instructor did advise is if you ever do use one if you ever feel you have got lost pull over and have a look at it . I have however opted not to buy one and not to bother using one instead to plan any journeys out prior to taking them and keep a road atlas in the car .
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Strange that its not on the car test but is on the bike test.

I always did wonder why the U turn is so heavily played on in the CBT and bike test . But then I guess its one of them maneuvers on a bike where your observation as well as simultaneous machine control really come into play

 

[Springs Branch]

What would you do when stuck in a dead-end road and needing to get out?

I usually find the nearest driveway with a NO TURNING sign. Drive in there, couple of loud toots on the horn and a cheery wave to the emerging property owner, then I'm on my way, no worries!

 

[Kite159]

I would like to see some-part of rural driving on the test, the number of townies who live in the town/city, who only drive in said town/city when doing the lessons being let out, only to introduce their vehicle to a hedge when they misjudge a low speed corner and enter it going to fast.

 

[Butts]

I would like to see some-part of rural driving on the test, the number of townies who live in the town/city, who only drive in said town/city when doing the lessons being let out, only to introduce their vehicle to a hedge when they misjudge a low speed corner and enter it going to fast.

Well you could say the reverse could also be true .....

When my Cousin sat his Test in Inveraray many years ago (30odd) there were no traffic lights, roundabouts or any other modern traffic control measures. Reverse around a corner (both ways) , Emergency Stop and bobs your uncle - you've passed.

 

[WelshBluebird]

Driving in bad weather and in the dark really should be covered too, but I'm not really sure how you would go about even doing that! (presumably some kind of log, but then you require honesty etc etc, and I am sure instructors would not be pleased having to do late evening lessons!).

 

[455driver]

When I started driving lessons (many many years ago) the instructor asked me if I wanted to learn to pass the test or learn to drive, the two are very different!

 

[muz379]

I would like to see some-part of rural driving on the test, the number of townies who live in the town/city, who only drive in said town/city when doing the lessons being let out, only to introduce their vehicle to a hedge when they misjudge a low speed corner and enter it going to fast.

this is why I did pass plus because I learnt to drive in the city .and being a learner I had never been on a motorway before . I knew the theory behind . And was pretty confident id be able to do it . But I just wanted someone with a heck of experience and instructing ability by my side the first time I went on one .

I too however think that for the same reasons there should be some bits on city driving on the test . because If you learn t to drive in a rural environment you might cause all sorts of chaos in a busy city with dangers here there and everywhere and complex junctions and roundabouts

Well you could say the reverse could also be true .....

When my Cousin sat his Test in Inveraray many years ago (30odd) there were no traffic lights, roundabouts or any other modern traffic control measures. Reverse around a corner (both ways) , Emergency Stop and bobs your uncle - you've passed.

When I took my test-few years ago I didn't have to navigate a roundabout as there wasn't one along the route . Had to reverse back into the bay I had parked at in the test center . And do a three point turn . No emergency stop and no complex junctions really .

Driving in bad weather and in the dark really should be covered too, but I'm not really sure how you would go about even doing that! (presumably some kind of log, but then you require honesty etc etc, and I am sure instructors would not be pleased having to do late evening lessons!).

This is another reason why I did pass plus because you have to be instructed on all weathers and nighttime driving . My instructor merged the night time and rural road lesson into one as nighttime in the city is nothing too far from daytime cos of the lighting .

 

[90019]

I also would like to see people learning in cars bigger than a Fiesta. Round here most of the road fatalities are 18 year olds getting into bigger higher powered cars and not being able to control them.

Personally, I'd like to see learner drivers being taught to drive in saloons rather than hatchbacks, so there's a bit more of a challenge to it and you actually have to know where the extremities of the car are.

I would happily do another driving test in a saloon rather than a hatchback.

I can understand why they might want to assess the use of a sat nav as well - regardless of the technophobes that (ironically) seem to inhabit the internet a lot of people drive with satellite navigation - and a lot do it poorly - so all the more reason to have it assessed.

This is why I think it might be a good thing - the big problem I have with sat navs is that people just blindly follow them and ignore what's actually going on around them or signs telling them where to go or not go because the sat nav told them to go a certain way.
I see multiple people in their cars every day driving along Princes Street in Edinburgh, which is no entry except buses, taxis, trams and bicycles. I'd say that about 80% of them are just following the sat nav and haven't noticed the no entry signs. Most of the other 20% are locals who have realised that it isn't enforced.

I would like to see some-part of rural driving on the test, the number of townies who live in the town/city, who only drive in said town/city when doing the lessons being let out, only to introduce their vehicle to a hedge when they misjudge a low speed corner and enter it going to fast.

If we're doing that, I'd like to see urban driving being there for tests done in rural areas, to counter the people who have only every driven in the country or in small towns and who get confused and/or lost on major/complicated junctions in cities.

When I started driving lessons (many many years ago) the instructor asked me if I wanted to learn to pass the test or learn to drive, the two are very different!

This really irritates me - the number of people I see on the roads who have quite clearly only been taught how to pass the driving test but are totally useless drivers because they haven't actually been shown how to drive a car in a competent manner.

I quite often have to park in spaces 1-2 feet bigger than my car. I've never been taught to park in such small spaces. Especially in quite a big car as every driver instructor teaches in tiny little cars.

Pfft, amateur.

 

[SpacePhoenix]

I would like to see some-part of rural driving on the test, the number of townies who live in the town/city, who only drive in said town/city when doing the lessons being let out, only to introduce their vehicle to a hedge when they misjudge a low speed corner and enter it going to fast.

When I done my driving test rural driving was part of it then. I think the reverse parking (in a car park), should be reversing out of the space instead. I took my test in a town about 25 miles away from where I live and so got experience of dual carriageway driving each lesson driving there and back

 

[jonty14]

Here in Germany people have to do night time driving lessons and motorway lessons. They are tested on this as well. Getting your license is very expensive in Germany. All that money and as soon as they get in their BMW or Audi, they can't drive anymore. Look in the mirror and it is always an BMW or Audi up your backside!!