How will this affect the test?
The Independent Driving phase will take one of 3 forms.
The Candidate may be asked to follow a series of signs to a destination. i.e. "for the next few moments keep on following the signs to Perth." The candidate then needs to look for the signs which will be clearly visible on approach to the junction, then follow the signs until told otherwise. The signs have been specifically chosen because they are easy to read and clearly visible on approach to each junction.
The candidate may be given a series of 3 directions to follow i.e. take the 2nd left - ahead at the roundabout - then 1st right. This method will be used where signs are not suitable. All directions will be backed up by a simple diagram shown by the examiner.
The 3rd method can be a combination of the previous 2 methods i.e. following signs then a series of 3 directions.
Q: What if I take the wrong turning?
Same as normal rules for taking a wrong turn, if it's done safely it would not be marked.
Q: What if I forget where I am going?
If you ask the examiner he/she will remind you.
Q: Why can't I access the DSA Test Routes any more?
With the introduction of Independent Driving the test routes were altered to accommodate the new phase. DSA decided to stop publishing the routes.
This decision was taken to encourage pupils and instructors to learn to drive properly rather than just learning the test routes. We are aware that some instructors have been struggling with this, these are the minority of instructors that just teach pupils to drive around a test route rather than actually teaching how to drive on all types of road.