Enhancing Standards of Road Safety conference 1 December 2016 1
Current test Facts and Figures 2015-16 1.5 million Car tests conducted Over 700,000 Male and over 800,000 Female Overall Pass Rate 47% Male Pass Rate 50.6% and Female Pass Rate 43.8% Over 700,000 1 st attempts 1 st attempt pass rate 47.6% 8000 1 st attempt tests with zero faults 2
Practical test review Background Unacceptable crash propensity for newly qualified drivers Criticism that the test is not fit for purpose New drivers feel ill prepared for driving post test Constraints Changes must be made within the current legislation The test must remain compliant with EU directives and DVSA National Standards The test fee must not increase 3
Practical test review The effect of age and experience on accident liability Highest risk is first 1,000 miles / 3 months 4
What are we trying to achieve? Practical test review Ensuring test is fit for purpose. Ensuring that new drivers are better prepared for driving in the real world of today. More exposure to high risk areas where accidents are happening. Use of sat navs to allow greater access to the type of roads we need them to experience. 5
Practical test review Current test Show me and tell me question at the beginning of the test. Emergency stop 1 in 3. 10 minutes independent driving using traffic signs or verbal directions. One of the following manoeuvres: turn in the road reverse around a corner reverse parking either into a parking bay, or parallel parking at the side of the road. Research test Tell me question at the beginning of the test and a show me question on the move. Emergency stop 1 in 3. 20 minutes independent driving using a satnav or traffic signs. One of the following manoeuvres: drive in to and reverse out of a parking bay pull up on the right, reverse, and rejoin the traffic reverse parking either into a parking bay, or parallel parking at the side of the road. 6
Practical test review: current route 7
Practical test review: trial route 8
Practical test review: trial route hazards Includes every speed limit from 30mph 70mph 7-10 miles longer than an average route 3 miles of dual carriageway 4 miles of rural roads national speed limit 4 major roundabouts Turns right at 2 major traffic light controlled junctions 7 right turns 5 left turns Various pedestrian crossings 9
The research Over 4,000 candidates ½ new test, ½ old test 32 locations Practical test review Driving instructors complete questionnaire / focus groups differences in approach to training for new test more/fewer lessons on average candidates more or less engaged with learning process 10
The research Candidate questionnaires when test passed 6 months after test passed Practical test review Did the driver feel better prepared for driving unaccompanied Approach to training Any incidents or crashes during first 6 months of driving 11
Practical test review What will success look like? Better equipped new drivers A reduction in incidents for new drivers in their first 6 months of driving Positive feedback from candidates and driving instructors taking part in the research 12
Examiner feedback The test candidate s using the sat-nav appear to have a greater level of all round awareness whilst coping with the test pressures more comfortably. It s seeming that the learners taking the trial test have strong fundamentals, confidence and better prepared to drive unaccompanied. I think the sat-nav is an excellent addition to the test for sure, and is proving to be the case with the standard of candidates I am seeing taking the test. I feel we have added extra depth to the driving test and this is certainly the way forward. 13
ADI feedback Rob Tillier, Farnborough: The trial test is far superior to current test. It forces ADIs to support learners in gaining a superior 'toolkit' to that gained when training towards the current test. I would welcome the National Standards being updated to include these new elements. Bill Plant, Sheffield (the first ADI to present a candidate for trail test): I can t wait for the test to be implemented, it just makes sense. All my pupils have signed up to the trial and are really enjoying it. 14
Stakeholder feedback ADIs British Deaf Association IAM PACTS Disabled Motoring UK The AA Road Safety GB Dyspraxia Foundation RAC Foundation MSA RoSPA These proposed changes recognise that it is more important for candidates to demonstrate the capability to drive independently on high-risk roads, than being able to reverse flawlessly into a quiet cul-de-sac. The new approach will be deemed a success if, in the longer-term, it produces better-prepared drivers and we experience fewer road casualties. Meantime, we hope these common sense changes will be rolled out swiftly. Steve Gooding, RAC Foundation 15
Theory test Around 1.6 million theory tests are taken each year The test is made up of 2 parts: multiple choice (45 questions plus a case study with 5 questions) hazard perception test (14 video clips showing 15 developing hazards) Various support materials are available 16
Hazard Perception Test Road safety benefits What is the HPT? How we have updated HPT Main opportunities the updates have presented 17
The Highway Code Digital by default www.gov.uk/ highway-code Twitter: 57.8k followers Facebook: 50.8k likes iphone app 40k+ annual downloads E-book 18
Publishing 19 Helping you stay safe on Britain's roads
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1,203,294 units sold 2015-16 221,039 as apps, online or download 162,593 included hazard perception 21 419,498 were Highway Codes Highway Code Car Large HPT Bike
Thank you Lesley Young Chief Driving Examiner Lesley.Young@dvsa.gov.uk 22