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How is the driving test changing?

By: Ellis Stephenson

Published: 00:01, 04 December 2017

The driving test is changing for pupils in Kent from today, prompting examiners to go on strike.

Sat navs are also going to be playing more of a role, with most candidates being asked to follow one.

But learners have no need to worry if they don't have a sat nav because the examiner will provide one.

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More than 80% of Kent motorists have failed a roadworthy test. Stock image

One in five tests will not use a sat nav because pupils will be asked to follow traffic signs instead.

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But the change has caused uproar among examiners.

The Public and Commercial Services Union says around 2,000 members across the country are to strike today, causing disruption to around 14,500 tests. They will also walk out tomorrow.

The changes also mean those hoping to pass will have to be prepared to do 20 minutes of independent driving. Up until today, the learner only had to do 10 minutes.

During this part of the test, pupils have to drive without input from the examiner. It is being extended to cover roughly half of the test.

Some manoeuvres have been removed from the test, such as reversing around a corner and turning in the road.

Instead people will have to either parallel park, park in a bay or pull up on the right hand side of the road, reverse for two car lengths and rejoin the traffic.

Learners will also have to answer safety questions while driving and stationary. Before now learners were asked both questions while they were still.

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The pass rates for 2016-17 have also been revealed, showing Tunbridge Wells had the highest pass rate on the practical test with 52.6%.

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Second best was Sevenoaks with 52.4%, then Gillingham with 49.9%, Canterbury with 48% and Maidstone with 46.1%.

Herne Bay followed with 43.4% and Folkestone was last with a pass rate of 41%.

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