In our recent blog post, we let you know we will be carrying out a timing study of the driving test from 16 July until October 2018 across 127 test centres.

We’re carrying out the study to help make sure the new test is as efficient and effective as possible.

How it will work
Trained driving examiners and specially trained timing study observers will work as a team to monitor the overall time taken to conduct the test.

The driving test examiner will greet the candidate in the waiting room as normal and introduce anyone accompanying them before the test starts.

The accompanying study observer will sit in the back of the car and time how long various aspects of the test takes.

This includes things like setting up the sat nav or completing a manoeuvre. It is only the task that will be timed, not the examiner or the candidate.

There will be no additional scrutiny of the candidate taking their test, and the accompanying observer won’t take part in the test.

Driving test regulations

regulation 38 of The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999.

states that any person authorised by the Secretary of State can attend for supervision of the test or otherwise.

Anyone in the public service of the Crown, such as a driving examiner or timing observer being paid to carry out this role is authorised by the Secretary of State to supervise a test.

Refusing an accompanying examiner
It’s important the timing study is carried out across as many different tests as possible to help us accurately capture the information we need.

You should make candidates aware during this period their test might be part of the study.

You shouldn’t refuse to let any additional observers sit in during the test, as they have been given the authorisation to do this.

To help make sure tests continue to run smoothly, you should contact your local driving test manager before the test if your candidate has any specific requirements.

 

states that any person authorised by the Secretary of State can attend for supervision of the test or otherwise.

Anyone in the public service of the Crown, such as a driving examiner or timing observer being paid to carry out this role is authorised by the Secretary of State to supervise a test.

Refusing an accompanying examiner
It’s important the timing study is carried out across as many different tests as possible to help us accurately capture the information we need.

You should make candidates aware during this period their test might be part of the study.

You shouldn’t refuse to let any additional observers sit in during the test, as they have been given the authorisation to do this.

To help make sure tests continue to run smoothly, you should contact your local driving test manager before the test if your candidate has any specific requirements.