Learner drivers across Northamptonshire will spend longer on faster roads during tests
The changes come in today - Monday 24th November
Learner drivers across Britain including here in Northamptonshire will now spend longer on faster roads during tests.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)have made the changes to better represent the conditions many motorists experience after passing their test, such as driving on rural roads.
House of Commons Library briefing document found nearly half (48%) of crashes involving car drivers aged between 17 and 24 where someone was killed or seriously injured between 2019 and 2023 took place on rural roads.
That is compared with 42% for drivers outside that age range.
Roads minister Simon Lightwood said: "We're doing all we can to make our roads safer.
"By focusing more tests on higher speed roads we're tackling one of the biggest risks for young motorists, helping to reduce collisions and save lives."
Amanda Lane, DVSA head of driver testing and driver training policy, said: "High speed roads, particularly those in rural areas, are among the most treacherous for novice drivers.
"To keep all road users safe, it's crucial that the practical driving test assesses learners on the skills required to drive in the real world."
Other changes being made to the test include reducing the number stops, decreasing the frequency of emergency stops and giving examiners the power to increase the length of independent driving.
The agency added that the changes will have no impact on the timing of tests or the number available.
There continues to be a backlog of driving tests due to an increase in demand and people booking tests earlier than before.
Last week, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced that military driving examiners will be mobilised to test civilians.
Other measures aimed at tackling the backlog include combating the issue of people reselling tests for profit with only learners being able to book tests.