DVSA has launched a consultation on changes to the driving test today (Thursday 14 July).

The DVSA wants to make sure the test better assesses a driver’s ability to drive safely and independently in modern driving conditions.

The changes are to:

• increase the ‘independent driving’ part of the test from 10 to 20 minutes
• ask candidates to follow directions from a sat nav during the ‘independent driving’ part
• replace the ‘reverse around a corner’ and ‘turn in the road’ manoeuvres with more real-life scenarios, eg driving into and reversing out of a parking bay
• ask one of the vehicle safety questions (known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions) while the candidate is driving

The deadline for giving your views is Thursday 25 August 2016

The Department for Transport (DfT) have launched a consultation to ask motorists for their views on automated and driverless cars being used on Britain’s roads

Under the proposed measures, rules will be changed to allow advanced driver-assisted and automated and driverless cars to be insured for road use.

Cars using advanced driver assistance features to change lanes and park by remote control are expected to be on sale on Britain in the next 2 to 4 years.

Automated and driverless vehicles are expected to be on the roads any time from the mid 2020’s onwards.

Under the proposals:

• the Highway Code and regulations will be changed to support the safe use of remote control parking and motorway assist features
• insurance law will be changed so that, in future, motorists who have handed control to their self-driving cars can be properly insured