Independent driving was not introduced to make things harder for you to pass your driving test, what it is simply doing is making you think and plan in advance. So let’s look at what it actually involves.
Following Signs on Your Independent Drive.
What you are doing here is English Driving lessons actively looking in advance for signs and dealing on which route to take. For example, during the normal part of the test the examiner could ask you to follow the road ahead at the roundabout 2nd exit, so in this instance you have been prompted that you are going ahead at the roundabout, and have been told which exit to take and all you need to do is decide which lane to approach in.
On the independent drive, at the same place the examiner could just ask you to follow signs towards a destination like M62 East, so what the pupil now needs to do is to start actively looking for signs and then carry out the correct procedure to deal with the junction.
During your driving test, if you come across an obscured road sign or road marking during the independent part of the driving test, the examiner will intervene and help by giving clear directions until you see the next clear sign. You do not need to have a precise knowledge of the area as the examiner would help you if needed. An example of what the examiner would say is “The signs are obscured please follow the road ahead until further notice”.
What Would Happen If I Go The Wrong Way?
We were supposed to be following the road ahead and positioned in the left hand only lane, in this case just indicate left and go left and the examiner will re route you as the independent drive is not a test on you navigation skills.
If you are asked to follow a series of instructions don’t be afraid to ask the examiner again if you forget the instruction. As it’s not a memory test. Since no interpreter are allowed on the test anymore, a very basic understanding of English will be required. This should not be a problem as all tests taken in the UK after April 2013 have been conducted in English without the use of an interpreter.
Overall, independent driving is showing the examiner you can plan ahead without constant direction. If you do make an error you can still pass your test if you deal with it in an appropriate manner.