What Is the Independent Driving Section?
The independent driving section is a 20-minute part of the practical driving test where you drive without turn-by-turn instructions from the examiner. You will follow directions from a sat nav or traffic signs. To pass, you must drive safely and follow the road ahead, though taking a wrong turn is not a fault.
Does the thought of the “independent driving” section make your palms sweat? You aren’t alone. For many learner drivers across the UK, this part of the practical test feels like the most daunting hurdle. The idea of driving without the examiner guiding your every move can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be scary.
In reality, this section is your chance to shine. It is designed to mimic real-life driving—the kind you’ll be doing every day once you have your full pink licence. It’s not about navigation skills; it’s about demonstrating that you can make safe decisions on your own.
In this guide, we will break down exactly what happens during the independent driving section, how to handle the sat nav, and why going the wrong way might actually be okay. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to approach your test date with calm confidence.
What Is the Independent Driving Section?
The independent driving section is a core component of the DVSA practical test structure. Unlike the rest of the exam, where the examiner tells you exactly when to turn left or right, this section requires you to drive by following a route yourself.
Think of it as the examiner taking a step back. They are still sitting next to you, assessing your safety, but they are no longer your GPS. The goal is to see how you cope with driving decisions without constant supervision.
According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), the purpose is to assess your ability to drive safely and make decisions independently. It tests your ability to plan ahead, observe road markings, and interact with other road users safely while navigating a route.
It is important to remember that this is not a test of your navigation skills. If you have no sense of direction, don’t panic. The examiner doesn’t care if you get from Point A to Point B efficiently; they care that you get there safely.
How Long Does Independent Driving Last in the UK Test?
One of the most common questions learners ask is about the duration. The independent driving section lasts for approximately 20 minutes.
Considering the total practical driving test lasts about 40 minutes, this section makes up roughly half of your time on the road. This was increased from 10 minutes in 2017 to ensure new drivers have the skills to manage modern driving conditions on high-speed roads and rural lanes.
During these 20 minutes, your driving will be assessed just as it is during the rest of the test. You will still need to perform your mirror-signal-manoeuvre routines, obey speed limits, and respond to hazards. The only difference is that you are responsible for anticipating the route.
Sat Nav vs Following Road Signs – What Happens?
When the examiner announces the start of the independent driving section, they will ask you to pull over safely on the left. Once stopped, they will explain how you will be navigating.
You will be asked to do one of two things:
- Follow directions from a sat nav (Satellite Navigation)
- Follow traffic signs
The Sat Nav Route
This is the most common scenario. Roughly 4 out of 5 driving tests (80%) involve using a sat nav driving test UK route.
The examiner will provide the sat nav (usually a TomTom Start 52) and set the route for you. You do not need to touch the device or input any data. Your job is simply to glance at the screen and follow the visual and verbal directions.
You cannot use your own phone or sat nav device. The examiner will mount the device on the dashboard (or place it on a special mat) where you can see it clearly without taking your eyes off the road for too long.
Following Road Signs
For 1 in 5 candidates, the examiner will not use a sat nav. Instead, they will ask you to follow traffic signs to a specific destination.
For example, they might say: “For the next 20 minutes, I’d like you to follow the signs to Bristol.”
If you are following road signs, the examiner may give you a diagram to help you navigate complex junctions, but generally, you will need to keep your eyes peeled for directional signage.
Can You Ask the Examiner for Help?
Absolutely. There is a myth that once independent driving starts, a wall of silence must descend in the car. This isn’t true.
If you are unsure where you are going, you can ask the examiner for confirmation.
- Sat Nav confusion: If the sat nav gives a confusing instruction or the screen isn’t clear, you can ask, “Did it mean turn left here?”
- Missing signs: If you are following signs to the “Town Centre” and suddenly the signs disappear, you can ask the examiner, “I can’t see a sign, which way should I go?”
The examiner will not drive the car for you, but they will confirm the direction if you are confused. Remember, they want to see you drive safely, not get lost in a maze. Asking a question shows you are proactive, not incompetent.
However, try not to chat excessively. You need to focus your concentration on the road, mirrors, and potential hazards.
What Happens If You Go the Wrong Way?
This is the single biggest fear for most learners: “What if I take a wrong turn?”
Here is the golden rule of the independent driving test UK: Going the wrong way is NOT a fail.
You cannot fail your driving test for poor navigation. You can only fail for a driving fault.
If the sat nav tells you to turn right, but you find yourself in the left-hand lane and it’s not safe to move over, you should continue safely in the left lane.
Here is the safety-first evaluation:
- Scenario A (Pass): You realise you are in the wrong lane for your turn. You check your mirrors, see a car blocking you, so you stay in your current lane and miss the turn safely. The sat nav recalculates. Result: No fault.
- Scenario B (Fail): You realise you are in the wrong lane. You panic, check your mirrors late, and swerve across a solid white line or cut someone up to make the turn. Result: Serious or Dangerous fault.
If you go the wrong way, take a deep breath. The sat nav will automatically recalculate the route (just like Google Maps does), or the examiner will gently guide you back on track. Keep driving safely, and you will be fine.
Common Mistakes During Independent Driving
While navigation isn’t judged, the driving test independent section rules regarding safety are strict. Because you are focusing on where to go, it is easy to let your basic driving standards slip.
Watch out for these common pitfalls:
1. Speeding While Distracted
It is easy to let your speed creep up (or drop too low) while you are staring at a road sign or the sat nav screen. Always glance at your speedometer after checking the navigation.
2. Late Signaling
When you are unsure of the route, you might spot your turn at the last second. Signaling too late confuses other drivers. If you spot the turn too late, it is safer to miss it than to signal abruptly and brake hard.
3. Forgetting Mirror Checks
This is a classic error. You see the sat nav arrow pointing left, so you immediately turn the wheel left without checking your centre and left mirrors. Always stick to the routine: Mirrors – Signal – Position – Speed – Look.
4. Lane Discipline on Roundabouts
The independent section often involves large multi-lane roundabouts. Make sure you read the road markings early. If the sat nav says “take the 3rd exit,” look for the arrows on the road that correspond to that exit, rather than just guessing.
Tips to Pass the Independent Driving Section Confidently
Passing the independent driving section is about mindset as much as skill. Here are practical tips to help you ace it:
Don’t Stare at the Sat Nav
Treat the sat nav like a rear-view mirror. Glance at it quickly, then get your eyes back on the road. Staring at the screen for more than a second is dangerous. Listen to the voice instructions so you don’t have to look as often.
Look for Confirmation on the Road
If the sat nav shows a right turn ahead, look for the physical road markings or signs that confirm a right turn is allowed. Sat navs are generally accurate, but road layouts change. Trust the road signs over the screen if they contradict each other.
Verbalise Your Decisions
If you are confused, speaking out loud can help calm your nerves and show the examiner your thought process. Saying, “I’m in the wrong lane, so I’m going to carry on straight safely,” demonstrates excellent risk management.
Practice with a Sat Nav
Before your test, get plenty of practice driving with a sat nav. Ask your instructor to set up a route and stay silent while you follow it. This helps you get used to the timing of the voice commands.
Stay Calm if You Miss a Turn
We cannot stress this enough: missing a turn is not a problem. If you miss it, keep driving straight. Do not attempt a U-turn unless specifically asked to. Just carry on, and let the examiner or the device reroute you.
Final Thoughts
The independent driving section is your opportunity to show the examiner that you are ready to be a solo driver. It’s not a test of perfection; it’s a test of safety and calm decision-making.
Remember, the examiner wants you to pass. They aren’t trying to trick you with the route. Focus on your mirrors, watch your speed, and if you get lost—do it safely!
At Flex Driving Academy, we conduct realistic mock tests including the independent driving section to help learners feel fully prepared on test day. Good luck—you’ve got this!
FAQs
Is independent driving harder than normal test driving?
Not necessarily. While you have to make your own decisions about where to go, the actual driving skills required are exactly the same. Many learners actually prefer it because the examiner stops giving constant orders, allowing for a more natural drive.
Can I fail for taking the wrong exit?
No, you cannot fail simply for taking the wrong exit or going the wrong way. You will only fail if you make a safety fault while doing so (e.g., changing lanes without checking mirrors or cutting across road markings).
Do I use my own sat nav?
No. The examiner will provide a pre-programmed sat nav (usually a TomTom model) for the test. You will not need to touch it or set it up. You cannot use your own phone or GPS device.
How many faults are allowed?
The faults count towards your total test score. You are allowed up to 15 minor driving faults during the whole test, but no serious or dangerous faults. Faults committed during the independent driving section are logged just the same as the rest of the test.
What if I don’t understand the direction?
If the instruction from the sat nav or the examiner is unclear, ask for clarification immediately. It is perfectly acceptable to ask, “Did you say turn right?” It is better to ask than to make an unsafe guess.