Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps the DVSA is taking to monitor the (a) safety during the driving test and (b) effectiveness of the new sat nav element of the driving test.

The car practical driving test is continually reviewed, and Management Information data is collated and analysed to assess the effectiveness and safety of all elements of the test, including the new satellite navigation element.

The DVSA has established strict processes and procedures in place to record all incidents and analyse contributing factors and, if required, take remedial action. The car practical test risk assessment, which covers the satellite navigation element, is reviewed as part of every incident investigation.

The DVSA is also seeking to understand how the new driving test has shaped candidates’ experiences of learning to drive and their feelings towards driving and driver safety. An questionnaire was produced in January and February, which asked questions about the time spent practising for the driving test, and candidates’ experience of the new driving test and their views on driving. Responses to the questionnaire are currently being analysed.