Independent driving is now part of the practical driving test in Great Britain.

It's tasking the candidate to drive for about 10 minutes, either following a series of directions, following traffic signs, or a combination of both. To help the candidate be clear about where they’re going, the examiner can show them a diagram too. It doesn't matter if candidates don't remember every direction, or if they go the wrong way - that can happen to the most experienced drivers.

The claim in some newspapers that independent driving would lead to a fall in the driving test pass rate is based on early research where conditions did not reflect the eventual design of the new element of the test.
Subsequent trials with a larger number of participants and more closely reflecting the conditions in the planned new test showed no significant fall in the pass rate.

LEARNER LINKS

Listed in Driving Schools Finder

The DSA has published a short video on its YouTube channel
explaining more about independent driving.

I will fully prepare you for this new section of the driving test - at no extra cost.

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What do I need before I can start learning to drive?
You must be at least 17 years old and obtain a provisional driving licence before you can start to learn to drive on public roads in the UK, unless you are disabled, and in receipt of a mobility allowance, when the age is 16. You can apply for a provisional licence up to 3 months before your 17th birthday to be valid on your birthday. A provisional licence enables you to drive while accompanied by a suitable person. You should also ensure that you can meet the minimum eyesight standard requirements as this will be checked when you come to take your driving test.The distance requirement for the old-style number plate is 20.5 metres. The distance requirement for the eyesight test with the new-style number plate is 20 metres. New-style number plates were introduced on 1 September 2001 and are easily identifiable because they start with two letters, for example: AB51 or ABC.It is not necessary to have taken and passed your theory test before you start learning to drive, although it may help if you have begun to study the necessary theory before you take to the road - and you do not have to wait until you are 17 to start learning the theory!