Key points
- During independent driving you follow a sat-nav, traffic signs, or a mix of both. The examiner tells you which.
- GOV.UK says it lasts 20 to 35 minutes. Since 24 November 2025, examiners can make it as long as the whole test.
- The examiner brings the sat-nav, a TomTom, and sets it up. You can't use your own.
- Taking a wrong turning isn't a fault. You can ask the examiner to repeat or confirm a direction.
- Examiners are told to warn you not to rely on the speeds shown on the sat-nav. Read the road signs instead.
Independent driving is the part of the test where the examiner stops giving you turn-by-turn directions. Instead, you follow a sat-nav, traffic signs, or a combination of both, and the examiner tells you which.[1] GOV.UK says it lasts 20 to 35 minutes.[1] Since 24 November 2025, examiners can run it for the whole test.[3] The examiner sets the sat-nav up for you, and you can't use your own.[1] If you take a wrong turning, you won't get a fault for it.[1]
How long independent driving lasts
You'll drive for around 35 minutes in total.[1] Two DVSA sources describe the independent part slightly differently:
| Source | What it says |
|---|---|
| GOV.UK test guide (for learners) | You'll drive independently for 20 to 35 minutes[1] |
| DVSA examiner guidance (DT1, updated September 2026) | At least 20 minutes, up to the length of the whole test[2] |
The change came from a DVSA trial that was made permanent from 24 November 2025.[3] DVSA has said examiners have the flexibility to make the whole test independent, but they don't have to do this on every test.[3] In practice, you should be ready to drive independently for anything from 20 minutes to the full drive.
Sat-nav, traffic signs or both
There are three methods for car tests: following directions from a sat-nav, following traffic signs, or a "blended" route that uses both.[2] On a blended route, the examiner doesn't need to stop you to switch from sat-nav to signs.[2] With traffic signs, you'll be asked to follow signs to a place, and the destination can change as you go.[2] If a sign is hidden, for example by trees, the examiner will direct you until you can see the next one.[1] Whenever you're not following a sat-nav or signs, the examiner gives you turn-by-turn directions.[1]
DVSA's guidance says independent driving tests your forward planning and your ability to do several things at once, not your ability to remember directions.[2] Everything else in the test can still happen during this part, including the manoeuvre and the "show me" question. Any faults are marked in the normal way.[2]
The examiner's sat-nav
If your test uses sat-nav directions, the examiner brings the sat-nav and its accessories, including a dash mat and a power supply.[4] DVSA confirmed in November 2025 that the test sat-nav would continue to be a TomTom, and said the choice of device is being kept under review.[3] The examiner operates it and selects "drive" when the independent section starts.[2] You can't use your own sat-nav for the test.[1]
Two details are worth knowing:
- You can ask for the voice to be turned off. If you ask for the spoken directions to be switched off, the examiner shouldn't refuse.[2]
- Don't rely on the speed shown on screen. The examiner's standard briefing asks you not to rely on the speeds shown on the sat-nav, because they may not be accurate.[5] Read the speed limit signs instead. Not driving at a safe and reasonable speed is in DVSA's top 10 reasons for failing.[6] See top 10 reasons.
If you go the wrong way
The examiner won't give you a fault for taking a wrong turning and will help you get back on the route.[1] The examiner guidance says that going off route, or needing reminders of where to go, are not faults in themselves.[4] If you go off route, the sat-nav may redirect you automatically. If that isn't suitable, the examiner will give you directions instead.[2] Struggling to follow the directions isn't, on its own, a reason to stop the test or fail you.[2]
What still counts is how you drive. An unsafe last-second lane change, a missed mirror check or ignoring road markings is marked in the normal way, wherever you were heading.[2]
You can ask for directions to be repeated
You can ask the examiner to repeat a direction or confirm it. They're told to respond in a friendly, positive way. This isn't treated as a "prompt", because you asked while planning for the junction ahead.[2]
Test routes
Driving test routes aren't published, so you can't check them before your test.[1] Examiners normally choose which route to use, and they're expected to spread tests evenly across routes rather than keep using the same roads.[2] The best preparation is to get comfortable driving all kinds of roads around your test centre, not to learn one particular route.
Practising with a sat-nav
Following a sat-nav while you're also dealing with traffic is a skill in its own right. The tips below are practical suggestions, not official DVSA rules.
Video
Read the transcript
You're ready to practise. But which roads should you practise on? On test day, most learners follow a TomTom. So practise with one, on local practice routes. PassNav rents you a TomTom, the same brand examiners use, delivered to your door. Mount it, pick a route, and get used to following spoken directions. So when test day comes, you feel ready. PassNav. TomTom rental with local practice routes.
Practise your test area on a real TomTom
PassNav posts you a TomTom — the same brand of sat-nav the examiner uses — pre-loaded with practice routes for your test centre. We cover 40+ centres across the UK. From £49 for 2 weeks, free tracked postage both ways.
See plansSources
- Driving test: cars - What happens during the test
- Carrying out driving tests: examiner guidance (DT1) - 6. General technical matters (sections 6.34 and 6.36)
- Making adjustments to the driving test (DVSA Despatch blog, including DVSA replies of 20 and 25 November 2025)
- Carrying out driving tests: examiner guidance (DT1) - 1. Car driving test (sections 1.03 and 1.11)
- Carrying out driving tests: examiner guidance (DT1) - 14. Test wordings
- Top 10 reasons for failing the driving test in Great Britain
Last checked against the cited sources on 14 October 2026. PassNav is an independent service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by DVSA, DVLA or TomTom. Our guides are prepared with AI assistance and checked against the official sources cited on each page. Rules and fees change — for current legal requirements and booking rules, always check GOV.UK. This is general guidance and does not replace professional driving instruction. Spotted something out of date? Email passnav@smartaisolution.co.uk — see our editorial policy.