Satnav use in the new driving test

Perhaps some of the changes are taking into account how generally busy roads are these days and the opportunity for doing a three point turn or reverse round a corner, especially with parked cars, can cause difficulties, more so than it once did. Most test centres seem to be in the centre of towns. Love them or hate them Sat Navs are a fact of life now. If I understanding it correctly that part of the test is driving a course set by the driver, using a sat nav could be a good test of how the driver understands and responds. As with life in general things move on. One thing I am sure about is that I don't think I would want to take my test again!!!

David

Bakers2- yes my smartphone talks when giving directions. To be honest it is probably more functional than my dedicated satnav. I have read the market in satnav equipment is dwindling as people are more likely to use their phones. If you add integration of phones with in car dashboards into the equation I think it unlikely the standalone satnav will survive.

But a map won't shout instructions out as you drive ..... sat-navs are far better than having to peer at a map spread out on the seat next you or on your knee.

But when was the last time you reversed  around a corner? 

I know it's been in place for a few years now, but I disagree with having to know what things are under the bonnet. It's  a driving test, not a mechanical competency  test & routine fluids eg oil, coolant & screen wash, are all clearly marked these days.

Where I live, with lots of narrow lanes and roads reversing round corners and into gateways etc is essential to let people pass. Straight reversing is also handy too, some don't seem to be able to do that either.

Reversing around a corner isn't the end product but the ability to demonstratethe ability to control the vehicle in reverse and not hit the kerb etc. A bit like a turn in the road, it's  not often needed but something you may well have to do in a limited space in a restricted area. I understood parallel parking get was part of the test. Busy narrow roads require these skills often.

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I didn't suggest you shouldn't be able to manoeuvre  your car to where you want it without hitting something or someone, but reversing around a corner, & maintaining a couple feet from the kerb, is hardly something most of us need to do very often. Maybe the parking within the white lines in Tesco/ASDA would be of more use 

...... though I'm one of those that deliberately use 2 on the far side of the car park 

+1 a/driver. I'd never use anything but the 'tomtom go mobile' app I'm using now. Superb screen clarity, lighter, thinner & unbelievably cheap for what you get. PS-with the right settings I find it hard to understand being misdirected, it's never happened to me.