This follows a decision to make the driving test “more representative of real driving” by allowing candidates to demonstrate their ability to drive without instruction rather than simply memorising their local test routes.

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said this would give drivers the opportunity to show they were able to “drive safely and independently” rather than relying on their memory of the routes. He added “stopping the publication of test routes will help to make sure that the driving test better reflects realistic driving conditions and will give new drivers the skills and confidence they need to stay safe on the roads.”

The DSAs’s Chief Driving Examiner, Trevor Wedge added to the Minister’s comments by saying: “Evidence shows that the biggest challenge newly qualified drivers face after passing their test is learning how to cope when they no longer have their instructor there to help and prompt them.”

A statement on the DSA website, http://www.dsa.gov.uk clarifies the new testing conditions:

To better assess whether a learner driver is ready to drive unsupervised, independent driving will be introduced into the test on 4 October 2010. Candidates will drive for about 10 minutes, without step-by-step direction from their examiner. This will involve either following a series of directions, following traffic signs, or a combination of both. To help candidates visualise the directions, the examiner may also show them a simple diagram. The remainder of the test is unchanged.

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Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe has been spotted in Dorset, with the actor saying that he is taking driving lessons away from the busy roads around his home in London.

Daniel Radcliffe is making a dash away from the bright lights of London to learn to drive.

The Harry Potter star is taking his lessons in Dorset as its country lanes are quieter than the roads in the capital.

Radcliffe got behind the wheel in Poole last weekend in a bid to lose his L plates.

While away from the capital, he stopped off at a wedding which was being held in the hotel where he was staying.

Stuart Darling, a musician who performed at the ceremony, commented: “He said he was down from London taking some driving lessons where it was quieter, and seeing a friend.”

The 20-year-old actor may want to check out the Driving Standards Agency’s new YouTube channel, which was launched last month and includes tips for learners looking to pass their test.

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