Driving Tests go Digital in a Major Change for Examiners
UK Driving Tests Go Digital in October 2019. If you have already taken a test, you may notice a change in the way the examiner conducts it. They will record all information on an iPad instead of the traditional paper test.
The content of the report sheet will remain basically the same. You will still read and agree to insurance and residency declarations, but you will sign the device with your finger or a stylus. Just like when couriers ask you to sign for deliveries.
You will also confirm with the examiner that your email address is the same one you entered when your test was booked. This is how you will receive a copy of the test summary; you will no longer receive a paper copy. You can change your email at this point. I would recommend though that you do this in advance rather than wasting time doing it in the waiting room.
The content and standard of driving tests is not changing, the assessment will remain the same. The examiner will use a stylus or finger tips to fill in an electronic report on the tablet screen. You won’t be able to see anything, the law requires that devices such as this are not visible to the driver. There’s no point glancing down to try and see what your examiner is doing as all you will see is a black screen. You should be concentrating on your driving anyway!
You will not receive a paper report at the end of your test. But the examiner will still give feedback on your performance.
Pass Certificates
Although driving tests go digital, for the time being at least, you will still receive a pass certificate if you are successful. You will receive a summary of the report sent to you by email. This will show any driving faults or serious faults made during the drive. There will also be information on taking further training. In addition to what you need to do if you are not happy with the way your examiner conducted your test and want to appeal.
If there is a problem with the device, you may still undergo your test with a paper form. You will however still receive the report via email, or by post if you do not have an email address.
For full and detailed information about the driving test, read The Driving Test Book