Following Routes: Independent Driving & Sat Nav
20 minutes of your driving test is spent driving independently — without turn-by-turn instructions from your examiner. You follow either a sat nav or road signs.
This section worries many learners, but it's actually straightforward. Going the wrong way isn't a fault — only unsafe driving is.
Track Your ProgressIndependent Driving / Sat Nav
The independent driving section has been part of the UK practical test since 2010. Since April 2017, around 4 in 5 candidates follow a TomTom sat nav — the rest follow road signs. You won't know which until the examiner tells you.
What happens on test day
- ✓ The examiner sets up the sat nav (TomTom) or explains the road sign route
- ✓ You drive for approximately 20 minutes following the directions
- ✓ The examiner does not intervene unless safety requires it
- ✓ If the sat nav loses signal, the examiner will give directions instead
- ✓ After 20 minutes, the examiner resumes giving directions
The 5 levels for Skill 27
- 1 Introduced: Instructor explains independent driving and sat nav use
- 2 Helped: Follows directions with frequent prompts from instructor
- 3 Prompted: Follows route mostly independently; needs occasional guidance on directions
- 4 Independent: Follows sat nav or signs confidently; maintains safe driving throughout
- 5 Reflection: Stays calm when unsure; continues safely; understands that route errors aren't faults
What if I go the wrong way?
This is the question every learner asks. The answer: it's almost always fine.
Going the wrong way is not a fault on its own. Examiners understand that sat navs recalculate, road signs can be confusing, and mistakes happen. What matters is that you continue to drive safely while correcting your route.
You'll only get a fault if you make an unsafe manoeuvre because of a navigation error — like suddenly braking, swerving, or making a dangerous turn. Stay calm, continue safely, and the sat nav will recalculate.
Tips for the independent driving section
Practice with a sat nav
Practise following sat nav instructions during lessons so the voice doesn't distract you on test day.
Keep your eyes on the road
Glance at the sat nav screen only briefly — treat it like a dashboard instrument, not a phone.
Indicate your intentions
Following a route doesn't change the rules — signal, check mirrors, and position correctly at every junction.
Don't rush when unsure
If you're not sure where to go, it's safer to continue straight on than to make a last-second turn.
Ask for clarification
You're allowed to ask the examiner to repeat road sign instructions (though not during sat nav mode).
Breathe and stay calm
Anxiety is the biggest risk during independent driving. You've been driving for months — trust your training.
Following road signs (the 1 in 5 route)
If you're asked to follow road signs, the examiner will tell you the general destination (e.g., "Follow signs for the town centre"). You'll need to:
- ✓ Read signs early — well before the junction
- ✓ Look for the directional arrows on blue (motorway), green (primary), or white (local) signs
- ✓ If in doubt, follow the largest road — you won't be penalised for taking a slightly different route
Tracking Progress on Skill 27
Introduced
Following instructor guidance
Helped
Improving with assistance
Prompted
Mostly independent, occasional prompts
Independent
Consistent, confident performance
Reflection
Understands the why — test ready
Your instructor records your level on each skill after every lesson. Aim for Level 5 on all 27 skills before booking your test.
Track All 27 Skills — Including Independent Driving
Our software follows the exact DVSA framework. You and your instructor track every skill after every lesson.
Start Free Trial