The DTC
Test Day6 min read

Independent Driving: Sat-Nav & Following Signs

For roughly twenty minutes the examiner steps back from giving directions. This is not a navigation test — it is about whether you can make safe decisions on your own.

The full guide

For approximately twenty minutes of your test you will drive without step-by-step directions from the examiner. Instead, you will follow either a sat-nav route or traffic signs. This section is designed to see whether you can make safe decisions on your own, not to test your navigation skills.

If you are using a sat-nav, the examiner sets it up at the start. Simply follow the spoken instructions and on-screen directions. If you take a wrong turn, do not worry — the examiner is not checking whether you know the area. They are watching how you handle the error. Find a safe place to turn around or continue on a suitable road.

If you are following signs, the examiner will give you a destination such as 'Follow the signs for the town centre.' Look ahead for the signs, plan your lane early, and do not rush your decisions. If you miss a sign, keep driving safely — the examiner will redirect you verbally if needed.

The biggest trap learners fall into is concentrating so hard on navigation that they forget to drive safely. Junctions, roundabouts, and hazards still need the same careful approach. Focus on safe driving first and let the route take care of itself.

Common faults

  • Panicking after a wrong turn and making unsafe decisions to correct it
  • Staring at the sat-nav screen and missing hazards on the road
  • Failing to plan ahead for junctions because you are distracted by directions
  • Missing signposts because your eyes are not scanning far enough ahead
  • Slowing down too much while reading signs or sat-nav instructions
  • Making sudden lane changes to follow a direction at the last moment

What the examiner looks for

  • You remain safe even if you go the wrong way
  • You do not let directions distract you from road hazards
  • You plan ahead for junctions and lane changes in good time
  • You follow sat-nav instructions without unsafe hesitation
  • You read road signs early and position correctly for them
  • You stay calm and make safe choices if you drift off route

Quick tips

  1. 1A wrong turn is not a fail — only unsafe reactions to it are
  2. 2Glance at the sat-nav briefly, then return your eyes to the road immediately
  3. 3Signs usually appear well before the junction — scan ahead constantly
  4. 4If you miss a sign, keep going safely; the examiner will help if needed
  5. 5Practise unfamiliar routes with your instructor to build independence

Common questions about independent driving: sat-nav & following signs

Will I fail if I go the wrong way?
No. Wrong turns are not a fault. You only fail if your reaction to the mistake is unsafe, such as a sudden U-turn, reversing dangerously, or ignoring a no-entry sign.
Can I ask the examiner for directions?
If you are genuinely lost and unsure what to do, you may ask. The examiner may give you instructions to get back on track. However, try to keep driving safely and independently first.
What if the sat-nav gives confusing instructions?
Trust road markings and physical signs over the sat-nav if they conflict. Sat-navs are not always up to date. Your priority is safe driving, not blindly following a screen.
How long does independent driving last?
About twenty minutes, which covers roughly half of your test. It runs as one continuous section rather than being split into shorter blocks.
Will I follow signs or a sat-nav?
You will be given one or the other. The examiner decides which on the day. Around one in five tests uses sign-following instead of sat-nav. Practise both with your instructor.
What if I miss several sat-nav instructions?
Stay calm and keep driving safely. The examiner will step in with spoken directions if you are significantly off route. Focus on your driving quality, not on worrying about being lost.

Ready to put this into practice?

These guides are a great starting point, but nothing replaces working with a DVSA-approved instructor who can give you real-time feedback.

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Independent Driving: Sat-Nav & Following Signs | The DTC