A driving instructor has launched a petition against what he calls a “dangerous” manoeuvre in the new UK driving test.
Coming into force on Monday 4 December, the new test requires learner drivers to pull up on the right-hand side of the road and reverse two car lengths before pulling out into the flow of traffic.
Instructor Antony Cove argues that the exercise is unnecessary, dangerous and goes against the Highway Code (rule 239).
“Myself and every driving instructor I’ve spoken to are totally against this idea as it’s such a dangerous exercise,” he says in his petition statement. “Imagine the situation where they pull up, reverse two car lengths so they’re now fairly close to a car behind then a transit van or lorry pulls up in front of them? How are they going to move out safely?”
Cove also comments on the fact that a proposed new part of the test involves driving into a parking space and reversing out. He says he was always told to reverse in then drive out as it is easier to look for pedestrians.
The petition has gained more than 2,800 signatures.
