Independent driving

Independent driving is part of the practical driving test in Northern Ireland. Find out what independent driving is and how you will be assessed during the practical driving test.

Tests that include independent driving or riding

The independent driving or riding section is included in the following practical driving tests:

• The independent driving part of the test lasts 20 minutes – or roughly half of the test.
• During this section of the test, most candidates will be asked to follow directions from a sat nav, although 20 percent of candidates will still have to follow directions from traffic signs.
• You will not need to set the route – the examiner will do this for you. So, it does not matter what make or model of sat nav you practise with.
• You cannot follow directions from your own sat nav during the test – you have to use the one supplied by the examiner.
• taxi practical driving test