Independent driving and the sat nav
Independent driving is the part of the practical test in which the candidate drives without turn-by-turn directions from the examiner. Since November 2025 it lasts between 20 and 35 minutes, so it can make up most of the roughly 35-minute drive.[2][1] Candidates follow a sat nav, road signs, or a mix of both; Newman says it makes no real difference which.
The examiner's sat nav
In Newman's experience most Sevenoaks tests use a sat nav. The examiner provides it, sets it up and places it on a grippy mat on the dashboard; candidates can ask for it to be moved but never touch or programme it, and may not use their own.[1]
| What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|
| A light blue route line, sometimes with a green line | Follow the blue line. The green line shows a quicker route the examiner doesn't want. |
| Confusion about direction when setting off | Ignore it; it sorts itself out quickly. |
| Distances in yards | Roughly, 100 yards is about 10 seconds of driving. |
| An early instruction and then a reminder | Don't signal at the first instruction; wait until nearer the junction. |
| Speeds and limits on screen | Not always right. Follow the road signs. |
| "Bear right" for what is really a right turn, or several instructions at once | The examiner usually explains. It isn't a memory test. |
| A road closure it doesn't know about | The examiner will help. |
Above all, the sat nav should get only quick glances, like a road sign. Staring at it, even for a few seconds, takes attention off the road and lets the steering drift.[1] Newman lists staring at the sat nav among the five mistakes he sees most from the back seat.[3] He recommends practising with a sat nav before the test; his route course includes sat nav files for all twelve routes.
Following road signs
Signs are clear, and the examiner helps if one is hidden. A candidate who can't take the signs in is usually either overwhelmed and in need of more practice, or driving too fast.[1]
Going the wrong way
Some Sevenoaks junctions, such as those around the Ferrari dealership on London Road and around Hollybush, are easy to get wrong without local knowledge, though examiners know them and help. Going the wrong way is not a fault in itself; often the examiner just reroutes quietly. It can still make the test harder by leading onto busier roads.[1]
Two things must be avoided: driving past a "Road Closed" or "No Entry" sign, and correcting a wrong turn at the last moment with a sudden change of direction or speed, which can easily become a serious fault. Newman's golden rule is that safe driving always comes before correct navigation.[1]
References
- Newman, Geoff (2026). Sevenoaks Driving Test Secrets, chapters 1 and 16.
- "What happens during the test". GOV.UK.
- "Sevenoaks driving test routes". Sevenoaks Driving Lessons.