Government announces biggest shake-up of driving tests in 20 years

The three-point turn could become a thing of the past after the government announced its biggest shake-up of the driving test in 20 years.

Learners may be asked to use a satellite navigation system as part of their practical exam.

While the three-point turn and "reversing around a corner" could be scrapped altogether.

Although the "parallel park", viewed by many as the hardest manoeuvre, looks set to stay in.

The DVSA said it was considering testing learners on more realistic everyday manoeuvres, such as reversing out of a parking bay or pulling up on the left or right before re-joining the flow of traffic.

Instructors may also ask vehicle safety questions on the move instead of at the start of the test, such as how to operate the heated rear screen while driving.

Around 1,000 learner drivers across the UK will be asked to take part in a trial of a new practical exam designed to "better reflect real-life driving".

The plans have been welcomed by many, including the Driving Instructors Association (DIA).

But RAC Foundation director Professor Stephen Glaister warned: "It's fine to add some aspects to the test but we should be cautious about removing the basics.

"We all rely on our sat navs but they are not infallible and it is when they have led us down a dead end that we need to know how to do a three-point turn."