The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has updated the driving skills section of its Ready to Pass? website, introducing a stronger emphasis on developing safe, independent drivers rather than simply preparing learners to pass the practical driving test.
The revised section, now titled “Learning the skills you need to drive safely”, has been developed following feedback from Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs), many of whom felt the previous content placed too much emphasis on passing the test rather than building the skills needed for a lifetime of safe driving.
What’s changed?
The updated resource continues to cover the 27 core driving skills but now presents them within a broader road safety context. Improvements include:
- A clearer focus on safe, independent driving.
- Guidance on choosing a qualified driving instructor, including the difference between an ADI and a trainee instructor.
- A recommended learning sequence encouraging learners to:
- choose an instructor first
- begin studying The Highway Code
- start professional lessons before taking the theory test
- undertake private practice only when advised by their instructor
- book the practical test only when their instructor agrees they are ready.
- A new navigation page making it easier for learners to find individual skills.
- Reflective “Things to think about” questions for each of the 27 skills, encouraging learners to consider habits, decision making and consequences.
- New “Ask your instructor” prompts to support coaching conversations during lessons.
- Updated guidance covering Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including features such as lane assist, automatic emergency braking and parking sensors.
Reinforcing the instructor’s professional judgement
DVSA says the revised learning sequence reflects survey findings showing that learners who begin professional lessons before taking their theory test are more likely to succeed.
According to DVSA’s learner surveys:
- Learners who had not taken lessons before their theory test were 16% more likely to fail the multiple-choice theory test at the first attempt.
- They were also 25% more likely to fail their practical driving test first time.
The agency says the updated content reinforces the important role of professional instructors in assessing when a learner is ready for both their theory and practical tests.
Have your say
DVSA is encouraging instructors to explore the updated resource with their pupils and provide feedback on the new reflection questions and coaching prompts. Feedback will help shape future improvements, with work already planned to update the website’s section aimed at parents and other supervising drivers.
For DIA members, the changes reflect many of the coaching and client-centred learning principles promoted through continuing professional development and provide another useful resource to support structured lesson planning.
Original article published by the DVSA Despatch blog: https://despatch.blog.gov.uk/2026/07/09/driving-skills-whats-changed-on-the-ready-to-pass-website-and-why/
