The days of the dreaded three-point turn may be numbered, as the government has announced plans to shake-up driving tests.
Rather than manoeuvres such as reversing round a corner or turning in the road, learners are expected to be asked to perform more realistic tasks during their tests - such as using sat nav, heating the rear windscreen and reversing out of a parking bay.
It is expected that around 1,000 learners will trial the new-style of exam, which will better reflect the conditions drivers experience on the road, according to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency of what will be the biggest change in the tests in almost 20 years.
However, motoring groups have encouraged the government not to scrap the three-point turn, insisting that it is a useful tool for drivers if they get stuck down a dead end road.
People in the UK have had to pass the driving test since it was introduced in 1935, but over the years it has evolved to represent the roads and situations drivers are most likely to encounter.
Other proposed changes involve: Doubling the length of the independent driving part of the practical exam, asking drivers to leave and then re-join the flow of traffic, following directions on a sat nav and carrying out several basic safety checks before driving, one of which could include using the rear windscreen heater.
