How to Use a Sat Nav During Your Driving Test
Learning to drive is an exciting milestone, and for most learner drivers in the UK, the practical driving test is the final step towards gaining independence on the road. Since 2017, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has included satellite navigation (sat nav) use as part of the practical test. If you’re preparing for your driving test with Pass Swiftly, understanding how to use a sat nav confidently can help you feel more relaxed and in control on the day.
Why the Sat Nav Matters in Your Driving Test
The sat nav section of the driving test is designed to evaluate how well you can follow directions without relying solely on road signs or verbal prompts from the examiner. Around four in five test candidates will be asked to follow directions from a DVSA-approved sat nav for approximately 20 minutes. This change reflects modern driving habits, where GPS technology is commonplace.
By practising with a sat nav before your test, you’ll be able to concentrate on safe driving rather than worrying about unfamiliar instructions. At Pass Swiftly, we ensure our students become comfortable with sat nav use as part of their lessons so they’re fully prepared for this part of the test.
Familiarise Yourself with the Sat Nav Beforehand
One of the biggest sources of stress during the driving test is dealing with technology you haven’t used before. The good news is that the examiner will set up the sat nav for you; you won’t need to input the destination yourself. However, you will still need to know how to:
- Glance at the screen safely without losing focus on the road.
- Listen to voice directions clearly and anticipate instructions early.
- Understand the visual layout, such as the distance bars and arrows showing upcoming turns.
Practising with a sat nav in your driving lessons is one of the best ways to develop these skills. At Pass Swiftly, our instructors integrate sat nav training into mock test scenarios so you can get used to managing real-life driving conditions while following GPS directions.
Staying Calm and Focused During the Test
When using a sat nav during your driving test, your main priority remains safe driving. If you miss a turn or take an unexpected route, stay calm – the sat nav will simply recalculate, and as long as you continue driving safely, this will not count against you.
Keep these points in mind during the test:
- Check your mirrors and blind spots carefully before carrying out any manoeuvre.
- Limit your time looking at the screen – brief, safe glances are all you need.
- If you find yourself off-route, remain composed; the examiner is assessing your safety, not your navigation.
Our instructors at Pass Swiftly teach students practical techniques to stay composed under pressure, such as controlled breathing and verbalising upcoming actions quietly to themselves. This approach helps learners feel more confident and perform at their best on the day.
Common Challenges Learners Face with Sat Navs
Many learners find sat nav use challenging because it introduces an extra layer of information to process. For instance, voice directions may come slightly earlier or later than expected, or road signs may conflict with what the sat nav says. In these situations, safety is always your priority. Follow the road rules first, and if necessary, ignore the sat nav until it recalculates the route.
We also recommend practising in different conditions – such as heavy traffic, unfamiliar roads, or during dusk – to build confidence. Pass Swiftly’s instructors will help you gain experience in a variety of settings so that on test day, you’re prepared for anything.
How Pass Swiftly Prepares You for Sat Nav Driving
At Pass Swiftly, we understand that every learner is unique. That’s why our lessons are tailored to your pace and confidence level. We incorporate sat nav practice into regular driving sessions, simulating real-test conditions to reduce anxiety and build your skillset.
We also offer:
- One-to-one coaching on using in-car technology safely.
- Mock driving tests with full sat nav directions.
- Guidance on handling unexpected changes or conflicting instructions.
If you’re ready to learn your lessons, visit our Pass Swiftly courses or head to our booking page to get started. We’ll support you every step of the way towards becoming a safe, confident driver.
Final Tips for Using a Sat Nav in Your Driving Test
The sat nav element of your practical test is less about your technological know-how and more about how you adapt to instructions while driving safely. Remember:
- Focus on the road first and the sat nav second.
- Practise with different devices so you’re comfortable with variations.
- Stay calm if you go off-course; the key factor your examiner is judging is your safety.
By following these tips and taking lessons with an experienced driving school like Pass Swiftly, you’ll be well on your way to passing your test with confidence.
Ready to Master the Sat Nav?
Learning how to use a sat nav during your driving test is an essential skill for modern drivers. With proper preparation and expert guidance, it can feel straightforward and manageable rather than overwhelming. At Pass Swiftly, we’re committed to helping learners not just pass their test but develop lifelong safe driving habits.
Take the first step towards passing your test – book your lessons with Pass Swiftly today and let our expert instructors guide you through every aspect of the practical test, including sat nav driving.