If following a series of directions, the examiner can show you a map of the route approved by the British Dyslexia Association. The idea behind following a series of directions is to replicate a situation where you need to ask a passer-by for directions. In the series of directions there will be up to three sets of directions containing up to four directions each. The examiner will ask you to pull in after each set of directions, when they'll give you the next set of directions. The examiner might ask you to switch off the engine if it's safe and appropriate to do so. If they do, make sure you switch off any auxiliary controls beforehand, check the handbrake is applied and the car is in neutral before restarting the engine and that you switch back on any auxiliary controls before moving off.

Candidates are not allowed to use Satellite Navigation devices.

If you go off-route (i.e. go the wrong way) you will not fail provided you don't commit more than 15 driving faults or any serious or dangerous faults during the test (i.e. not following the route doesn't constitute a fault). To quote the DSA, "Independent driving is not a test of the candidate's orientation skills. If the candidate goes off-route, but does not commit a fault, there's nothing to assess". In such a situation, the examiner will direct you back onto the route so that you can continue following directions. If it looks as if you will be making a wrong turn the examiner will preferably direct you beforehand in order that you can remain on the route. If following signs, the examiner will require you to follow signs to the destination and direct you back onto the route even if you know another way to the destination. This is because the examiner needs to remain in control of the test duration and ensure that you can indeed find your way to the destination.

If following traffic signs and there is poor or no signage or signs are obscured, the examiner should intervene by saying something like "There are no signs here. Just continue ahead please" or "The sign is difficult to see here; It's the next road on the left" and then "Now, carry on following signs to xyz".

If you can't see a sign or forget where you're going or which way to go, ask (e.g. ask something like "I can't see any signs, which way should I go?", "Do I turn left at the end of the road?" or "Which way should I go?"). You can ask for a reminder of the directions at any time and the examiner will be happy to repeat, confirm or add helpful direction where appropriate. To quote the DSA, "Driving independently means making your own decisions and...this includes deciding when it's safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation on where you're going". If following a series of directions you can ask for confirmation of each individual direction (e.g. "Do I turn left at the end of the road?").

Reasonable adjustments will be made for people with special needs (e.g. dyslexia, dyspraxia, etc) depending on severity. Advise your instructor, who'll contact the DSA requesting reasonable adjustments. For special needs candidates, the examiner may ask the candidate which independent driving method they prefer (i.e. following traffic signs or a series of directions), tell the candidate the exit number on a roundabout (e.g. "It's the third exit"), and, if it involves following a series of directions, add visual clues to the route map (e.g. supermarket, petrol station, etc.), use landmarks (e.g. "Take the first left, it's just past the cinema") and there will usually be three and occasionally two directions in each set.

Where the candidate doesn't speak English, examiners are experienced in dealing with this situation. The examiner may write down the place name where it involves following signs or show the candidate a map of the route where it involves following a series of directions. The candidate may have an interpreter with them on their test.

The DSA You Tube Video below also provides information on the independent driving element of the practical driving test.