Since 2017, sat nav use has been a standard part of the UK practical driving test. Yet many learners still feel unprepared for this section — unsure of how to follow directions without losing focus on the road. With the DVSA under pressure to tackle test backlogs and a new Chief Executive recently appointed to drive reform, every advantage you can give yourself on test day matters. Here's everything you need to know about using a sat nav during your driving test.
What Happens During the Sat Nav Section?
For around 20 minutes of your practical test, your examiner will ask you to follow directions from a sat nav device. The DVSA provides and sets up the device — you do not need to bring your own. The route is pre-programmed, so there's no fiddling with maps or entering destinations.
In roughly one in five tests, the examiner will instead ask you to follow traffic signs for the independent driving section. You won't know in advance which you'll get, so it pays to prepare for both.
Key Rules to Follow
- You must follow the sat nav directions unless doing so would mean breaking the law or driving unsafely.
- Missing a turn is not an automatic fail. If you miss a junction, stay calm — the sat nav will recalculate, and your examiner will note how you handle the situation, not just the mistake itself.
- Road signs and road safety always take priority over the sat nav. If a road is closed or signs contradict the device, follow the signs.
- You are not expected to memorise the route — this section tests your ability to drive safely while processing information, just as you would in real life.
Common Mistakes Learners Make
Fixating on the screen
One of the most frequent errors is glancing at the sat nav too often and for too long. Treat it like your mirrors — brief, purposeful checks only. Your eyes should spend the vast majority of their time on the road ahead.
Making late or rushed manoeuvres
Learners sometimes react too late to a sat nav instruction, then rush a lane change or turn. Listen for the audio cues early and plan your position in advance. The device gives advance warning — use it.
Panicking after a missed turn
Missing a turn feels catastrophic in the moment, but examiners are watching how you recover. Indicate, check mirrors, and rejoin the correct route calmly and safely. A smooth recovery can leave the section as a minor fault rather than a serious one.
How to Practise Effectively
Get comfortable with sat nav instructions before your test by using a device or phone mount during lessons. Ask your instructor to set random routes so you experience following directions without knowing what's coming next.
It also helps to build familiarity with the roads around your test centre. SteerClear — the UK app for practising real DVSA test centre routes with live scoring — lets you rehearse the exact roads you're likely to encounter, so sat nav directions feel familiar rather than stressful.
What the Examiner Is Really Looking For
The independent driving section, whether sat nav or signs, is designed to assess how you drive without constant instruction. Examiners want to see:
- Consistent observation and mirror checks
- Appropriate speed for the conditions
- Smooth, planned lane positioning and turns
- Calm decision-making under mild pressure
The sat nav is a tool, not a test in itself. You're being examined on your driving, not your navigation skills.
A Final Word on Test Day
With driving test waiting times still a serious issue — highlighted recently in a letter to the Minister citing slow progress on delays — it's more important than ever to arrive fully prepared. Treat the sat nav section as an opportunity to demonstrate confidence and independence behind the wheel. Use SteerClear to sharpen your route knowledge, trust your training, and remember: missing a turning is human. How you handle it is what counts.