"Three-point turn may be dropped from UK driving test"

The three-point turn could be dropped from the UK driving test as part of biggest update to the exam in 20 years.

Under a revised practical exam, learners may also be asked to use a satellite navigation system instead of following road signs.

About 1,000 learners will take part in a trial of a new practical exam.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency said any eventual changes would be subject to full public consultation.

"We are carrying out initial research to explore how the driving test could better reflect real-life driving," said a DVSA spokesman.

The DVSA is an agency of the Department for Transport and sets the standards for driving and motorcycling in the UK.

The theory test was introduced in 1996 and a section where motorists are asked to find their own way to a destination - aimed at assessing "independent driving" - in 2010.

Under the other changes being considered, drivers may no longer need to reverse around a corner.

RAC Foundation director Professor Stephen Glaister said: "We all rely on our sat navs but they are not infallible and it is when they have led us down a dead end that we need to know how to do a three-point turn.

"It's fine to add some aspects to the test but we should be cautious about removing the basics."

The three-point turn could be dropped

Because most are incapable of doing it. How many actually know to turn the wheels to the opposite lock before they change from moving forward to reverse (or vice versa)?

...drivers may no longer need to reverse around a corner.

Sheer bl**dy madness. This is a basic skill.

Dumbing down as we've dumbed everything else down.

Take a look at the standard of driving on the UK roads and we ought be tightening the test up, not weakening it.