New driving exam for Americans in the UK.

He's saying a UK driver wouldn't be able to pass a test even though they've been driving forever.

Ah, O.K.  It was being in the form of question which made me unsure exactly what was meant.

I have it on good authority from elsewhere -- including instructors and current DSA examiners -- that many of the things which are regarded as "essential" for the U.K. test are actually not.

Examples would be always using the push-pull steering technique, or applying the parking brake at every stop or when shifting gears during a three-point turn.  The only requirement is to drive and carry out the exercises in full control of the vehicle.

The problem seems to be that some instructors believe that the "proper" British methods are the only ones which are valid, or at best they believe that they are the methods which are most likely to result in a new driver satisfying the conditions on test, and thus fail to accept that other techniques might be equally acceptable.

Ah, O.K.  It was being in the form of question which made me unsure exactly what was meant.

I have it on good authority from elsewhere -- including instructors and current DSA examiners -- that many of the things which are regarded as "essential" for the U.K. test are actually not.

Examples would be always using the push-pull steering technique, or applying the parking brake at every stop or when shifting gears during a three-point turn.  The only requirement is to drive and carry out the exercises in full control of the vehicle.

The problem seems to be that some instructors believe that the "proper" British methods are the only ones which are valid, or at best they believe that they are the methods which are most likely to result in a new driver satisfying the conditions on test, and thus fail to accept that other techniques might be equally acceptable.

That's the problem I have with my current instructor.  It's the UK way or nothing.  I think I will switch instructors soon.  Will probably do a crash course for 10 hours or so instead just before the test.

Now matter how long you have had driving experience in the US you need to prove you are a good driver in the UK so be sure you show the examiner that you know how drive and park your car on the sidewalk (pavement) so as to block pedestrians. Also, show that you know how to park on the wrong side of the street so that your car is facing traffic. Finally, show the examiner that you can drive in a manner that no British driver drives, after all the exam is for show and revenue.

"Question Authority!"

Fantastic - its really interesting to see the US perception of British driving.  Having been in the US for 5 years I have forgotten how bad Brits can be at things like lane discipline - however thats not really relevant in the US as there is no concept of it and you can pass in any lane in many states.  I must say however that the standard of driving in the US is much much worse than the UK.  The test here is frankly laughable and consists of 10 minutes of driving round quiet streets and doesnt represent real life at all.  Drivers are not taught awareness of other drivers and consideration or perception.  I daily see people stop when entering the highway and then try and merge with 70mph plus traffic as well as reversing up hard shoulders and entry/exit ramps, crossing three lanes of traffic to exit at the last minute.  I know you see these things in the UK but they dont seem prevalent like they are here.  Of course I could be wearing my rose coloured spectacles!