Video clips will now replace written questions in the driving theory test, to make it more accessible.
Rather than the traditional questions, from 28 September 2020, would-be drivers will be shown a couple of 30-second videos depicting different scenarios, such as travelling through a town centre, approaching a roundabout, or driving along a country road.
They will then be given three questions about each clip.
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It is part of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency's (DVSA) efforts to modernise the process and to support those with reading difficulties and disabilities.
According to the body, it has been shown that people feel more confident with video scenarios rather than written ones, as they allow them to process the information much more easily.
Speaking about the changes, DVSA Chief Driving Examiner, Mark Winn, said they were a long time in the making and were part of efforts to make roads more accessible for all drivers.
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He said: "DVSA's priority is to help everyone through a lifetime of safe driving.
"Being able to drive can be life-changing and the DVSA is committed to helping everyone access the opportunities driving can offer.
"We have worked closely with road safety experts and learners to create a theory test which fully tests a candidate's knowledge of the rules of the road and is more accessible."
As part of the process, the DVSA worked with the National Autistic Society, the British Dyslexia Association, and British Deaf Association, as well as others, to help develop the new style of testing.
John Rogers, from the Disability Driving Instructors, said it was a welcome change and stated it now makes the test much more realistic and linked to the act of actually driving a vehicle.
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He said: "A picture paints a thousand words, especially for candidates with special educational needs.
"Having to go back and forth between the text in the written scenario and the written questions and answers was a big obstacle to understanding what was required.
"Video scenarios should prove much easier to follow and the questions will hopefully appear more relevant."
The DVSA has also made it clear that the new clips will not be replacing the classic hazard perception aspect of the theory test. Learners will still have to sit the multiple choice section.
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If you wish to have a look at the new videos and see how the new system will work, you can practise here.
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