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BBC News

Reporting fromAvonmouth

Driving tests could include learners taking much faster routes if new pilot exams are successful.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) are planning to run trial tests at 20 driving test centres across Britain, including areas like Avonmouth, Portsmouth and Dudley.

Examiners will conduct less stops in every test, reducing from four to three, and have the option to increase time the examinee spends driving independently using a sat nav.

A DVSA spokesperson said: "We need to ensure that the driving test continues to test the skills needed to drive safely and replicate conditions new drivers will face in the real world to keep improving road safety."

A spokesperson added that 'rural roads are some of the most dangerous high-speed roads for novice drivers'.

Emergency stops in the trial exams will also be reduced from one in three tests to one in every seven tests.

The DVSA said the new trials will 'not change the content' that novice drivers need to learn.

It added drivers who are being tested on the trial sites will be notified about the new changes.