A DRIVING instructor has said a controversial change to driving tests, while not ideal, simply “reflects modern ways of driving”.

Many fellow instructors have criticised the decision to introduce a new manoeuvre which involves reversing on the wrong side of the road and is prohibited under the Highway Code.

However, Lee Francis, who has been taking driving lessons in Worcester for 13 years, while admitting he believes the current test is “perfectly fine as it is” – said the new addition is a case of “moving with the times”.

The revamped ‘L’ test comes into force in December and sees a series of new manoeuvres added to the practical exam, but it is a reversing exercise which has caused the uproar.

Those on their tests will be asked to pull up on the opposite side of the road and reverse two car lengths before re-joining traffic.

It will replace former requirements such as a three-point turn and reversing around a corner.

“I think people do lots of things when they’re driving,” said Mr Francis. “We don’t want to encourage driving facing oncoming traffic, but people do these things once they’ve passed.

“It’s not the best thing, but at least we are teaching a safe way of doing it, because I think everyone has done it. It is dangerous, but they are going to do it,” he added.

Mr Francis went on to say that reversing in oncoming traffic is just one of several new manoeuvres in the test, which also includes pulling forwards into a parking bay.

“That’s not in the test yet but is part of real life. Most people use sat navs at least two or three times a week and that’s coming into the test soon as well.”

However, rule 239 in the Highway Code states: “If you have to stop on the roadside: Do not park facing against the traffic flow.”

But while breaking the Highway Code does not automatically lead to prosecution, it can be used as evidence in court proceedings in order to determine liability.

Driving instructor Antony Cove has launched a petition online demanding that the manoeuvre be removed from the test, which has already gained more than 2,500 signatures.

Graham O’Brien, DVSA deputy chief driving examiner, said: “DVSA is committed to helping people through a lifetime of safe driving and the new test will better assess a driver’s ability to drive safely and independently.

“The new manoeuvre reflects how people actually drive and it is vital they have the knowledge and skills to do it safely, which is why it is included.

“The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has carried out an independent risk assessment of the changes to the driving test and found all aspects of the new elements of the driving test to be introduced on December 4 to be low risk.”