NEW style Theory Test

From the 28th September 2009 you will need to answer a case study-style question as part of your Theory Test. In your test you will be presented with one case study where you will be required to answer 5 questions that are related to the scenario displayed on screen. Each question will still be in the multiple choice format as with the other Theory Test questions. You will still need to answer 50 multiple choice questions that are broken down as follows: 45 multiple choice questions 5 multiple choice questions that relate to the case study The pass mark remains at 43/50. An example of the type of case study question is shown here

Increase in Theory Test Questions.

The Theory Test Questions are increasing for the Car and Motorcycle theory test from 3rd September 2007. The questions, currently 35 will increase to 50. The pass mark will be 43 and the time allowed to complete the test is 57 minutes. For the Large Vehicle Theory Tests (LGV and PCV) there are 2 lots of increases. The first one will take place on 2nd April 2007 to 60 questions. Pass mark will be 51 and will cost £32 and the time allowed to complete the test is 70 minutes. More on the Theory Test

BOOK BOTH THE THEORY AND PRACTICAL TESTS ON-LINE

You can book both the Theory Test and Practical Test on-line. No more keying all those numbers on the phone only to get "I'm sorry nobody is available to take your call at the moment.... Please try later!" The booking service enables you to book the tests online - in a secure environment. Ways to book the Theory Test Ways to book the Practical Test

HAZARD PERCEPTION TEST PASS MARK INCREASE

From 1st September 2003. The pass mark for the HPT for learner car drivers and motorcyclists is now 44 out of 75 The pass mark for learner lorry and bus drivers is 50 out of 75 and for trainee driving instructors it is 57 out of 75. Why the increase? Well, the DSA think the new test is too easy! In the first six weeks of the new test, figures reveal that the candidates are already achieving an 80 per cent pass rate in the hazard perception element of the driving test. Whilst candidates are preparing well for the hazard perception test, the pass rate of learner car drivers for the multiple-choice section of the test has dropped from 65% to 58%. The DSA believes this section of the exam may have suffered as a result of candidates concentrating on the new section. The overall result is that the pass rate has dropped from 65% to 50%. With the introduction of a higher pass mark for the HPT the pass rate is likely to fail even more. This will result in more people having to find more money to take retests. Visit our FAQ on the Hazard Test

NEW CHANGES IN THE PRACTICAL TEST - SEPTEMBER 2003

From 1st September 2003, random technical questions will be asked by examiners to all candidates whatever the category of test they are taking. This is in line with the 2nd European Directive. A candidate will have to either SHOW or EXPLAIN how to do simple maintenance tasks. At the start of the practical test the Examiner will ask the pupil a 'Tell Me' question, for example "Tell me how you would change a tyre". This would be followed by a show me question, for example "Show me where to check the oil level". A candidate will not FAIL a Driving Test for a wrong answer however they will get ONE Driving Fault if they are wrong. This test will be included inside the existing time limit for the practical test which means less time spend out on the road. At present a question bank has not been developed, however the DSA intend to notify the industry of the intentions in the Autumn of this year and a further reminder in Spring 2003. Plans to introduce basic first aid to the driving test are also under consideration, following a recommendation from the British Red Cross. Drivers could have to show a knowledge of first aid and danger awareness. Visit our General Maintenance page Visit our First Aid page

TEST CLAMPDOWN IS IN THE PIPELINE

Novice drivers could be banned from motorways and restricted to small-engined cars under Government plans to reduce road fatalities. These are two of the ideas being mooted to cut deaths among newly qualified motorists. Others include making learners get a 'certificate of readiness' ( having to take 40 hours of lessons with a ADI) prior to taking their test to prove they have experience of driving at night, on fast roads and in the wet. After passing, novices may be forced to display green "P" plates for six months during which they would be banned from motorways and from driving minibuses or fast cars. At present there are no restrictions on the types of car or road a novice can use. "A teenager can pass his test in the morning and take a Ferrari packed with passengers on to a motorway in the afternoon; that must change," said a Whitehall official. Some other countries already place restrictions on novices. In Northern Ireland they must display an R-plate - for restricted - and drive no faster than 45mph for the first year after passing. In some Australian states, a P - for provisional - plate must be displayed for a year. Britain has a voluntary P-plate system but ministers are willing to make it compulsory. The Government has rejected proposals to allow learners to practise on motorways with a qualified instructor, believing this would lead to pile-ups. More

LEARNER RIDER TRAINING AND TESTING RULES

Learner Rider Training and Testing Rules to change on 1st FEBRUARY 2001. The principal changes are: Scrapping the rule that prevents a rider renewing a provisional motorcycle licence for a year if a test has not been passed within 2 years. Replace with a 2 year validity period for basic training completion certificates require newly qualified car drivers to complete a basic rider training course before riding a moped require all learner motorcyclists and car drivers to take a theory test. The Driving Standards Agency has written to motorcycling and safety interests about the details. The Agency has also sought views on: Improving pre-test training arrangements for motorcyclists - supported by a logbook Improving safety for full motorcycle licence-holders Improving standards of motorcycle instructors Introducing an independent appeals system for training bodies and instructors Adjusting the minimum distance for the eyesight check in element A of the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course where a number plate with the narrower font is used. Staging the motorcycle theory test after a CBT course has been completed Rationalising the CBT requirements when a person takes a retest Incorporating the standard conditions of appointment for Approved Training Bodies (ATBs) within the CBT regulations. Becoming a biker

PASSPLUS REACHES 100,000 NEW DRIVERS

One in eleven newly qualified drivers now take Pass Plus.More newly qualified drivers completed Pass Plus last month bringing the total number participating in the scheme to over 100,000 since its launch. Pass Plus is a scheme backed by the Government's Driving Standards Agency and insurers to encourage newly qualified drivers to become better drivers. Pass Plus gives extra experience and positive driving skills that would otherwise take a long time to acquire. Pass Plus consists of an additional course of six specially designed training sessions to follow on from a successful practical driving test. Check-out more about Pass Plus

NO Age Limit increase NO Motorway driving on the Driving Test

I have received many questions from worried teenagers regarding rumours of the minimum driving age increasing to 18. There are currently no such plans - so stop worrying! If I hear of any facts on this subject I will let you know right away. If after consultation the government decided to go ahead there would almost certainly have to be new legislation. Notice of a Bill would then perhaps be given in the Queens speech at the state opening of parliament around November 2001. The Bill would the have to pass through both houses of parliament (assuming the Lords are still there in 2002). Passage of a Bill requiring novice drivers to have held a provisional licence for one year before taking a test would be unlikely to receive an easy passage. A new rumour appears to be developing that motorway driving and night driving is to be incorporated into the driving test. This would be impractical. Learners will never be allowed on a motorway until they pass the practical driving test. If night driving were included in the test, it would require the tests to be conducted after 11pm in the long summer days. When you pass your test and if you are anxious about motorway or night driving, please have a few extra lessons with your driving Instructor, or better still, have a go at the Pass Plus course.

'LEARN TO LIVE' CAMPAIGN

This campaign does not advocate allowing "Learner" drivers on motorways. 'Learn To Live' campaign will continue until all newly qualified drivers are required, by law, to undergo some form of motorway tuition. The parliamentary select committee on Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs has released it's Nineteenth Report into "YOUNG AND NEWLY-QUALIFIED DRIVERS: STANDARDS AND TRAINING". Supporters of the 'Learn To Live' campaign, and of motorway safety in general, will be disappointed to learn that the committee rejected calls to make any form of post-test training compulsory. They did however recommend that post-test training schemes be more vigourously promoted. More at: 'Learn to Live' Website

HUNDREDS OF NEW DRIVERS GO BACK TO L-PLATES

Hundreds of newly qualified drivers have been restored to learner driver status - for running up six penalty points within the first two years of passing their test. The penalty came into effect in June 1997. Shocked drivers are discovering that not only is their full licence confiscated but they face hefty bills to get back on the road. The New Drivers Act introduced 01 June 1997 - in only three years, 23,365 new drivers have had their driving licence revoked. They have to pay £17 to return to a provisional licence, an increased fee of £47.75 for a practical test, £15.00 for a theory test and an increased fee of £11 for a full licence if they pass. Insurance premiums go up, too. The new law was brought out to cut down on the accidents that new drivers appear to have. Government figures show that a new driver is seven times more likely to be involved in an accident than a middle-aged person who has been driving for years. Break the Law out on the road - and this is how you could be hammered in the courts: -

Code of Practice for Approved Driving Instructors.

The DSA and the driving instruction industry place great emphasis on professional standards and business ethics. The code of practice has been agreed between DSA and the main bodies representing ADIs; it is a framework within which all instructors should operate. The code leaflet can be obtained from any theory test and driving test centres. Your Driving Instructor should be able to obtain a leaflet for you. It is hoped that ALL Driving Instructors will formally agree to adhere to the terms of the Code. Check out the new code here

Europe wants a driving test every ten years.

Motorists could be forced to take a driving test every ten years under plans being drawn up by the European Parliament. Drivers will not have their licence renewed until the test has been passed. The scheme was reported on BBC Radio 4's Europe Now programme. The scheme is an effort to reduce the 45,000 deaths on Europe's roads every year while tackling the growing problem of road rage and bad driving. Some ministers are opposed to the "expensive and bureaucratic" scheme. The AA are also against it saying young drivers are the real problem for the high number of car deaths in Europe.

Unsuccessful driving test candidates

From 29th September 1997 unsuccessful test candidates have to wait before retaking their test, with a three-day delay for theory tests and ten days for practical tests. This is to encourage people not to come for tests until they are ready and to take further tuition after an unsuccessful test, as a way of improving driving standards.

'Learn and Live' Campaign

When you next visit the Test Centre, look out for the new leaflets from 'Learn and Live'. This is a parent's campaign for Safe Driving Tuition to improve road safety for the young and inexperience drivers. Did you know: - that 1 in 3 accidents involve men under the age of 20. Did you know: - That 3 young people die each and every day on the roads in Britain. Click here to the 'Learn and Live' Site. They have produced a FREE CD packed with information on road Safety, particularly in relation to learner and novice drivers.

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...and finally, don't forget to claim your full licence

DVLA describe as a "never ending barrage" the cases of pass certificates being sent in later than the permitted two years from the test date , despite the time limit being stated on the back of the certificate and examiners reminding customers what to do. I've been asked to remind my pupils too. So, if you have passed your test, remember to send your certificate to the DVLA. The DVLA web site is at:- http://www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers/drivers.htm

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