Latest News:- LEARNER DRIVERS FIND EXTRA CONFIDENCE WITH NEW PRODUCT
Totem Confidence is designed to aid relaxation and boost confidence in stressful situations and is being snapped up by people learning to drive and approaching their driving test.
More Information
Latest Learner Driver News
DSA to stop publishing questions used in theory tests
From 23rd January 2012 the theory test will be made up of multiple-choice questions which are no longer published in learning materials.
This will help to ensure that new drivers learn the principles behind driving theory rather than just learning answers.
The move follows the introduction of independent driving into the driving test and the DSA's decision to stop publishing test routes in October 2010, to make sure the test assesses a learner's ability to drive and not their capacity to memorise routes. Read more
Theory Test Centre Closures
Due to over-capacity within its network of theory test centres, DSA has decided to close 11 theory test centres.
The centres will close on 31 August 2011 and will merge with neighbouring theory test centres which also have over-capacity and which have good transport links.
The test centres that will close are: Basingstoke, Bath, Birkenhead, Clydebank, Colchester, Dunfermline, Durham, Motherwell, Runcorn, Solihull and Workington.
Theory and practical test centres are entirely separate and delivery of the practical test remains unaffected.
Electronic parking brakes NOW suitable for tests
Electronic parking brakes are now being fitted to an increasing number of vehicles, so it’s unrealistic for the DSA to continue with its policy to ban these cars from the test.
From 1 November 2010 vehicles fitted with an electronic parking brake will be allowed to be used for practical driving tests.
There are usually two ways of releasing an electronic parking brake:
using the footbrake while releasing the parking brake, then coordinating the accelerator and clutch to move away
coordinating the accelerator and clutch - when the electronics sense the clutch is at biting point the parking brake releases automatically
The parking brake will not usually release automatically if:
the accelerator is not used
the controls are not coordinated correctly
If there is no loss of control either method is acceptable.
If the examiner needs to take action to stop the vehicle, and it’s not fitted with dual controls, they will apply and hold the electronic parking brake - this will bring the vehicle to a controlled stop. Minimum test vehicle requirements for a car and car and trailer test
Independent driving is NOW part of the the driving test
Independent driving became part of the practical driving test in Great Britain on 4th October 2010.
Length of tests and test prices have not changed.
Independent Driving is tasking you to drive for about 10 minutes, either following a series of directions or traffic signs. To help you be clear about where they’re going, the examiner can show you a diagram too. More Information
Driving Standards Agency (DSA) will no longer publish details of test routes
Currently test routes used by each driving test centre are published online but this will stop when new routes are introduced at the beginning of October 2010.
This change is being made to support the introduction of independent driving, which will allow candidates to demonstrate their ability to drive safely in more realistic driving situations rather than memorising a particular test route.
Should you take your instructor on your driving test?
From Tuesday 6 April 2010 driving examiners will ask you, at the time you take your test, if they would like your instructor (or another observer - preferably the person who has taught them to drive) to sit in on your test and listen to the feedback at the end.
However, it is purely your choice.
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
DSA announces Two-Part Motorcycle Test
A new two-part motorcycle test will be introduced in April 2009, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has announced.
The existing single-event test will be replaced by a new test that will be taken in two parts. Bookings will be taken from the 30 March at the latest, with the first tests taking place on 27 April 2009. Module 1 will contain the specified manoeuvres element of the test including exercises designed to assess the rider’s ability to control their machine safely, including avoidance and emergency stop exercises. Module 2 will include an eyesight test and at least 30 minutes of on road riding, assessing the rider’s ability to safely interact with other road users. More
Consultation Paper "Learning to Drive"
Major changes to the driving test and the driver learning process, including a star-rating system for instructors, have been proposed by the Government.
Aimed at reducing the high accident rate among young drivers, the proposals, which will now be consulted on, could see changes in place within two to three years.
So that members of the public have everything they need to join in the consultation, the DSA have published a wide range of information and created a number of feedback mechanisms.
You have from now until 8th September 2008 (when the public consultation closes) to get involved.
A special Learning to Drive consultation web site has been setup
here
The Official NEW Highway Code out 17th September 2007
1 Million copies of The Official Highway Code (2007 edition) have been sold in the UK – are you one of the other 33 million UK road users without this life saving book?
The Driving Standards Agency is proud to announce record sales of the 2007 edition of The Official Highway Code. 1 million copies sold in 15 months compared to the previous 2004 edition which sold 1 million copies in 20 months. The Bookseller Magazine has also recorded this latest edition as the No1 best selling non-fiction paperback for 2008!
From 1 July 2007 smoking in vehicles used as workplaces will be banned in England. Although the legislation will only apply to instructors’ vehicles candidates for test need to be aware that if you bring your own vehicle to test it is DSA policy to provide a smoke free working environment for all staff. The examiner may therefore refuse to conduct the test if the vehicle contains tobacco smoke.
More at the
DSA Website
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
New Seat Belt Laws for Kids
Parents risk being fined up to £500 if they fail to strap children under 12 into a car seat.
More
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Latest News:- LEARNER DRIVERS FIND EXTRA CONFIDENCE WITH NEW PRODUCT
More Information
1 Million copies of The Official Highway Code (2007 edition) have been sold in the UK – are you one of the other 33 million UK road users without this life saving book?
