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Getting a Driver's License: Changes to the UK Driving Theory Test


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Changes to the UK Theory Test ----------------------------- The UK driving Theory Test is changing. From 1st January 2012 the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has announced that they will stop publishing the live multiple choice questions used in Theory Tests. These changes will affect learner drivers and motorcyclists, trainee ADIs and LGV/PCV drivers.

Test Revision and Comprehension ------------------------------- The DSA will make available a parallel set of theory test questions to help candidates prepare for their test. These will be known as the Official Revision Questions. These revision questions will cover all the same topics but may be worded slightly differently from those which candidates will be asked in their actual Theory Test.

Promoting Revision, Awareness and Safer Driving ----------------------------------------------- The move by the DSA is expected to encourage wider learning and understanding of driving related materials. This should contribute to new drivers having greater awareness of relevant issues and ultimately driving more safely.

What does this mean for test candidates? ---------------------------------------- Candidates can no longer simply memorise the correct answers, but will instead have to learn and understand the principles behind driving. With the increased emphasis on revision, learners will undoubtedly benefit from a dedicated, reliable and up to date theory test revision aid and practice tool such as Driving Test Success (visit Driving Success if they want to achieve a first time pass. Speaking on the change, Road Safety Minister, Mike Penning MP, stated "This emphasises the fact that driving is not just about vehicle-handling skills, but also about having the knowledge and understanding of safe driving theory. "Stopping the publication of the questions and answers will mean that candidates will have to understand the theory rather than memorise which answers to choose in the multiple choice section."*

Preparation: Key to success --------------------------- The pass rate for the driving Theory Test is at its lowest in five years. The DSA believe that this is because learners aren't preparing properly. Around 1.5 million car Theory Tests were attempted in 2009/10** with almost 4 in 10 tests (36%) resulting in a fail, the lowest pass rate on record since 2004/05. With over 1,200 questions in the current official DSA revision bank, candidates must be prepared to put in a considerable amount of effort if they are to walk out of the test centre with a pass certificate. It's vital that candidates study the latest edition of the Highway Code, learn and understand the principles behind all of the official revision questions, and develop their hazard perception skills. These subjects and more besides are fully covered in the new Driving Test Success products. For further information on the new Driving Test Success range visit: Driving Success