WIREDGOV

Embargoed until 00:01 on Monday 23 January 2012 - Better testing for better drivers

News Release issued by the COI News Distribution Service on 19 January 2012

From today the driving theory test will no longer use pre-published questions in a move to stop candidates from learning answers by rote.

Until now all the questions used in the driving theory test have been published. These changes will mean that learner drivers and riders gain a better understanding of driving theory, because they can no longer rely on simply learning which options are correct for individual questions.

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said:

"By bringing a stop to publication of theory test questions we aim to encourage candidates to prepare by learning each topic area thoroughly rather than just memorising the questions and answers.

"The intention is to improve candidates' knowledge and understanding of driving theory, so that they are more able to retain and apply it when they are on the road."

The familiar Theory Test books and software still offer revision questions for candidates to test themselves and assess their progress. They now also have exercises so learners can practice applying their knowledge on each topic to case studies. There are also new sections of revision support for motorcyclists and a free e-book for car drivers.

The agency has also launched its first iPhone apps for theory test revision, which also help candidates to study and monitor their progress at their convenience as they approach their test date. These are available from the iTunes Store.

DSA books, electronic books and software are available to order or download from TSO at www.tsoshop.co.uk/dsa and all good bookshops.

* For further information please contact DSA Press Office on 0115 936 6135, email pressoffice@dsa.gsi.gov.uk.
* Theory test images for media use are available at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dsagovuk/sets/72157628927057627/


DSA 01-12


Notes to editors
1. Driving theory tests were introduced in 1996 as pen and paper exams and replaced the Highway Code questions asked by examiners in the practical test. The results were sent out by post.

2. Theory tests were developed into touch screen computerised multiple choice tests in 2000, when candidates could get their results at the centre within minutes. Hazard perception was added as a second section of the theory tests in 2002 and case study questions were introduced in 2009.

3. DSA promotes road safety through setting standards for drivers, riders and trainers; testing drivers and riders fairly and efficiently; maintaining the registers of Approved Driving Instructors, Large Goods Vehicle Instructors, Fleet Trainers, Driving Instructor Trainers and Post Test Motorcycle Trainers; supervising Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) for learner motorcyclists; and driver education and the provision of learning resources.

4. DSA is a trading fund with planned income of £195 million in 2011/12, largely funded through fees and revenue from other road safety initiatives. It delivers tests from over 400 practical driving test centres and 158 theory test locations.

5. DSA employs around 2,600 staff, of which just over 1,800 are driving examiners. In 2010/11 DSA conducted over 1.8 million practical tests (of which 1.6 million were car tests) and around 1.6 million theory tests. At the end of 2010/2011 there were around 47,000 people on the Register of Approved Driving Instructors.

6. DSA has an image library at flickr.com/photos/dsagovuk which is free for use by press and news media. However, you must acknowledge DSA Crown copyright.

Contacts:

Driving Standards
Phone: 0115 936 6133
nds.dsa@coi.gsi.gov.uk

DSA Press office
Phone: 0115 936 6135
nds.dsa@coi.gsi.gov.uk