PRACTICE MOTORCYCLE THEORY TEST ON CD-ROM

10 Feb 2003 03:45 PM

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) launches The Official Theory Test for Motorcyclists CD-ROM today (10 February 2003). This is the newest addition to DSA's range of official products aimed at learner driver and riders.

The CD-ROM enables candidates to practise for the real motorcycle multiple choice part of the theory test by carrying out a mock test that looks and works just like the actual test. When practising learner riders are one mouse click away from a commentary that fully explains the question and answers. Comprehensive feedback is provided that allows them to keep track of their progress. It also shows a video clip giving a full explanation of the new hazard perception part of the test.

The CD-ROM will enable learner riders to locate their nearest theory and practical test centre with web-links to DSA's on-line theory test booking facility and offers a listing of Approved Training Bodies. It also includes a list of insurers, manufacturers, magazines and service providers to the motorcycle industry whose contact details are available.

Gordon Court, the DSA director with responsibility for the theory test, said:

"This is an excellent learning tool for learner riders. It gives candidates the chance to see what it will be like to sit the real test, with the added advantage of having feedback which will help track their progress."

Notes to Editors
1. The Official Theory Test for Motorcyclists will be available in many High Street outlets or alternatively you can obtain a copy by calling 0870 600 5522

2. The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is an executive agency of the Department for Transport, and is part of the Driver, Vehicle and Operator (DVO) group of organisations within the Department.

3. The Agency's aim is to promote road safety through improving driving standards, testing drivers and riders fairly and efficiently, maintaining the registers of Approved Driving Instructors and Large Goods Vehicle Instructors and supervising basic training for learner motorcyclists.

4. The DSA is a trading fund with turnover of around £88 million for the year 2001/2. Income for the year 2002/3 is expected to be in the region of £94m, fully funded by fee income and revenue from non-statutory activities.

5. The DSA HQ is at Stanley House, 56 Talbot Street, Nottingham, NG1 5GU, and there are five area offices, which manage 431 practical test centres across Britain.

6. The DSA employs 2,000 staff, of which some 1,295 are driving examiners. In 2001/02 the Agency conducted 1.3 million tests for car drivers, 72,000 vocational tests and 91,000 motorcycle rider tests. 1.3 million theory tests were carried out at 158 centres. At the end of the year there were 29,962 people on the Register of Approved Driving Instructors.

7. In July 2001, DSA successfully retained the Charter Mark, awarded for excellence in public service. DSA was one of the first recipients of this award for 1992-5 and regained it in 1997.

8. The DSA achieved formal accreditation as an Investor in People in July 2000.

9. DSA is one of the first Government Agencies to introduce an 'on-line' booking service. Candidates can book their theory test directly on DSA's website : www.driving-tests co.uk

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