Driving Tests
Contents.
1. Booking the tests.
2. The Driving Theory test.
3. Hazard Perception test.
4. Special Arrangements.
5. Dyslexic Drivers.
6. Driving Tuition: Practical Tips.
7. Independent Driving Section.
8. Resources.
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is responsible for conducting driving tests in Great Britain for cars, motorcycles, lorries, buses and other vehicles.
The quickest way to make a test appointment is to ring the DSA between 8am and 6pm weekdays and pay by credit or debit card. Application forms can be posted with cheque or postal order payment. The Theory Test must be passed before the Practical Test can be taken.
Theory Test Booking Line.
Tel: 0300 200 1122
Web: http://www.dsa.gov.uk
Since January 2000, theory tests have been delivered using a touch screen computer. Candidates sit at individual booths. The 35 questions appear one at a time on a computer screen and candidates select their multiple choice answers by touching the screen. Candidates can also work through a practice session for up to 15 minutes to get used to the system before starting their test. We recommend that you take full advantage of the practice session.
During the test, the screen shows which of the 35 questions you are doing, and how much time you have remaining. You can change your answers. A review screen tells you how many questions you have completed, any incomplete answers (i.e. not enough choices marked) and which questions you have 'flagged' to return to later.
Candidates receive their test results, and feedback information about errors within 30 minutes of finishing the test.
From 14 November 2002, the Theory test was extended to also include a hazard test. Candidates are shown a number of moving video clips filmed from a car. Each clip contains one or more developing hazards. Candidates are asked to indicate as soon as they see a hazard developing which may result in the driver taking some action, such as changing speed or direction. The sooner a response is made the higher the score.
4. Special arrangements for Theory Test.
The system has the option for dyslexic candidates to listen to the test being read in English through a headset. Voice-overs in 20 other languages are available.
Dyslexic candidates can apply to have up to double the standard 40 minutes. You need to ask when you apply for the test. A letter or report from a professional should explain your reading ability, i.e. a teacher, a psychologist, or Local Dyslexia Association officer. The DSA has also agreed to accept the report from our online screening test Spot Your Potential, linked to the top of the BDA Home Page. You will have to phone again for a test date after the report has been processed.
Throughout the individual’s ‘journey’ in learning to drive, aspects of dyslexia should be positively looked for in order to provide the required support. Many adults do not know they are dyslexic as it was not identified when they were at school.
Research and comments by Rod Nicholson were interpreted as suggesting that dyslexics were bad drivers. This is not correct as Prof Nicholson explained. It takes some dyslexics longer to develop automaticity in tasks such as driving. They may have to concentrate harder. They may not be able to talk with a passenger at the same time as driving.
Other dyslexic difficulties which may impact on learning to drive include:
- Weak short term and working memory (holding on to and applying information).
- Auditory processing: taking on board what is being said quickly.
- Difficulty with focusing, easily distracted.
- Difficulty identifying left from right.
- Visual distraction, visual memory issues.
- Slower processing speed in the brain.
- Sequencing problems: getting information in the right order.
Dyslexia and learning to drive.
The deficits of dyslexia may have a significant effect on learning but with appropriate teaching, this can be mitigated. It may take the dyslexic learner longer to learn to drive, and they may need more than one attempt to pass the practical test.
The key is to use multi sensory learning and to ensure that new information or skills are heavily embedded. For example, if someone has poor visual memory, then use their auditory or tactile memory to compensate. They are likely to need lots of reinforcement to embed learning from the short term memory but most dyslexic people have excellent long term memories so they need to be able to make use of this.
General tips.
Make sure the learner is not overloaded with instructions as this causes real problems for those with a weaker working memory; little and often is a good mantra.
Watch out for those with weak spatial awareness or lack of recognition of left and right: – they may need to be told to go ‘your way’, or ‘my way’. Ask the learner how they learn best and follow their preferences.
For helping an individual to memorise something, get them to suggest a memory peg such as a rhyme or a picture they can visualise, or something very zany; all this helps make the memory more memorable.
6. Driving Tuition: Practical Tips.
- Consider learning on and taking the test in an automatic car. This means that the dyslexic driver can concentrate on other aspects of driving rather than struggle with getting automaticity on a manual car. The dyslexic driver can learn to use a manually geared car once all the other aspects of road awareness are secure.
- The learner should explain any particular difficulties or preferences to the driving instructor and ways of instruction which may be helpful.
- Before the lesson begins, discuss what the lesson will cover.
- Do not give too many instructions at once: give only one at a time if possible.
- Use coloured stickers on the dashboard to indicate left and right.
- Use hand movements to indicate which way to turn.
- Practice off-road or on quiet roads as much as possible so that the dyslexic learner is not distracted by other road users, while getting to grips with basic car handling.
- Use the same route for a while until the driver feels more confident: add new routes a few at a time.
- If possible, use a driving simulator before attempting to drive on roads and for hazard training.
- Make sure the Examiner knows that the candidate is dyslexic and may have special requirements for left/right instructions.
- It is not unusual to fail the test more than twice: be prepared for several attempts.
Spacial Awareness, Reversing and Parking.
Dyslexic people often find it difficult to envisage space, so overall strategy is don’t think: feel small, smooth movements of the wheel, rather than spinning the steering wheel.
- Hold the wheel as if handlebars: this avoids frantic spinning and oversteering.
- Practise steering by wheeling a bike along a curved line, e.g. uncoiled garden hose.
- Reverse slowly: “heel/toe” pace.
- Pause between movements to do observations: this helps keep control.
- Use side mirror (tilt down slightly) to look at kerb, whilst checking rear mirror.
- Look over shoulder towards the kerb, if going towards the kerb: turn away when going away from the kerb rather than trying to remember left/right.
- Talk movements out aloud when practising.
For further advice see http://www.ultimatedrivinginstructor.com
7. Independent Driving Section.
Following discussions between the BDA and the DSA, examiners will offer adjustments to dyslexic candidates. These will depend on the particular difficulties the dyslexic person has, as all are different. So examiners will be asking the candidate what adjustments they require. These will include:
- Asking the person’s preference for verbal directions or for following signs during the independent driving section.
- Showing a simple diagram before the independent driving section; this will be reproduced on cream vellum paper which cuts down on visual distraction.
- If helpful, adding visual clues to the diagram, such as a supermarket or petrol station on route, or telling the candidate the number of the exit point on roundabouts (for example, ‘It’s the third exit’).
- Using landmarks such as ‘take the first left, it’s just past the cinema’.
- Continuing to give directions singly throughout the driving test, and for the independent driving section, giving no more than two directions at a time.
- Adapting directions from right and left to ‘your side, my side’ or whatever system the candidate prefers.
Examiners are there to assess the person’s ability to drive safely – not their ability to remember directions. If the candidate needs to check with the examiner that they are going the right way, they can do so.
Examiners ask all candidates if they would like to take their driving instructor, or the person who has accompanied them, with them on their driving test. For someone with dyslexia it may really help having someone there in the car to calm their nerves (dyslexic difficulties can become very pronounced under stress).
DSA has confirmed that driving examiners conduct thousands of driving tests every year and are very experienced and skilled in dealing with candidates with all sorts of special needs. They are also very aware that people can be nervous and will make every effort to put all candidates at ease.
Practical Driving Test: the Official DSA Guide DVD.
Explains everything about the practical test, including the new ‘independent driving’ section. Shows a test in action so you know what to expect.
The Official Theory Test CD-ROM.
The CD-ROMs contains the official question bank and uses screen layouts which look similar to those used in the actual test.
Driving Standards Agency (DSA) online Mock Theory Tests.
The questions cover a variety of topics relating to road safety. As in the real test, these tests use a mix of 35 questions drawn from all sections of the question bank to test your knowledge.
The Official DSA Theory Test for Car Drivers.
This is the only official theory test book for car drivers. It contains everything the learner driver needs to study.
Road code. A Highway Code for Younger Road User has been written with the needs of young people in mind, and contains the latest and best guidance on cycling proficiency, the GREEN CROSS CODE and general "ROAD-CODE".
Highway Code.
The Highway Code is essential reading for everyone. Its rules apply to all road users: pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists as well as motorcyclists and drivers.
Where to find resources.
The Official Highway Code Interactive CD-ROM.
Including many new and amended rules of the road, this engaging, fun, and educational product aims to accelerate the learning process and provides a thorough understanding of road safety and best practice. Available from TSO (Stationery Office)and free online
Official Theory Test Books, CD Roms, Practical Test Video
from the Stationery Office:
Tel: 0870 243 0123
Email: dsamerchandising@tso.co.uk
Web: http://www.tsoshop.co.uk/dsa
Theory Test DVD now available from BDA online shop
Books also available from high street bookshops and online.
Driving Test Success by Focus Software highly recommended by driving instructors experienced in candidates with specific learning difficulties. Available from Amazon. Also in some high street retailers.
L of a way 2 Pass, by Diane Hall, available on Amazon.