Driving Tests

Introduction

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is responsible for conducting driving tests in Great Britain for cars, motorcycles, lorries, buses and other vehicles.

Booking for the tests

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.

The Driving Theory test

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.

Hazard perception 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.

Special arrangements

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. You will have to phone again for a test date after the report has been processed.

Dyslexic drivers

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.

If dyslexic drivers have difficulty remembering left and right, they can ask the practical tester to point out the direction.

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.

Resources and contacts

• 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 Users 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.

Contact details

Theory Test Booking Line

Tel: 0300 200 1122 or online.
Web: http://www.dsa.gov.uk

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).

Official Theory Test Books, including CD Roms, from the Stationery Office.
Books also available from high street bookshops and online.

Stationery Office
Tel: 0870 243 0123
Email: dsamerchandising@tso.co.uk
Web: http://www.tsoshop.co.uk/dsa