Its here – the 23rd January 2012!
So what? I hear you ask. Well if you’re new to driving and are in the process of looking forward to taking your theory test, I’m sure you’re aware. …
Its all change at the test centre.
No doubt your driving instructor has kept you up to date with the changes, but from today, all the multiple choice questions will be new and unpublished. So you won’t be able to recall them from past questions or text book memories. However, doesn’t this make for better drivers. It is certain that you will have to have learnt more “than you need”, in order that you don’t miss any questions or that you are sure to have covered most eventualities. So doesn’t this mean when you adapt the theory in your practical driving you will have a much better grasp of Driving skills and the Highway code.
Mark Peacock, head of AA Driving School said: “Learners should not unduly worry about the changes to the test. The new test calls for greater understanding, which can be gained from professional tuition and some time spent revising; both of which would have been needed to pass the theory test confidently before the changes.”
The Driving instructors Association welcomed the changes as well mentioning that the test itself hasn’t changed but the way pupils will prepare for it will.
The move from learning by rote, and not necessarily understanding the “science” behind the answer can only lead to a more safe and secure driving environment, for the ever increasing number of road users coming on to the British roadways.
Also today the Institute of Advanced Motorist were again calling for rural roads to be included in the test. They feel that due to the level of accidents on these roads it would be wiser to incorporate them in the test and so give students more training on this faster and more populated type of road.
IAM chief executive Simon Best stated that although our roads were gaining a higher safety rating through European Standards the roads where most young drivers are killed or have accidents (single rural carriage ways), were not featuring in any testing.
The Transport minister, Mike Penning MP, recently mentioned learner drivers would be able to take to motorways before passing their test, under the accompaniment of a fully qualified driving instructor.
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There are two parts to the theory test which costs £31 to sit.
The first is a multiple choice test lasting 57 minutes. Candidates must score 43 out of 50 (86 per cent) to pass.
Some questions are given as a case study showing a short story that five questions will be based on. Others will focus on real life examples and experiences that you could come across when driving.
The hazard perception test involves watching on computer screen 14 clips of 15 developing hazards which must be identified.
Pass mark is 44 out of 75 (59 per cent).
Furture information concernig the IAM’s finding can be found at
http://www.iam.org.uk/news/latest-news/966-five-star-cars-three-star-roads-one-star-drivers