Why go RED?
Our CEO tells us why learning to drive is essential even when times are tough…
Recent statistics released by The Department for Transport reveal nearly a 10 per cent fall in people taking their driving test. In the 17-24 age group, just under 320,000 took their test between 2011 and 2012, a fall of nearly 50,000 compared to the previous year.
It is step 5 in our guide to passing your test and we have now reached booking your theory test.
The driving theory test consists of a Multiple Choice Test and a Hazard Perception Test (HPT).The theory test consists of 50 multiple choice questions and you will need to get a minimum of 43 out of 50 in less than 57 minutes to pass this section. The HPT consists of 14 clips of every day road scenes. Each clip is approximately 1 minute in length and contains at least 1 developing hazard, and in one of the clips there will be 2 developing hazards. You need to get a minimum of 44 out of 75 to pass this section.
You can apply for your Theory Test on line at www.dsa.gov.uk or you can book over the phone on 0300 200 1122. The theory test currently costs £31 and to book your test you will need to have a credit/debit card and your provisional license.
In order to pass the theory test you will need to pass both parts of the test. When you have finished your test you will be given the result by the test centre staff.
Next time – Step 6: After passing your Theory Test
You can now download an interactive theory test guide for just £9.99. This guide, written by the DSA, is designed to teach you to pass your driving theory test and help you gain a better understanding of the rules of the road to help you become a safer driver.
This download provides up to date, real test questions and answers and is as close to the real thing as you can get. This will be valid until January 2012, when the actual test questions and answers will no longer be published. So get your theory test done now. You can find out more, and download your copy here. By downloading this, you will be able to start learning immediately, instead of waiting for a hard copy to arrive in the post – you also save on delivery costs!
It was announced this week that the Driving Standards Agency is to stop publishing the multiple choice questions and answers used in theory tests.
Why?
The idea behind the change is to help to ensure new drivers learn the principles behind driving theory rather than just learning answers.
Photo by Toastwife
This announcement follows the introduction of independent driving into the driving test and the DSA’s decision to stop publishing test routes in October 2010.
Again, it’s been done to make sure the test assesses a learner’s ability to drive and not their capacity to memorise routes.
What the officials say:
Road Safety Minister, Mike Penning, said: “The driving theory test should help to prepare drivers for real life on the road – good driving is not just about vehicle-handling skills, but also about having the knowledge and understanding of safe driving theory.
“No longer publishing these questions and answers will mean that successful candidates will have to understand the theory rather than simply memorising answers.
“I believe that this – along with the other changes we are making to the driving test regime – will lead to better drivers and safer roads.”
So when will this change take effect?
In September 2011 the DSA will change the format of books and other learning materials available to help people prepare for theory tests. This will take place at the same time as more challenging case studies are introduced to car and motorcycle theory tests.
From 1 January 2012, the DSA will create theory tests using questions which will not be published.
Practice questions and answers, not used in theory tests, will still be available to help candidates with revision.
If you have any questions surrounding these changes don’t hesitate to ask your driving instructor or send us a message via our official RED Driving School facebook page.
