OVER 1000 QUESTIONS IN THEORY TEST FROM 6 JULY
COI
DRIVING STANDARDS AGENCY
DSA 26/98 3 July 1998
OVER 1000 QUESTIONS IN THEORY TEST FROM 6 JULY
The driving theory test is updated for the second time from Monday 6
July when over 300 new questions are added to the range from which
car and motorcycle theory tests are made up, giving a total of over
1000 questions from which each 35--question paper can be compiled.
Driving Standards Agency Chief Executive Bernard Herdan said, "We are
not changing the test so much as trying to change the mind set of the
next generation of drivers. Increasing standards and reducing
accidents means requiring learners to show an understanding of why a
particular course of action is correct, rather than just simple
knowledge of what the book says.
"Any individual learner will still only need 30 out of 35 to pass,
but the increased range of questions will make learners prepare more
thoroughly, increasing their underlying understanding of how to
behave on the road. Simply trying to learn questions and answers off
by heart is not the way to prepare for the test."
Mr Herdan said, "It is very important that people should learn their
driving theory at the same time as they are taking practical driving
lessons, so they can relate the theory to behind-the-wheel
experience, and can ask their instructor for help. This will make it
easier to pass both the theory and the practical tests, and to apply
good driving theory for life."
While the Highway Code continues to be the foundation document on
driving theory, supplemented by The Driving Manual, DSA has also
revised The Official Theory Test for Car Drivers and Motorcyclists
book containing all the questions and answers plus explanatory notes.
Notes to editors:
1. The Driving Standards Agency has been an executive agency of the
Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions (previously of
DoT) since April 1990. Its primary aim is to promote road safety in
Great Britain through advancing driving standards, testing drivers
and riders fairly and efficiently, maintaining the Registers of
Approved Driving Instructors and of Large Goods Vehicle instructors,
and supervising basic training for learner motorcyclists. DSA HQ is
in Nottingham.
2. Nationally in 1997-8 approximately 1.3 million tests for car
drivers, over 60,000 tests for lorry and bus drivers and over 88,000
motorcycle rider tests were carried out. About 36,600 examiners
carried out the car and motorcycle tests from 335 permanent test
centres across Britain. In the same period, 1.4 million theory tests
were conducted at 157 centres.
3. In 1997-98, 2500 new driving instructors were added to the
Register of Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) and 16,000 ADIs were
check-tested to ensure they met the DSA's instructional standards.
There are 450 Approved Training Bodies.
4. In December 1997, the DSA successfully regained the Charter Mark,
awarded for excellence in public service, having previously been one
of the first recipients of this award, for 1992-95.
5. The DSA has an annual turnover of about #79m and has to cover its
costs from test fees.The DSA is required to meet targets for waiting
times and unit costs. It publishes an annual business plan, report
and accounts.
# = pounds sterling