New changes to UK Theory Test
Wednesday, 11 January 2012 10:34
ADIs/PDIs will need to make sure their pupils are aware that the theory test will encounter some changes this month. As of the 23 January 2012, new theory tests will be introduced using questions and answers that the public will not have had access to, making any previous theory test ‘Q&A banks’ redundant.
Since the theory tests started in 1996, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has published the questions and answers from the question banks for all categories of tests for cars, motorcycles, lorries and buses.
However, the DSA announced last November that it was to stop publishing the multiple choice questions and answers, with unpublished questions being used from January 2012.
After 23 January, the questions a candidate will be asked on test will not be exactly the same as those in their learning materials. Questions will be drawn from new ‘live’ theory test question banks, which will not be published.
DSA’s chief executive Rosemary Thew said:
“The reason behind the move is to stop candidates from simply memorising theory test questions and answers and learning by rote. …”This approach to learning will help candidates to gain a better knowledge and understanding of driving theory which will help them respond correctly to the new, re-worded live questions used in the actual test.”
The DSA have published more help for learner drivers taking their theory test, with The Official DSA Theory Test for Car Drivers DVD-ROM. This new software has been totally remodeled and is the most, user friendly to date. The new layout makes it a lot more noticeable that the DSA expects you to learn the material rather than memorise answers, by implementing a study, practice, test yourself strategy, for best results.
New features have also been added to the software so candidates can:
Study background information on every topic, presented in an easy-to-remember way
Customise their practice by topic to see how much they’ve learnt
Sit unlimited mock tests which offer the closest experience to the real test
Monitor their progress at each step to find out exactly where they can further improve so they can tailor their revision
To find out more and to view the full range of official DSA products, visit tsoshop.co.uk/dsa
Friday, 13 January 2012
DSA OFFICIAL THEORY TEST DVD-ROM
The Official DSA Theory Test for Car Drivers DVD-ROM 2012 Edition
Author:
Driving Standards Agency (DSA)
Publisher:
TSO (The Stationery Office)
Price: £10.83 (£12.99 inc. VAT)
Larger image
Prepare to pass your theory test first time with this fully revised edition of the best-selling theory test DVD-ROM - the ONLY official software revision guide for PC and Mac.
Every official revision question - with the full DSA explanation to help you fully understand the theory behind each answer. The revision questions on this DVD-ROM are very similar to the questions you will get on your actual test and cover the same topics
Easy to use - clear three-step approach 'study, practise, test yourself' and user-friendly design to help make your revision really simple. Compatible with PC and Mac
Background information on every topic - explains the theory behind each topic in an easy-to-remember way, also included as an audio download so you can listen on the go
Customise your practise - select specific topics to answer questions on and see how much you've learnt
Mock tests - the closest experience to the actual test. Take unlimited practice tests with 57 minutes to answer 50 randomly selected questions, just like the real thing. Review your answers at the end of the test to see how you got on and where you can improve
Extra help to understand the answers - only official DSA resources include references from every question to the official source material where you can learn more. Highway Code references link directly to a digital version of The Official Highway Code so you can read the background to the questions
Monitor your progress - clearly track your progress through each section. Quickly find out how much of the DVD-ROM you have completed, which topics need a bit more work and how many questions you have answered correctly so you can see when you're ready to pass
Case studies practise - the ONLY software to include official DSA practice case studies on every topic, for complete test preparation
Extras - loads of extra features to help you prepare for your test and beyond, including a voiceover option to help those with reading difficulties and/or dyslexia. Print out our Theory Test Extra study guide and practice mock tests so you can prepare away from home, watch the official theory test introduction video so you know exactly what to expect on the day, begin to prepare for your practical test with the official 'show me tell me' videos, and join DSA's growing community of learner drivers on Facebook and Twitter for support throughout your learning to drive experience.
With references throughout to The Official Highway Code (included), plus The Official DSA Guide to Driving - the essential skills and Know Your Traffic Signs, this DVD-ROM prepares you fully for the multiple choice part of your theory test, and ensures you're on the road to safe driving for life.
Written by the Driving Standards Agency, the people who set the driving tests.
View system requirements.
Extent N/A ISBN 9780115531927
Size N/A Price £10.83 (£12.99 inc. VAT)
Binding DVD-ROM Published 21 Dec 2011
Availability In Stock: 1 - 2 days Delivery Delivery options and charges
Author:
Driving Standards Agency (DSA)
Publisher:
TSO (The Stationery Office)
Price: £10.83 (£12.99 inc. VAT)
Larger image
Prepare to pass your theory test first time with this fully revised edition of the best-selling theory test DVD-ROM - the ONLY official software revision guide for PC and Mac.
Every official revision question - with the full DSA explanation to help you fully understand the theory behind each answer. The revision questions on this DVD-ROM are very similar to the questions you will get on your actual test and cover the same topics
Easy to use - clear three-step approach 'study, practise, test yourself' and user-friendly design to help make your revision really simple. Compatible with PC and Mac
Background information on every topic - explains the theory behind each topic in an easy-to-remember way, also included as an audio download so you can listen on the go
Customise your practise - select specific topics to answer questions on and see how much you've learnt
Mock tests - the closest experience to the actual test. Take unlimited practice tests with 57 minutes to answer 50 randomly selected questions, just like the real thing. Review your answers at the end of the test to see how you got on and where you can improve
Extra help to understand the answers - only official DSA resources include references from every question to the official source material where you can learn more. Highway Code references link directly to a digital version of The Official Highway Code so you can read the background to the questions
Monitor your progress - clearly track your progress through each section. Quickly find out how much of the DVD-ROM you have completed, which topics need a bit more work and how many questions you have answered correctly so you can see when you're ready to pass
Case studies practise - the ONLY software to include official DSA practice case studies on every topic, for complete test preparation
Extras - loads of extra features to help you prepare for your test and beyond, including a voiceover option to help those with reading difficulties and/or dyslexia. Print out our Theory Test Extra study guide and practice mock tests so you can prepare away from home, watch the official theory test introduction video so you know exactly what to expect on the day, begin to prepare for your practical test with the official 'show me tell me' videos, and join DSA's growing community of learner drivers on Facebook and Twitter for support throughout your learning to drive experience.
With references throughout to The Official Highway Code (included), plus The Official DSA Guide to Driving - the essential skills and Know Your Traffic Signs, this DVD-ROM prepares you fully for the multiple choice part of your theory test, and ensures you're on the road to safe driving for life.
Written by the Driving Standards Agency, the people who set the driving tests.
View system requirements.
Extent N/A ISBN 9780115531927
Size N/A Price £10.83 (£12.99 inc. VAT)
Binding DVD-ROM Published 21 Dec 2011
Availability In Stock: 1 - 2 days Delivery Delivery options and charges
Monday, 16 May 2011
Cheaper car insurance
Add named drivers to your policy
You may save on premiums by adding an older driver
Adding named drivers to your policy can reduce premiums, particularly if they are older and more experienced than you.
If the car is to be insured in your name, transfer the car into your name too, as many insurers will not provide cover unless the main driver of the car is also the owner.
Increase the excess
Consider increasing the excess to save money on premiums. Be realistic, though – can you really afford a £600 excess after an accident?
Consider going for third-party insurance
Third-party, fire and theft cover may be cheaper for low-value cars, but fully comprehensive insurance can work out cheaper for more expensive cars.
Add yourself to an existing policy
If you occasionally use someone else's car, consider adding yourself to their existing insurance policy. Some insurers, including Quinn Direct and Direct Line, allow named drivers to earn their own no-claims discount.
It may be tempting to put the policy in someone else's name – one of your parents, for example – with you as the named driver. But if you're actually the main driver, this is known as ‘fronting’ and is illegal.
Insurers are increasingly tracing fronted policies. If you’re found out, the insurer may refuse to pay out in the case of an accident and may even pursue legal action for fraud.
Look at policies with certain restrictions
More Than’s DriveTime offers cheaper premiums in exchange for not driving between 11pm and 6am.
According to the Association of British Insurers, 50% of serious or fatal accidents among under-21s happen at night.
Avoid modifications
Modifications can make your insurance more expensive
Anything that increases the value, performance and desirability of your car to thieves is likely to boost your insurance premium.
Insurers will judge modifications differently, so shop around for the best deal if your car has already been altered from the factory specification.
Keep your car safe
As with all policies, premiums for young drivers are affected by where you live and where the car is kept.
Parking in a secure location, such as a garage or behind gates, can have a drastic impact on insurance bills. Fitting car security features, such as a Thatcham-rated alarm, is also useful.
What about insurance for older drivers?
Many insurers cover drivers aged 80 and older. To find our more, see the Which? guide to car insurance for older drivers.
You may save on premiums by adding an older driver
Adding named drivers to your policy can reduce premiums, particularly if they are older and more experienced than you.
If the car is to be insured in your name, transfer the car into your name too, as many insurers will not provide cover unless the main driver of the car is also the owner.
Increase the excess
Consider increasing the excess to save money on premiums. Be realistic, though – can you really afford a £600 excess after an accident?
Consider going for third-party insurance
Third-party, fire and theft cover may be cheaper for low-value cars, but fully comprehensive insurance can work out cheaper for more expensive cars.
Add yourself to an existing policy
If you occasionally use someone else's car, consider adding yourself to their existing insurance policy. Some insurers, including Quinn Direct and Direct Line, allow named drivers to earn their own no-claims discount.
It may be tempting to put the policy in someone else's name – one of your parents, for example – with you as the named driver. But if you're actually the main driver, this is known as ‘fronting’ and is illegal.
Insurers are increasingly tracing fronted policies. If you’re found out, the insurer may refuse to pay out in the case of an accident and may even pursue legal action for fraud.
Look at policies with certain restrictions
More Than’s DriveTime offers cheaper premiums in exchange for not driving between 11pm and 6am.
According to the Association of British Insurers, 50% of serious or fatal accidents among under-21s happen at night.
Avoid modifications
Modifications can make your insurance more expensive
Anything that increases the value, performance and desirability of your car to thieves is likely to boost your insurance premium.
Insurers will judge modifications differently, so shop around for the best deal if your car has already been altered from the factory specification.
Keep your car safe
As with all policies, premiums for young drivers are affected by where you live and where the car is kept.
Parking in a secure location, such as a garage or behind gates, can have a drastic impact on insurance bills. Fitting car security features, such as a Thatcham-rated alarm, is also useful.
What about insurance for older drivers?
Many insurers cover drivers aged 80 and older. To find our more, see the Which? guide to car insurance for older drivers.
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
Manuel or Automatic
Dont forget that if it gets to hard in manual you can change over to Automatic, but when you pass in Auto you can only drive Auto. When you are learning to drive you wiil sometimes have a bad day, DONT WORRY its normal, just keep up the practice. Have a good Driving day.
Friday, 7 January 2011
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Failing the Driving Test is Avoidable
Collisions are sometimes unavoidable, the good news is it’s unlikely to happen on your driving test.
The DSA published a list of reasons why candidates fail the Driving Test, it could happen to you. The best way to avoid a failure is to be sure you are ready and have the approval of your Driving Instructor
Below are the Top 10 reasons:
1. Observation at Junctions. This is very simply, ineffective observation and judgement at any form of junction.
ADVICE: Plan ahead, check for an open or closed junction. Use all of your mirrors, make blind spot checks and check at least twice in each direction before emerging. If it’s busy, keep looking and don’t stare in one direction for too long.
2. Reverse Parking. Again ineffective observation or a lack of accuracy when completing either parking exercise.
ADVICE: Be sure you know how to park in the first place. Every time you park it should look and feel the same every time. Always check blind spots and mirrors first and if possible have both your windows open a few centimetres allowing your to hear hear if any other road users are approaching. Reverse slowly ensuring you’re following your techniques and any reference points you may know of. It’s easy to get into a fluster if other road users appear, so try and keep your cool at all times.
3. Use of Mirrors. It may seem like common sense but not checking or not acting on the information you see in your mirrors are a big reason for failure.
ADVICE: Look and remember what you see in your mirrors, not only does it help with your planning ahead, for example changing lane and before you brake or signal, you’ll be aware of the driver behind and possible intended actions. On average you should be checking your mirrors every 5-7 seconds while driving. Make sure you use your mirrors in pairs at all times.
4. Reversing around a corner. Again ineffective observation or a lack of accuracy when completing this exercise.
ADVICE: Success can only be achieved be completing the manoeuvre slowly. Often candidates swing wide through ineffective observation and using a little too much speed. Guard your use of speed well. Use both your mirrors and blind spot checks to help yourself understand your surrounding environment and your movements. If another road user passes by you while you’re still moving, it’s likely you will fail through not “giving way” to other road users, a common reason for the “observation fail”.
5. Incorrect use of signals. In other words not cancelling or giving misleading signals.
ADVICE: If you were lost and someone gave you incorrect directions, you may become annoyed or frustrated. This is how other road users can feel if you don’t “communicate” correctly while you are driving. Always think and look to see if your signal is both appropriate and correct for the circumstances. If you leave your signal on, not only can it be misleading but it can be dangerous for other drivers, they may pull out in front of you thinking you are going elsewhere.
6. Moving away safely. This is a simple case of ineffective observations.
ADVICE: Your instructor will be training you to look over your shoulder before moving off, this is called a lifesaver check. It’s called a lifesaver check for a reason! If you fail to check 360* before moving off it’s likely you will miss something, that day will likely be your driving test day resulting in a fail. ALWAYS check over your blind spot where traffic could appear from.
7. Incorrect positioning on the road. Driving Examiners look for lane discipline at roundabouts or on bends.
ADVICE: Understand what lane discipline is…the ability to stay in lane in given circumstances, to follow a direction or route without moving out of position causing other vehicles to change speed or position. Very oftan candidates will cross over a white line on a roundabout trying to make a straight-on route, more oftan than not this can happen where markings are poor. Remember other road users will be around you at all times, they will need space to move around. Look ahead, curve the vehicle around a roundabout and stay in lane. As a driver you don’t have control over other peoples actions so you cannot assume you’ll understand fully where they may move to next.
8. Lack of steering control. Unfortunately steering too early or leaving it too late is a worrying reason for failure.
ADVICE: When the most commonly used item in the car used is the steering wheel, you wonder why this happens. More oftan than not it may result from ineffective observation rather than the candidate not knowing how to use it. The basic rule to remember is “the hands follow the eyes”. This fundamental rule is worthwhile remembering in all situations, even those you feel well in control of. Don’t allow yourself to become distracted, nothing will be more important than you and other peoples safety when you drive a car.
9. Incorrect positioning to turn right. This usually occurs when turning right at junctions and from one way streets.
ADVICE: When emerging from a one way street, remember you can position well to the right or left hand side as no one should be turning into the road you are emerging from. It will be a No Entry for other road users. If you aren’t sure then look at the road markings at the junction edge, they will be the thick double dotted lines you’re probably very familiar with. These will extend right the way across the junction as opposed to half of it like you see at the regular Give Way junctions.
10. Inappropriate speed – Not so much for travelling too fast but travelling too slowly or being hesitant.
ADVICE: You will no doubt be aware of the danger of travelling too fast, but travelling too slowly can be just as dangerous. You must know what the speed limit is, NEVER break it and remember also, it’s not a target. If it isn’t safe to use the speed limit then you won’t need to. Hesitancy usually occurs at junctions where candidates take a little too long to emerge. You may have been a pedestrian for many years and so should have a good perception of speed and distance. If you can walk across a lane of traffic you could probably drive across it. Other references exist but ultimately paying a good deal of attention will help. If it is really, really busy, you will just have to wait for the opportunity to arise, don’t feel because you have been there for ages that you must start interrupting the flow of traffic. You can only emerge when it’s safe.
Are you ready?
Those who pass their driving test have had, on average, about 45 hours of professional training, combined with 22 hours of private practice (DSA figures).
Candidates who combine professional instruction with private practice are also more successful on the test.
The UK national current pass rate is only 45%. For first time candidates, it’s even lower.
The DSA published a list of reasons why candidates fail the Driving Test, it could happen to you. The best way to avoid a failure is to be sure you are ready and have the approval of your Driving Instructor
Below are the Top 10 reasons:
1. Observation at Junctions. This is very simply, ineffective observation and judgement at any form of junction.
ADVICE: Plan ahead, check for an open or closed junction. Use all of your mirrors, make blind spot checks and check at least twice in each direction before emerging. If it’s busy, keep looking and don’t stare in one direction for too long.
2. Reverse Parking. Again ineffective observation or a lack of accuracy when completing either parking exercise.
ADVICE: Be sure you know how to park in the first place. Every time you park it should look and feel the same every time. Always check blind spots and mirrors first and if possible have both your windows open a few centimetres allowing your to hear hear if any other road users are approaching. Reverse slowly ensuring you’re following your techniques and any reference points you may know of. It’s easy to get into a fluster if other road users appear, so try and keep your cool at all times.
3. Use of Mirrors. It may seem like common sense but not checking or not acting on the information you see in your mirrors are a big reason for failure.
ADVICE: Look and remember what you see in your mirrors, not only does it help with your planning ahead, for example changing lane and before you brake or signal, you’ll be aware of the driver behind and possible intended actions. On average you should be checking your mirrors every 5-7 seconds while driving. Make sure you use your mirrors in pairs at all times.
4. Reversing around a corner. Again ineffective observation or a lack of accuracy when completing this exercise.
ADVICE: Success can only be achieved be completing the manoeuvre slowly. Often candidates swing wide through ineffective observation and using a little too much speed. Guard your use of speed well. Use both your mirrors and blind spot checks to help yourself understand your surrounding environment and your movements. If another road user passes by you while you’re still moving, it’s likely you will fail through not “giving way” to other road users, a common reason for the “observation fail”.
5. Incorrect use of signals. In other words not cancelling or giving misleading signals.
ADVICE: If you were lost and someone gave you incorrect directions, you may become annoyed or frustrated. This is how other road users can feel if you don’t “communicate” correctly while you are driving. Always think and look to see if your signal is both appropriate and correct for the circumstances. If you leave your signal on, not only can it be misleading but it can be dangerous for other drivers, they may pull out in front of you thinking you are going elsewhere.
6. Moving away safely. This is a simple case of ineffective observations.
ADVICE: Your instructor will be training you to look over your shoulder before moving off, this is called a lifesaver check. It’s called a lifesaver check for a reason! If you fail to check 360* before moving off it’s likely you will miss something, that day will likely be your driving test day resulting in a fail. ALWAYS check over your blind spot where traffic could appear from.
7. Incorrect positioning on the road. Driving Examiners look for lane discipline at roundabouts or on bends.
ADVICE: Understand what lane discipline is…the ability to stay in lane in given circumstances, to follow a direction or route without moving out of position causing other vehicles to change speed or position. Very oftan candidates will cross over a white line on a roundabout trying to make a straight-on route, more oftan than not this can happen where markings are poor. Remember other road users will be around you at all times, they will need space to move around. Look ahead, curve the vehicle around a roundabout and stay in lane. As a driver you don’t have control over other peoples actions so you cannot assume you’ll understand fully where they may move to next.
8. Lack of steering control. Unfortunately steering too early or leaving it too late is a worrying reason for failure.
ADVICE: When the most commonly used item in the car used is the steering wheel, you wonder why this happens. More oftan than not it may result from ineffective observation rather than the candidate not knowing how to use it. The basic rule to remember is “the hands follow the eyes”. This fundamental rule is worthwhile remembering in all situations, even those you feel well in control of. Don’t allow yourself to become distracted, nothing will be more important than you and other peoples safety when you drive a car.
9. Incorrect positioning to turn right. This usually occurs when turning right at junctions and from one way streets.
ADVICE: When emerging from a one way street, remember you can position well to the right or left hand side as no one should be turning into the road you are emerging from. It will be a No Entry for other road users. If you aren’t sure then look at the road markings at the junction edge, they will be the thick double dotted lines you’re probably very familiar with. These will extend right the way across the junction as opposed to half of it like you see at the regular Give Way junctions.
10. Inappropriate speed – Not so much for travelling too fast but travelling too slowly or being hesitant.
ADVICE: You will no doubt be aware of the danger of travelling too fast, but travelling too slowly can be just as dangerous. You must know what the speed limit is, NEVER break it and remember also, it’s not a target. If it isn’t safe to use the speed limit then you won’t need to. Hesitancy usually occurs at junctions where candidates take a little too long to emerge. You may have been a pedestrian for many years and so should have a good perception of speed and distance. If you can walk across a lane of traffic you could probably drive across it. Other references exist but ultimately paying a good deal of attention will help. If it is really, really busy, you will just have to wait for the opportunity to arise, don’t feel because you have been there for ages that you must start interrupting the flow of traffic. You can only emerge when it’s safe.
Are you ready?
Those who pass their driving test have had, on average, about 45 hours of professional training, combined with 22 hours of private practice (DSA figures).
Candidates who combine professional instruction with private practice are also more successful on the test.
The UK national current pass rate is only 45%. For first time candidates, it’s even lower.
Tuesday, 14 September 2010
Test routes no longer published
Test routes will no longer be published on the DSA website, from 4th October 2010, to coincide with the changes to the driving test. Independant driving is to encourage concentration and awareness in new drivers. The responsibility of driving is often overshadowed by the desire to hold a licence. So the plan is to detract from learning specific routes, and to concentrate on the task of driving instead. dealing with road types, and situtations whilst trying to decide a route is challenging. There has been some controversy about this decision, but as there are going to be changes over the coming years, learners and instructors are going to have to adapt. What is your opinion on the plans to modernise the driving test
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