Longer Theory Test

[Susie]

Rather than cluttering the tangentially meandering thread on raising the driving age, I thought I'd post the latest news from the Driving Standards Agency separately. I can't link directly as the news comes from a subscriber digest

(DSA) Driving up theory test pass marks for road safety

Learner drivers and motorcyclists will face more theory test questions from early September when the pass marks are driven up to improve road safety.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) says the increase in the number of multiple choice questions in the tests will help broaden candidates' knowledge and lead to higher standards.

Jill Lewis, DSA's Head of Lifelong Learning said: "It is important that candidates prepare thoroughly for their theory tests in the same way they would any other exam. Increasing the number of questions means that the test ensures comprehensive coverage of the whole syllabus."

At the moment both car and motorcycle bike tests involve 35 questions and candidates must get 30 right. But from 3 September the number of questions will rise to 50 with a pass score of 43. The time allowed for the multiple choice part of the theory tests will increase to 57 minutes and fees will also increase.

The updated version of the Official theory test book and CD Rom is now available in shops, or by clicking on the official bookstore button on the DSA website (http://www.dsa.gov.uk).

All car and motorcycle candidates calling or going online to book theory tests which will fall either on or after 3 September will be made aware of the increased length and cost of the test. Candidates phoning the call centre will be able to hear a recorded message whilst waiting to be connected and the booking confirmation letter which goes out to candidates will be updated to explain these changes.

I'm slightly bemused by the title attributed to Jill Lewis. What does she do as head of 'Lifelong Learning' ? After people have passed their test, normally they have no further dealings with the DSA

Susie

[Gromit37]

Well, obviously everybody regularly reads the Highway Code or takes an 'Advanced' and rings up asking her questions. Like, "How can I drink a drink, read a book and talk on the phone all at the same time whilst driving at 80mph?"

[Gromit37]

Are the DSA involved in adult education? Although saying that, at the Riverside Festival in Nottingham the other weekend, there was a marquee with some catchy DSA slogan emblazened across the top of the tent referred to driving safety and what looked like HP tests running on TFT monitors.

GCSE in driving anybody?

[Renny]

GCSE in driving anybody?

That would not be such a bad idea. Teaching essentail skills should start at school.

[Susie]

Renny, I couldn't agree more. The problem is - as I identified on p1 of the "Raising age to 18" thread - that there is no room within the framework of the curriculum which has been stated (by the previous Education Minister) as being "150% full". I think he needs a few maths lessons himself

The DSA think the sticking plaster approach will staunch the flow - what difference will the inclusion of a few more questions make to the overall safety of our new drivers?

On a slightly related topic, the inclusion of Cranfield University's representative on the "Roadcraft Committee" will undoubtedly lead to the inclusion of psychometric testing - initially for students of RC but latterly I'm sure it will be adopted as part of the DSA test. As anyone with a modicum of intelligence can be 'trained' to give the 'right' answers, this will not be a true test/computer demonstration of the correct 'attitude' but will certainly fill the coffers of the DSA and the 'owners' of the testing software.

Hey ho
S

[TripleS]

I'm slightly bemused by the title attributed to Jill Lewis. What does she do as head of 'Lifelong Learning' ? After people have passed their test, normally they have no further dealings with the DSA

A'noon boss,

'Lifelong Learning' is DfES-speak for 'adult ejucayshun', which means anybody over the age of 16.

Is that actual, or mental? Cos I seem to 'ave a bit of a problem there, as you well know.

I keep taking the tablets but they're not making much difference. It appears to be incurable.

Best wishes all,
Dave.

[crr003]

The DSA think the sticking plaster approach will staunch the flow - what difference will the inclusion of a few more questions make to the overall safety of our new drivers?

But the current Theory Test/ADI Part 1 - isn't it just a question of memorizing the answers to a fixed set of questions?
So being able to answer a few more shouldn't be an issue?
Further; several questions are basically the same, just worded slightly differently?
The options for some answers are so silly it makes the multiple choice relatively easy.

(Not that I've done either! But I have studied it a bit).

[Gromit37]

GCSE in driving anybody?

That would not be such a bad idea. Teaching essentail skills should start at school.

Whilst it is a nice thought, unfortunately, there are already too many people who leave school not being able to add/subtract/divide/multiply and can hardly spell their own name. Driving would probably have to replace home economics or some such. I wouldn't place much faith in a GCSE of any kind.

Ian

[ROG]

In my opinion, if the school leaving age and the age to which you can take your car test are both at 18 years of age then I do not see a problem in incorporating driving into the 16 to 18 slot - ok, it would be nice to start earlier but there is so much that has to be packed in already, that I do not see that being possible.
The theory test could be taken prior to the 18 birthday with, maybe, on-road lessons after 17 done in school hours when, I believe, a lot of ADIs have holes in their time slots. Could have 2 or 3 trainees to 1 instructor in a car at a time maybe?

[zerocool]

Rather than cluttering the tangentially meandering thread on raising the driving age, I thought I'd post the latest news from the Driving Standards Agency separately. I can't link directly as the news comes from a subscriber digest

(DSA) Driving up theory test pass marks for road safety

Learner drivers and motorcyclists will face more theory test questions from early September when the pass marks are driven up to improve road safety.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) says the increase in the number of multiple choice questions in the tests will help broaden candidates' knowledge and lead to higher standards.

Jill Lewis, DSA's Head of Lifelong Learning said: "It is important that candidates prepare thoroughly for their theory tests in the same way they would any other exam. Increasing the number of questions means that the test ensures comprehensive coverage of the whole syllabus."

At the moment both car and motorcycle bike tests involve 35 questions and candidates must get 30 right. But from 3 September the number of questions will rise to 50 with a pass score of 43. The time allowed for the multiple choice part of the theory tests will increase to 57 minutes and fees will also increase.

The updated version of the Official theory test book and CD Rom is now available in shops, or by clicking on the official bookstore button on the DSA website (http://www.dsa.gov.uk).

All car and motorcycle candidates calling or going online to book theory tests which will fall either on or after 3 September will be made aware of the increased length and cost of the test. Candidates phoning the call centre will be able to hear a recorded message whilst waiting to be connected and the booking confirmation letter which goes out to candidates will be updated to explain these changes.

I'm slightly bemused by the title attributed to Jill Lewis. What does she do as head of 'Lifelong Learning' ? After people have passed their test, normally they have no further dealings with the DSA

Susie

I think Also the questions are going up for LGV theory from 60 to 100 and hazard perception from 14 to 19 correct me anyone if i'am wrong. but idon't know when.!!!

[ROG]

I think Also the questions are going up for LGV theory from 60 to 100 and hazard perception from 14 to 19 correct me anyone if i'am wrong. but idon't know when.!!!

July this year and they are being seperated with a fee for each one so if you fail one then you do not have to retake both

[waremark]

Can you clarify ROG? Are you referring only to LGV tests or to car tests as well?

[Renny]

LGV and PCV It is part of the Driver CPC for vocational driving licences