From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The United Kingdom driving test first introduced in 1934 and made compulsory in 1935[1] is a test which United Kingdom drivers must pass to obtain a full driving licence.[2] Different tests are available for users of different vehicles, from car drivers, to motorcyclists and HGV drivers. In Great Britain it is administered by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA)[3] and in Northern Ireland by the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA).[4] The test is separated into three distinct parts: a multiple-choice theory test, a hazard perception test and the practical test. It is necessary to pass all three parts before a full driving licence is granted.

Contents [hide] 1 Theory test 1.1 Multiple-choice test 1.2 Hazard perception 1.2.1 Format 1.2.2 Comments 2 Practical test 2.1 Format 2.2 Eyesight test 2.3 Vehicle safety questions 2.4 Controlled stop 2.5 Manoeuvres 2.6 General driving 3 See also 4 References 5 External links

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[edit] Theory test

The driving theory test was introduced in July 1996 as a written examination and updated to a computer based test in 2000. From November 2002 onwards, there are two parts to the theory test: the multiple-choice test and the hazard perception test. Both must be taken and passed in the same session in order to obtain a theory test certificate, which can then be used to book the practical driving test within two years of the theory pass.[5]

Around 1.6 million people sit the examination on an annual basis, with a pass rate of around 43%.[5]

[edit] Multiple-choice test

This part of the theory test is performed on a touch screen computer system. The test has 50 multiple choice questions and the candidate must answer at least 43 of them correctly to pass.[6] Each question may have more than one answer and this will be indicated in the question. All questions are randomly selected from a bank of thousands on a selection of topics.

The test lasts for 57 minutes although candidates with certain special needs can apply for more time.[7] All 50 questions must be answered. The test allows 15 minutes practice time at the start of the exam to get used to answering the questions and how to use the system. To answer a question the candidate simply touches their choice of answer from the listed answers on the computer screen. If a mistake is made the candidate can deselect a choice and reselect a different option. The candidate is allowed to go back to a question at any time and can also flag questions they are unsure of in order to find and return to it quickly and easily later.[6] To pass the test, 43 of the 50 questions (86%) must be answered correctly.[5]

For lorry and bus drivers, 100 questions are asked over a 115-minute period, and 85 out of 100 must be answered correctly to pass. Prior to 3 September 2007, the car and motorcycle multiple-choice tests comprised 35 questions, with a pass mark of 30 within a 40 minute time limit. There are some websites offering online question banks which students can use for practice. [5]

[edit] Hazard perception

The hazard perception test was introduced in November 2002. The scientific input behind the test is provided by the Transport Research Laboratory.

[edit] Format

Examinees watch fourteen one-minute clips (nineteen clips for lorry and bus candidates) filmed from the perspective of a car driver and have to indicate, usually by clicking a mouse button or touching the screen, when they observe a developing hazard. All of the clips will include one developing hazard, and one will include two such hazards. The sooner an examinee reacts to a developing hazard, the more points are scored, from five down to one, with no score if the examinee reacts too late. Thus the maximum possible score is 75 (100 for lorry and bus tests). The pass mark is 44 for car drivers and motorcyclists and 57 when qualifying as an Approved Driving Instructor. Lorry and Bus drivers must score 67 out of 100.[8]

For the purposes of the test, a "developing hazard" is defined as something which requires the driver to adjust speed and/or direction. Potential hazards are hazards that no immediate action needs to be taken, but are worth observing in case their status changes. Clicking on potential hazards is acceptable, but the scoring window only opens if that hazard develops, thus examinees have to remember to react if the status of a hazard changes, and not just when the potential hazard is first spotted.

[edit] Comments

Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman has said that the introduction of the hazard perception test was one of the "most significant changes" to the driving test,[9] and claims that "Research has identified this [competence at recognising hazards] as a key road safety skill."[10]

[edit] Practical test

It is necessary to have passed both components of the theory test before sitting this exam.[11] Passing this test then entitles one to hold a full UK driving licence.[2]

[edit] Format

The practical test is taken on the road, with the examiner directing the candidate around a pre-determined route. The examiner marks the candidate for driving faults, serious faults, and dangerous faults. A candidate will fail the test if he or she accumulates any serious or dangerous faults, or more than fifteen driving faults. If a candidate accumulates several driving faults in the same category, the examiner may consider the fault habitual and mark a serious fault in that category. The test usually lasts 38 to 40 minutes in a standard test, or approximately 70 minutes when the candidate is taking an extended test after having their licence revoked.[12]

[edit] Eyesight test

Before getting to the car, the examiner will ask the candidate to read a car's number plate at a distance. The distance required is 20.5 metres for an old-style plate (A123 ABC) and 20 metres for a new style plate (AB51 ABC).[13] If the candidate needs glasses to do this then these must be the ones worn whilst completing the rest of the test. If the candidate fails to read the first number plate correctly, then the examiner asks the candidate to read a second number plate. If the candidate cannot correctly read the second number plate, then the examiner must use a tape measure to measure the correct distance between the candidate and a third number plate. If the candidate cannot read the third number plate, then the candidate is deemed to have failed and the test will not continue.

[edit] Vehicle safety questions

Before the candidate is taken out onto the road, the examiner asks two questions about car maintenance and safety. These are always phrased in the form "Show me..." and "Tell me..."; for example:

• Show me how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
• Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

A failure to answer one or both of these questions correctly would result in a driving fault being marked against the candidate. There are 19 different questions which can be asked in 13 different combinations, and they are updated and changed regularly, the last recent change occurring July 2008[14].

[edit] Controlled stop

The controlled stop, more commonly referred to as the "emergency stop", is an exercise which determines the ability of the candidate to stop the vehicle promptly yet under control during a simulated emergency. The simulation is performed by the examiner raising his or her hand and saying, "STOP!". The exercise should be carried out on approximately one out of every three tests, but must be carried out on every extended test.[12]

[edit] Manoeuvres

During the test, the examiner will ask the candidate to carry out any two manoeuvres from the following list:[15]

• Turn in the road
• Reverse around a corner to the left or right
• Reverse park into a space either parallel (on road), oblique or right-angle (in a marked bay in an off-road car park)

Manoeuvres are selected at random by the examiner depending on the route chosen and conditions on route.

[edit] General driving

Generally, the candidate must demonstrate an ability to drive in various road and traffic conditions [16]and react appropriately in actual risk situations.[15] The conditions typically encountered on test include driving in urban areas as well as higher speed limit roads where possible. The object of the test is to ensure that the candidate is well grounded in the basic principles of safe driving, and is sufficiently practised in them to be able to show, at the time of the test, that they are a competent and considerate driver and are not a source of danger to themselves or to other road users. The drive will include two or three normal stops at (and moving away from) the side of the road on level roads as well as on gradients, in addition to a demonstration of moving away from behind a stationary vehicle.[12] The regulations state that the on-road driving time must be no less than 30 minutes. [17]

[edit] See also

• Driving test
• Compulsory Basic Training
• Pass Plus

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• DVA Practical Test website
• Official Vehicle Safety (Show Me, Tell Me) questions
• Explanation on Eyesight Check before the Practical Test
• DSA Internal Guidance document for examiners
• DVTA information about Theory Test
• Free Driving Test Information and Tutorials
• Official DSA Mock Theory Test

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Driving Standards Agency
Abbreviation	DSA
Formation	April 1990
Type	Government agency (Trading fund)
Purpose/focus	Administration of UK driving tests
Headquarters	The Axis Building
Location	Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham, UK
Region served	Great Britain
Chief Executive	Rosemary Thew
Main organ	Executive Board
Parent organization	Department for Transport
Affiliations	VOSA, DVLA, VCA
Budget	£176m (2008)
Staff	2,653
Website	DSA

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is an executive agency of the UK Department for Transport (DfT).

DSA’s vision is “Safe Driving for Life”. Its overall mission is to contribute to the public service agreement objective to achieve 40% reduction in riders and drivers killed or seriously injured in road accidents, in the age group up to 24 years, by 2010 compared with the average for 1994-98.

DSA's contribution centres on:

• setting standards for drivers, riders and trainers
• driver education and the provision of learning resources
• registering and supervising quality assured instructors
• modern, effective and efficient assessments conducted as computer based and practical tests

The responsibilities of DSA only cover Great Britain. In Northern Ireland the same role is carried out by the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA).

DSA is part of the Motoring and Freight Services (MFS) group. This group is the result of the re-structuring of the Driver, Vehicle and Operator (DVO) group.

Contents [hide] 1 Profile 2 Theory and practical driving tests 3 Driving test fees 4 Driving Instructor Registration 5 'Learning to Drive' programme 6 DSA on YouTube 7 References 8 See also 9 External links

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[edit] Profile

The DSA employs 2,740 civil servants, about 1,800 of whom are practical driving examiners. It has 400 practical test centres throughout Great Britain. In 2005, the Agency carried out some 1.4 million practical car tests and 2.1 million driving theory tests.

An acquisition program for Multi-Purpose Test Centres (MPTCs) is continuing to facilitate the provision of an enhanced motorcycle test from April 27 2009. This practical test, derived from the Second European Driving Licence Directive, includes an off-road manoeuvres section before the 'on-road' motorcycle test. Since March 2008, it has been based at 112 Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham, with the main training centre at Cardington in Bedfordshire.

[edit] Theory and practical driving tests

Before you can learn to drive a car, moped or motorcycle you must apply for a provisional driving licence. If you already hold a valid full driving licence and want to learn to drive larger vehicles, minibuses or buses you will need to apply for provisional entitlement for these vehicles.

After you have your provisional licence, taking your theory test is the next step in getting a full licence. For cars and motorcycles you'll be asked 50 questions in 57 minutes and the pass mark is 43 out of 50. For lorries and buses you'll be asked 100 questions in 115 minutes and the pass mark will be 85 out of 100.

The hazard perception test is the second part of the driving theory test. You need to pass both parts to pass the theory test. Once you have passed the theory test you can then apply to take your practical driving test.

Your driving test will start with an eyesight check and some vehicle safety questions. You will then start your practical driving test which will include some specific manoeuvres. The driving part of your test will last about 40 minutes. Throughout the test your examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving, including when you are carrying out the set exercises. You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. The current pass rate for car 'L' tests is 43%.

The cost of the theory test is now £31.00 and the practical car test is £62.00 if taken on weekdays and £75.00 if taken at weekends or weekday evenings.[1]

[edit] Driving test fees

Driving test fees

Test	Before July 2005	July 2005–April 2006	April 2006	April 2008	29 September 2008
Car and motorcycle theory test	£21.50	£21.00	£21.50	£30.00	no change
Lorry and bus theory test	no information	no information	no information	£45.00	no change
ADI part I theory test	no information	no information	no information	£80.00	no change
Car practical test (standard weekday)	£42.00	£45.50	£48.50	£56.50	no change
Car practical test (standard out of hours)	no information	no information	no information	£67.50	no change
Car practical test (extended weekday)	no information	no information	no information	£113.00	no change
Car practical test (extended out of hours)	no information	no information	no information	£134.00	no change
Motorcycle practical test (standard weekday)	£51.00	£55.00	£58.00	£60.00	£80.00
Motorcycle practical test (standard out of hours)	no information	no information	no information	£70.00	£92.00
Motorcycle practical test (extended weekday)	no information	no information	no information	£120.00	£160.00
Motorcycle practical test (extended out of hours)	no information	no information	no information	£140.00	£184.00
Domestic licence (category F, G, H and K) practical test (standard)	no information	no information	no information	£56.50	no change
Domestic licence (category F, G, H and K) practical test (out of hours)	no information	no information	no information	£67.50	no change
Car with trailer, lorry and bus practical test (standard)	£80.00	£85.00	£89.00	£105.00	no change
Car with trailer, lorry and bus practical test (out of hours)	no information	no information	no information	£125.00	no change
ADI part II practical test	£70.00	£79.00	£82.00	£99.00	no change
ADI part III Ability to Instruct test	£70.00	£79.00	£82.00	£111.00	no change
Driving instructor trainee licence	£100.00	£125.00	no change	no change	no change
Theory test pass certificates for organisations with delegated authority (car and motorcycle)	£10.00	£12.00	£14.00	£18.50 >03/Sep/2007	no change
Theory test pass certificates for organisations with delegated authority (lorry and bus)	no information	no information	no information	£29.00	no change

The last increases prior to July 2005 were:

• Practical car and motorcycling test: 2002
• Lorry and bus tests: 2001
• Driving instructor test: 1997

Sources: http://www.dsa.gov.uk/PressRelease.asp?id=4206 http://www.dsa.gov.uk/PressRelease.asp?id=145

[edit] Driving Instructor Registration

If you want to work as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) in Britain, you'll need to be registered on DSA's Register of ADIs. The only exception to this is if you hold a trainee licence to give instruction - issued by the ADI Registrar.

Once registered, an ADI may work for a motoring school, or become self employed. Some ADIs choose to take additional qualifications so that they can train drivers of large goods vehicles, or fleet drivers.

DSA requires people who are applying to register as a Potential Driving Instructor (PDI) and existing ADIs who are applying to extend their registration or re-register to have a criminal record check.

DSA uses the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) to obtain criminal record checks of people in England and Wales, and Disclosure Scotland for people in Scotland

The ADI qualifying tests in three parts:

• theory (part one) - a multiple choice section and a video-based hazard perception section
• driving ability (part two) - an eyesight test followed by a practical test of driving technique
• instructional ability (part three) - a practical test of your ability to instruct

You must pass all three parts of the examination in this order and must complete the whole examination within two years of passing the theory test (part one).

After being entered on the ADI register, ADIs are free to give driving instruction for money or monies worth. It is a condition of remaining on the register that all ADIs undergo a periodic 'test of continued ability of fitness to give instruction' also known as the 'check test'. The passage of the Road Safety Act 2006 empowered DSA to set the standards on all paid tuition, not just that of motor cars at present.

DSA also holds a voluntary register for Fleet drivers, Compulsory Basic Trainers (for Motorcycles), Large Goods Vehicle instructors and the Register of post-test motorcycle trainers. These registers provide quality standards for the relevant discipline, but are not necessary for paid tuition.

[edit] 'Learning to Drive' programme

Following consultation, Ministers have decided to proceed with a programme of measures, based on education and incentivisation, which will strengthen the way that people learn to drive and are tested, and encourage a culture of lifelong learning.[2]

DSA plan a phased implementation programme, which supports progressive improvements whilst avoiding disruption to those currently learning to drive.

Early improvements are:

• continued roll out across Great Britain of the new pre-driver qualification in safe road use
• introducing from October 2009:
  • a partial credit towards the theory test for car drivers for those students awarded the new pre-driver qualification in the form of an abridged theory test
  • case studies into the theory test for car drivers and moped and motorcycle riders to better assess whether learners have understood driving or riding theory
• launching in 2009/10 a trial to assess the effectiveness of the proposed new learning to drive syllabus and process
• introducing from October 2010 a requirement for the supervising driver to accompany the candidate during a practical car test
• subject to the outcome of the trialling, from October 2010 introducing into all DSA practical tests for learner drivers an assessment of competence whilst the candidate is driving independently.

[edit] DSA on YouTube

DSA announced the launch of its own video sharing channel on YouTube on 22 September 2009[3]. DSA joined YouTube to publish official road safety videos.

Visitors to the DSA channel can embed video content directly into their own websites or blogs, put it into forums, share it by email, and even link to it through social networking sites such as Facebook.

The channel – youtube.com/dsagov – is being used to post road safety videos which offer advice to test candidates and other road users.

[edit] References

[edit] See also

• Driving Examiner (United Kingdom)
• Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) - administers the MOT
• Highways Agency
• Driving Instructors Association

[edit] External links

• Driving Standards Agency website
• Directgov - public services all in one place
• Business Link - practical advice for business
• Official DSA YouTube channel
• DSAgovuk on Twitter
• Contact details of DfT organisations
• 2007/8 Annual Report and Accounts