From 28th September 2009, case-study style questions will be introduced into the Driving Theory Test for learner drivers and riders.
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) have introduced this change as one of the early initiatives following the results of their Learning to Drive Consultation, published earlier this year (see this blog entry for a summary of the consultation).
The Theory Test will remain in its present two-part format, with 50 multiple choice questions followed by the Hazard Perception Test.
The time permitted, the pass marks and the cost of the theory test remain unchanged.
The case study element will be included in the multiple choice part of the theory test, and it will ask five questions, some of which will be multiple choice, others multiple response, based around a single scenario that learner drivers and riders may encounter when driving on the road.
An example of one of the case study questions can be found here.
The main purpose of the case study questions is to help bring the theoretical element to life for novice drivers and riders.
As part of the same initiative, the DSA are aiming to introduce an abridged version of the theory test in October 2009. Those eligible to take this test must have successfully completed the voluntary ‘Pre-Driver Qualification in Safe Road use’, which was introduced in January 2009 by the DSA and currently available in 10 locations across England and Scotland.
The consultation for the adbridged Theory Test ended on 20th July (read the full consultation document here), but the results are yet to be announced. Make sure you visit the Latics Driver Training Blog regularly for updates, or better still, why not subscribe for instant email notification? Just enter your email address on the blog homepage and hit ‘subscribe’.
Tags: Abridged theory test, Case study, Changes to the driving test, Consultations, Driving Standards Agency, Driving Tests, DSA, Hazard Perception Test, HPT, Motorcyle News, Theory test, Theory test changes, Young drivers
I dont get this!! How is the theory test being changed? What is the ‘Pre-driver Qualification in Safe Road Use’?
Hannah, the theory test is changing slightly as per the original post – the introduction of a case study, with 5 related questions. It’s all explained simply here, along with an example of what you may be asked: http://www.2pass.co.uk/casestudytheorytest.htm
The Pre-Driver Qualification is steadily being rolled out in schools over the next 18 months throughout the UK, though I believe no schools in our area are running it as yet.
The qualification itself consists of two units:
* Understanding how to use the roads – This unit focuses on developing the knowledge and understanding of safe road use as a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist and driver.
* Developing positive road user attitude – This unit focuses on developing a responsible, careful and considerate attitude toward road use.
Hope that helps!
Ged
so has the price changed? i was charged £48 for my test is this correct?
No Sophie, the price hasn’t changed. It is currently £31 for a learner driver theory test. You can find all the official fees here.
When booking tests online, ONLY ever do it via the DSA / direct.gov.uk website. There are seemingly a number of unofficial websites which you can book your theory test through, and I have heard that they charge an extortionate fee for making the booking. Perhaps this is why you were charged £48. Can you remember the name of the site you booked through? And have you had official confirmation of your test appointment in writing from the DSA?
I just want to say thank you to Ged Wilmot who told us about the case study website. I was scared when I heard about the change in the theory test but now im not so thanks for yor help.You’re very welcome Fajar
just looks the same as all the other questions
hii i would jus like to say is it gone easier than bfore or harder because i done my theory test once and i failed it.
just wanted to say thanks for posting the information on the changes to the theory test online
i had asked my driving instructor and he had no information on the changes to its good to know that it isn’t that much of a change. do you know where i can get a computer CDrom or a book for revision which will include the new changes?
would appreciate the help, cheers
The questions are exactly the same, the case study is a waste of time in my opinion, If anything it is more of a distraction, At the end of the day – whatever scenario you come across will change but the way you deal with it should always be the same. (if you know what I mean) But it just makes people more nevous when taking there test – Dont be…
Good Luck to us all
The DSA state that this change has been made in order for “candidates to be tested on understanding as well as knowledge” and to “put learning into context”.The theory test case study will take the form of a scenario, or short story, on which five questions will be based.