LATEST NEWS
Theory Test Case Study Questions
Eco-Safe driving
New Vehicle Safety Questions
Pass Plus now available in Sussex with £60 cashback
Criminal Records Bureau checks
15 November 2009
Theory Test Case Study Questions
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has introduced case studies into the driving theory test. One case study will be included in the exam for car drivers, moped and motorcycle riders.
As part of the multiple choice section of the test, the case study will assess candidates’ understanding of driving theory, whilst the multiple choice questions will continue to assess their knowledge of the subject.
The introductory theory test case study will take the form of a scenario, or short story, on which five questions will be based. Candidates will answer the questions in the same way as they do now, using either the touch screen or mouse.
DSA’s Director of Driver Education and Learning, Jill Lewis, said: “Case studies are widely used in education to put learning into context and test comprehension of a subject, so many candidates will have encountered this type of question before.
“Initially we are introducing one case study based on existing questions in the theory test question bank, to get candidates used to the concept. It will also allow us to monitor any impact on the theory test. Over time, we plan to introduce more case studies into the theory test to assess candidates’ understanding of what they have learned.”
Changes to the theory test are part of Learning to Drive, a long-term programme of major reforms that will progressively strengthen the way that people learn to drive and are tested. This approach received general support from the almost 7,000 people who responded to the consultation.
10 September 2008
Eco-safe driving now part of the practical driving test
From 10 September 2008, if you're sitting a driving test, you’ll also be assessed on your ability to drive or ride in a way that shows eco-safe driving techniques.
This assessment is not part of the existing assessment criteria for the practical test and you will not fail your test because you don’t demonstrate eco-safe driving techniques.
The driving examiner will assess control and planning, and at the end of the test will give you feedback, as guidance, on how efficiently you’re driving.
Control
Always try and use the vehicle controls as smoothly as possible, with particular attention to:
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starting and moving away
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driving at an appropriate speed
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This reduces wear and tear on your vehicle and will help in reducing CO2.
Planning
Reduce harmful emissions by anticipating road traffic conditions and acting in good time, rather than reacting to them at the last moment, especially:
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showing hazard awareness and planning
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making use of engine braking
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stopping the engine when appropriate
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Tips for ‘eco-safe’ driving and riding
Follow these tips as a guide to safe driving or riding for economy:
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check your tyres regularly and keep at recommended pressure
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don’t carry unnecessary weight
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remove roof-rack or luggage boxes when not needed to reduce air resistance
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don’t exceed speed limits, accelerate gently
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consider using cruise control where it would be appropriate
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turn off your engine if you’re likely to have a prolonged wait
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use air conditioning only when you need to
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plan your route to avoid known congestion points
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try to travel during off-peak times
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Further information on eco-safe driving and riding is available in leaflet ‘Eco-Safe Driving - a guide to safe driving/riding for economy’. This is handed to candidates at the end of their driving test or can be downloaded here.
17 June 2008
New Vehicle Safety Questions (Show Me, Tell Me) added to test
DSA introduced the "Show me, tell me" safety questions for all categories of tests in September 2003. The subjects that can be included in the safety questions are laid down in the EC 2nd Directive. We made a commitment, at that time, to review the questions and this has now taken place.
The review raised the need for some additional questions to be included to more accurately reflect the need for candidates to have the skills and knowledge to ensure they and their vehicles are safe to be on the road. Additional questions will cover the use of wipers, demisters, brake lights, fog lights, head restraints, ABS warning lights and the correct operation of relevant controls and switches.
The number of questions to be asked will remain unaltered. Set combinations of questions will be retained for Category B car tests, these combinations have been updated. For all other categories examiners will choose a selection of two or five questions (dependant on the type of test) from the Question Bank. Questions will suit the vehicle presented for test and the location the test is being delivered from. Answers to the questions can be found in the relevant DSA Essential Skills publication. There is no change to the level of assessment.
To see the revised questions and answers, click here.
23 May 2008
Pass Plus now available in Sussex with £60 cashback
New drivers in Sussex are being given £60 cashback if they complete the Pass Plus course and a locally-run workshop.
Pass Plus lessons include driving on motorways, country lanes and in towns, as well as all weather driving and driving at night.
Lessons are booked through Pass Plus instructors.
If students show they have completed the course, then attend a two-hour workshop run by the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership (SSRP), they will receive £60 cashback.
As another incentive, and in addition to the cash, many insurance companies offer cheaper car insurance for drivers who have completed Pass Plus.
SSRP Communications Manager Emma Rogers said: 'Young people are a particularly vulnerable driver group in Sussex - a disproportionate number are involved in crashes, compared to the amount of young drivers actually on our roads. Many certainly have the confidence to drive well, but it's the inexperience that lets them down. If they were involved in an incident that could lead to a crash, they wouldn't know what to do. It's also true that young drivers, particularly males, like to show off to their girlfriends and peers, which can lead to faster driving and tragic consequences.
'284 young people between 17 and 25 years were killed or seriously injured on Sussex roads in 2006. This is far too many, and if we can help by encouraging more people to attend the Pass Plus scheme and our workshop by offering £60 cashback, and getting them a bit more training both on the roads and about driving attitudes, we may well be able to prevent some of this carnage.'
The workshops are being run by West Sussex County Council, East Sussex County Council and Brighton and Hove City Council, on behalf of the SSRP, at various locations throughout Sussex.
Topics discussed will include why people speed, drinking and driving, causes of crashes and defensive driving.
For more information contact the road safety department at each local authority: East Sussex - 01273 482150; West Sussex - 01243 382016; Brighton and Hove - 01273 292478. Alternatively, download the information leaflet and booking form from www.sussexsaferroads.gov.uk under 'campaigns'.
The cashback is available to any new driver within a year of passing the Pass Plus course but only when the workshop is complete and on a first come first served basis.
19 May 2008
Criminal Records Bureau checks
For your added security and peace of mind, all of our instructors have now undergone Enhanced Disclosure. This is the highest level of check available to anyone involved in regularly caring for, training, supervising or being in sole charge of children or vulnerable adults. It is also available in certain licensing purposes and judicial appointments. Enhanced Disclosures contain the same information as the Standard Disclosure but with the addition of any relevant and proportionate information held by the local police forces. See Criminal Records Bureau for further details.