by
Autonet Insurance
| Jan 23, 2012
From today the Department of Transport have announced driving theory tests will be made more of a challenge for learner drivers.
The test will no longer use pre published questions that people can learn the answers by heart. Until today questions that have been used in the driving theory test have been published and candidates have used practice theory books that give the questions and answers.
The changes will mean that learner drivers and riders will gain a better understanding of driving theory because they can no longer rely on just learning which options are correct for individual questions.
Road Safety Minister Mike Penning gave his views about the new changes saying: “By bringing a stop to publication of theory test questions we aim to encourage candidates to prepare by learning each topic area thoroughly rather than just memorising the questions and answers.
“The intention is to improve candidates’ knowledge and understanding of driving theory, so that they are more able to retain and apply it when they are on the road.”
The exam changes have been introduced after it was revealed many learner drivers forget what they learnt from the theory test they took, as it is thought many of the questions will have been memorised just to pass.
A survey by the AA revealed that out of 11,361 drivers 23% thought traffic going straight on had priority at broken traffic lights, while 3% said it was those turning right and 2% said those turning left. The right answer is that nobody has priority prompting the theory test to have significant changes made.
There have already been different changes to the test, in 2007 the pass mark was increased to 43 out of 50 for the multiple choice section compared to the 30 out of 35 questions originally. The hazard perception section also increased to a pass rate 44 out of 75 from the original 40 out of 45, this also resulted in the cost of the test rising.
Theory books and software will still be available for candidates to purchase, they can test themselves with the material and assess their progress. The revision material has exercises so learners can practice their knowledge on each topic related to different case studies.
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By Amanda Bainbridge