‘IMPROVEMENTS’ to Theory Test
Yes folks – you guessed it! The theory test is changing – AGAIN!!!
Learner Drivers Face New Theory Test Questions
• DSA introduces case studies into the theory test
• Candidates to be tested on understanding as well as knowledge
• Case studies are widely used in education to put learning into context
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) will start to introduce case studies into the driving theory test from the end of this month, it has announced today. From 28 September 2009, 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.
Intro to Reversing
First Things First
Introduce the pupil to the rules on:
a) Seatbelt use
b) Seating position
c) Steering – Hand use and Position for straight lines and corners
d) Steering lock left & right (which wheels on the car move)
e) Observations – Setting Boundaries for vehicles and pedestrians approaching both front and rear. POM and looking from right to left or left to right
f) Control – Gas AND clutch (flat and uphill roads) – clutch AND brake (down-hills/cambers)
g) Reference points in front and rear, left and right windows. Use of mirrors and grids width away from kerb
Exercise One
1) Seating position with feet and hands
2) Reverse a short distance in a straight line. POM (Obs L-R). Ensure they understand control and reference points
3) Reverse straight and turn wheels slightly right. Stop to observe what has happened to the vehicle position and reference points
4) Correct the above and maintain straight line
5) Whilst reversing, gradually turn wheels more and more to the right than before. Stop to observe and then correct steering to get back to straight wheels and parallel position
Exercise Two
1) Practise above on uphill and downhill slopes of varying steepness
Exercise Three
1) Where practical, move out into a driving position in the road and practise reversing towards and then parallel with the kerb gradually
2) As above but use lots of lock and steer severely towards the kerb and then correct so as to end up parallel with the kerb
NB
These exercises will assist with all manoeuvres in the future.
Play and practise with them and it will help with other exercises without undue worry on the part of the student.
Car Control
Try printing these out and using the sheets as prompts for a lesson on a car park – so all they need to worry about is what they’re doing – make sure to keep an eye out for innocent pedestrians and other vehicles!
EXERCISE 1 – CLUTCH Gas & Clutch
1) Bite
2) Handbrake Off – Keep Feet Still (Balance)
3) Clutch Control
4) Move Off
5) Magic!!
6) Stalling
Brake & Clutch
1) Keep Footbrake Applied
2) Bite (n Appropriate Gear)
3) Keep Feet Still (Balance)
4) Clutch Control
5) Move Off
6) Stalling
EXERCISE 2 – STEERING
1) Steering Lock
2) Power Steering
3) Pull – Push
4) Hand Position – Left Turns
5) Hand Position – Right Turns
6) Look At What You Want To Hit
7) Figure 8’s
8) Slow & Then More Gas
EXERCISE 3 – GEARS
1) Find Gear Lever / Back On Wheel
2) Find Gear Lever / Foot Over Clutch
3) One Handed Steering
4) Off Gas – Move Clutch
5) Change Gears Up
6) Change Gears Down
7) Block Changes & Why
Co-ordination
CO-ORDINATION
If you’re currently taking driving lessons, here are some tips for hand and foot co-ordination.
Downhill / Uphill / Angle Starts
RECAP
Car Control:-
Clutch – Bite; Feet Still; Dip to Slow – Up to Go
Steering – Pull / Push
e.g. Half lock on turns wheels then half lock off straightens wheels
Gears – Rolling First; Changing up / down; Matching gear with Speed
CO-ORDINATION
1) Move off on clutch control
2) Move up gears
3) Try applying gas in different gears / different speeds; uphill & downhill
P.O.M.
1) Use throughout lesson
2) Intro at beginning
3) Talk through first 2/3
4) Move onto Q&A then help only when needed
UPHILL START
1) Possibly need more gas
2) Release handbrake slowly – if car rolls adjust clutch before releasing handbrake fully
OR use footbrake, re-apply handbrake, reset bite/gas and start again
3) Observations and signal then move off
4) More power before changing gear uphill (power = gas)
5) Stopping – Swap brake for brake
DOWNHILL START
1) Prepare – Appropriate gear for slope, swap footbrake for handbrake
2) Observation – Look all around, consider signal
3) Move – Foot slowly off brake & bring clutch up to match speed
4) Stopping – Swap brake for brake
ANGLE START
1) Clutch Control – Low speed to give more time to steer
2) Signal – Cannot see oncoming traffic clearly from behind target car
3) Start further back from target car and get closer and closer each attempt
4) Uphill / Downhill combinations
Driver Training & Lessons – Liverpool North West
With a wide network of in-house trained Department for Transport Approved Driving Instructors at Grade 5 or above throughout Merseyside, we can provide a variety of structured training specifically designed to suit the different needs of the entire range of pre and post-test drivers. Our objective is to provide high quality training that reflects the needs and aspirations of each individual candidate. Instead of the usual ‘one size fits all’ approach to driving instruction, we tailor our tuition to the individual. People learn best when the experience is interesting and fun. We want our candidates to enjoy learning which results in safer and more competent drivers.Poor driver behaviour is the cause of 95% of car crashes: Directions’ tuition and coaching is based on the belief that behaviour and attitude are as important as skills. We can provide the training you need including:
- Driver training and lessons liverpool
- ADI Driving Instructor Training parts 1, 2 & 3
- ADI check test training
- NVQ Assessments
- Novice Driver Training
- Advanced driver Training
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Costs and prices for all budgets Our tuition costs are competitively priced across Merseyside, the North West and UK. There are very few driver training schools that are able to deliver you such quality training across so many driving disciplines. We also add value to your driving tuition costs because we can provide many of the extra resources you’ll need through this website, saving you time and money, whilst you get to concentrate on your individual training programme.
Driving Test – Too Easy?
Motorists say driving test is too easy
Many say they feel unprepared for the roads
More than half of motorists think the driving test is too easy, it was revealed today.
And as many as 89 per cent of those who have passed the test in the last two years would like to see candidates given a tougher examination, a survey from insurance company Direct Line found.
Also, 75 per cent of driving instructors have serious concerns about the test.
Based on responses from 2,304 adults, the survey found that 54 per cent of all drivers found the test too easy and 21 per cent admitted they felt unprepared or incapable of driving alone after gaining a full licence.
Also, 19 per cent said they still struggled to drive at night, with 11 per cent being unhappy on motorways and 23 per cent feeling uncomfortable on icy roads.
Lack of skills
Of those who had passed their test in the last two years, 89 per cent said the test could be improved to better prepare them for the road while nearly a quarter said they had been involved in a car accident because of a lack of driving skills.
Nearly all of the 150 driving instructors questioned in a separate survey, and about half of the motorists polled, said the test should include motorway training.
Direct Line’s motor spokeswoman Emma Holyer said: ‘Road crashes are the number one killer of people in their teens and 20s in the UK.
‘Our study has revealed the extent to which people feel the driving test has under-prepared them for the roads and, in the interests of safety, we are calling on the Driving Standards Agency to improve the test.’
The Press Association, All Rights Reserved.
Learning to Drive – Consultation
Finally, major changes to the driving test and the driver learning process, including a star-rating system for instructors, have been proposed by the Government.
Aimed at reducing the high accident rate among young drivers, the proposals, which will now be consulted on, could see changes in place within two to three years.
Announced by Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly, the plans include an improved driving test which will require candidates to demonstrate independent driving skills and a clear understanding of different situations on the roads.
The star-rating system for instructors will give learners an informed choice based on pass rates.
The proposals also include a foundation course in safe road use for under 17-year-olds, which will be piloted in schools and colleges in Scotland from this Autumn. This will lead to a qualification that will be available across Britain.
The driving test will be revised to place less emphasis on mechanical manoeuvres. For example drivers could be asked to find their way to a specific point during the test.
Get Involved
So that members of the public have everything they need to join in the consultation the DSA have published a wide range of information and created a number of feedback mechanisms. You have from now until 8th September 2008 (when the public consultation closes) to get involved.
A special Learning to Drive consultation web site has been setup, have your say and get involved here
Eco-Safe Driving On Test
Changes to the Driving Test
We all recognise that transport is an essential part of our lives and most of us also recognise that the environmental consequences of driving are immense. The emissions produced by vehicles cause damage to the environment. Vehicle manufacturers are devoting time, effort and money developing technology that will ensure that vehicles become more environmentally friendly.
But those of us who are learning to drive can also help by adopting a driving style to one that uses less fuel, and as a result produces less polluting chemicals. And of course the less fuel we use the more money we can save ourselves!
Over the last few years or so the Driving Standards Agency has invested a great deal of time and effort in developing the principles of ’Eco-safe driving’. During the process they looked at the following areas, and these have now been included in the revised style of driving that is examined on a driving test:-
- Enhanced hazard perception and awareness skills
- Selective use of gears
- Progressive use of accelerator
- Compliance with speed limits
- Utilisation of engine braking/torque
- Use of cruise control
The recently published version of ‘Driving – the essential skills’ has an entire chapter on ‘Eco-safe driving’ and you will find much more information there. There is also a chapter on ‘Avoiding congestion’.
You may already use some of the techniques when you are driving, but we found that even the most experienced driver can benefit from further development.
If you adopt your driving to include these changes you will become a more environmentally friendly, economically aware driver and may enjoy your journeys more as they become less stressful and more comfortable.
However, although it is good to be aware of environmental issues and save fuel it is even more important that you do not compromise your safety and that of other road users while you are doing so. At all times you should be prepared to adapt to changing conditions and it may be that you have to sacrifice fuel saving for safety.
The DSA have conducted a number of trials of this revised style using drivers of different levels of experience, ranging from novices to experts. Across that range it was demonstrated that savings can be achieved between 5% and 17%, (averaging 8.5%) in fuel used, and as a consequence a reduction in the volume of atmosphere polluting chemicals produced. As a general rule of thumb it is fair to say that the less experienced drivers are able to demonstrate greater savings.
During a recent experiment, a number of driving instructors were invited to take part in a trial at the Cardington test centre. Eddie Barnaville, Driving Instructors Association, reported in an article in ‘Driving Instructor’, ‘Over the 16km drive on the 2nd run, not only did I average 2 or 3 mph faster, saving one and half minutes, but more importantly I saved 10% on my fuel bill!’.
It is probably fair to say that some representatives arrived to take part in the demonstration with a cynical view of ‘Eco-safe driving’. But by the end of the day they had been converted and in all cases were able to show a saving in fuel used.
The EU 3rd Directive on Driving Licences, states that all licence acquisition driving tests, (excluding category B) will contain an element that considers the environmental driving of the candidate. Although category B is currently excluded, there is no guarantee that this will remain so and we should all be prepared for what may happen in the future.
Ultimately it would be good to see all drivers taking on board the principles of ‘Eco-safe driving’ and by introducing them into new-driver training , should lead to a group of drivers who from day-one drive in an environmentally friendly way.
A driver who demonstrates a ‘satisfactory’ assessment in each of the ‘Eco-safe’ topic area will use less fuel, and release less polluting chemicals into the atmosphere, than a driver who drives to an ‘unsatisfactory’ standard.
At the moment it is proposed that no matter how ‘unsatisfactory’ the ‘Eco-safe driving’ of the candidate is, no more than one driving fault will be recorded against that heading. This will be reviewed as time goes by. However, although a fault will not necessarily be recorded against ‘Eco-safe driving’ it may be that a fault, assessed as ‘driving’, ‘serious’ or ‘dangerous’, could be recorded against a different subject heading on the Driving Test Report, i.e. item 12 Control – gears, item 26 Awareness/planning.
Driving lessons for all type of Driver Training – Learners, ADI’s, Fleet & Taxi Training
With a wide network of DfT Approved Driving Instructors at Grade 5 or above throughout Merseyside, we can provide a variety of structured training and driving lessons that meets the needs of pre- and post-test drivers.
Our objective is to provide high quality training that reflects the needs and aspirations of each individual candidate. Instead of the usual ‘one size fits all’ approach to driving instruction, we tailor our tuition and lessons to the individual.
Poor driver behaviour is the cause of 95% of car crashes: Directions’ tuition and coaching targets behaviour and attitude as well as driving skills.
We can provide all the training you need including:
- Learner Driver Training & Pass Plus
- Advanced Driver Training
- Fleet & Taxi Driver Training
- ADI Driving Instructor Training parts 1, 2 & 3
- ADI check test training
- NVQ Assessments
MIRROR, SIGNAL, MANOEUVRE!
LIVERPOOL TEENS LEARN TO DRIVE RESPONSIBLY
Liverpool teenagers were given an exhilarating spin in a Land Rover in recognition of their effort after passing a Government-funded responsible driving scheme. A group of nine teenagers aged as young as 16 from across the city were taught essential driving skills along with motoring theory lessons by Liverpool Youth Service and a local driving company in a scheme funded by a Youth Opportunity Fund (YOF). The project was made possible when car manufacturing giant Jaguar Land Rover offered land at their Halewood plant as the perfect place for the young people to practise their driving skills.
To celebrate the successful project, Jaguar Land Rover arranged for the youngsters to swap their usual driving instructor’s car for a test drive in a top-of-the-range Land Rover. The teenagers were driven by a specially trained instructor around the site’s specially constructed off road track, where utility vehicles after put through their paces. Now more teenagers are taking part in a similar project at the Halewood plant, with the possibility of the project being rolled out across the city because of its soaring popularity. The scheme was being backed by Merseyside Police, with a police traffic officer and a representative from Liverpool Council’s road safety team coming to speak to the teenagers.
Youth Opportunity Fund (YOF) and Youth Capital Fund (YCF) grants are administered by Liverpool City Council and funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) for positive leisure activities and events and facilities to improve the lives of young people. The ultimate decision about where the money is spent is made by local young people, who can apply for grants and also sit on a Youth Panel to decide who gets the cash.
The project was the brainchild driving instructors Jo Webster and Tina Preston from Liverpool-based Directions Driver Trainer Ltd, who joined forces senior youth worker Tracy Ramsey from Liverpool Youth Service. Realising that learning how to drive early could both give young people a head start in their careers and also provide Liverpool with its next generation of responsible drivers, Tracy got local young people on board. Teenagers from central Riverside, Kirkdale, West Derby and Toxteth applied for a £1,200 YOF to cover the costs of the course.
Tracy Ramsey said: “We are really grateful to both Jaguar Land Rover and the Youth Opportunity Fund for making this happen. This scheme literally wouldn’t have taken place without the relevant funding and the private land for our young people to drive on. It is really great to see a company with a large presence in the region giving something back and working with the Government to provide positive activities for young people.”
Martin McIntyre, Senior Road Safety Officer with Liverpool City Council said: “Young drivers have a higher than average representation among driving casualties. Any quality training scheme that can improve young driver education will be commended and supported by the city council.” The young people were taught basic driving skills including reversing, emergency stops, steering, changing gears and checking mirrors. They were also taught motoring theory and given ‘beer goggles’ to see first hand the effect alcohol can have on drivers.
Driving instructor Jo Webster from Directions Driver Training said: “We have wanted to do a project like this for more than a year, as we were keen to put something back into the community and to encourage young people to do something constructive with their spare time. We were very clear that the teenagers would not get behind the wheels of a car unless they put the time in with the motoring theory lessons. The young people have responded really well, and I’ve definitely seen a major change in their awareness of issues like drink driving and wearing seat belts.”
If you are a young person and would like to apply for a YOF or YCF grant, you can get more information by logging onto: www.lys.org.uk. The money distributed is part of the Government’s Aiming High for Young People strategy for positive activities, and more than £3.96m has been made available to young people in Liverpool between 2008 and 2011. The purpose of the fund, which is administered by Liverpool City Council, is to enable local young people to decide what positive leisure-time activities and facilities should be available to them and other teenagers and at times when young people most want them, such as Friday and Saturday nights. Experience shows that young people are more likely to get involved in positive activities when they have a say in what is available, and that taking part helps them to learn new skills, as well as divert them from behaviour that might be considered by the wider community as anti-social.
