As a learner driver, you need to complete both a driving theory and practical test to get your driving license. There have been a few revisions to the theory test over years and the DVSA has announced there will be some further changes, including making the test more accessible.

The new theory test will be live from the 14th of April 2020.

The current theory test involves completing both multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception test to pass.

The changes after the 14th of April 2020:

The new theory test is designed to be more accessible. This is especially good news for those with reading difficulty, a learning disability or developmental condition.

Using video clips instead of written case studies

The current theory test involves reading a case study and then answering five questions around it, which tests your knowledge and understanding of the road.

Instead, you’ll watch a short video clip and answer three questions around the clip to test your understanding of driving.

You will be able to watch the video clip as many times as you like during the theory test. So if you feel you may have missed something the first time, you are able to rewatch. The video clip will be both short and silent.

After you have answered a question you may wish to watch the video again before answering the next question to ensure you are familiar with the scenario.

What you can expect from the video clip is a common driving scenario. This could include driving down a road e.g. in a town centre or in the country.

Each of the questions will be multiple choice with four answers to choose from. You need to select the correct answer.

You can view a sample clip here:

For anyone familiar with watching videos from a computer, the test screen looks fairly similar. There will be the video on the left-hand side with controls to Play & Pause the video. On the right-hand side of the screen is the question as well as the four answers to pick from. Once you have selected your answer you can move onto the next question.

If I fail a theory test before & have to retake, will I be affected?

Any theory test taken after 14th of April will use the new video clip system. This means that if you have taken a theory test before, it will look different going forward. If you test is also rescheduled to be after the 14th of April, it will also be the new test.

Some parts will stay the same

During the hazard perception part of the test, you will watch a video clip and identify hazards. This part of the test is not changing and will stay the same.

You can also continue to use the same books and study software to practise the tests. The knowledge is the same, just the way it is marked has changed. So if you have already purchased revision material, you can continue to use it.

How to book your theory test

You can book your theory test via the Governments website. You will need your email address and driving license number handy.

The cost of the theory test is £23 and can be paid online by card.

The theory test is valid from two years from the pass date. If you don’t pass your theory test during the two years from passing your theory, you will need to retake it again.

In summary, the theory testing is changing to make the test more accessible. Every so often the tests do get updated. For example in 2017 the practical part of the test was updated, including to feature use of the sat nav. Its important to be aware of what has changed to ensure you are best prepared for the test.

Start your lessons today with our driving instructors in solihull & surrounding areas.

Source gov.uk

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Take a look at the video below to understand the format of the driving test:

The practical driving test is your opportunity to demonstrate that you can drive confidently and safely in different road conditions. On the day you must remember to bring your driving license and also your theory test pass certificate.

To pass the driving practical test you must receive no more than 15 minor faults and 0 major faults during the test.

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Independent driving increased

Previously, you had to drive independently on your driving test. However this only lasted around 10 minutes and involved the driving examiner providing you with directions to follow. The amount of independent driving has now doubled to roughly half of the test, around 20 minutes. This means learners must think more about the roads they are driving on and be confident on as they could be taken on a variety of different roads.

Following  Sat nav directions

As part of the independent driving part of the driving test, most candidates will be asked to follow directions from a sat nav. The examiner will bring their own sat nav and will also set-up the route and directions, so you do not need to learn how to use the sat nav. Instead, you need to be able to follow the directions that it is providing. It’s estimated that approximately 80% of tests will involve using a sat nav. Those that don’t will involve following traffic signs instead. This is great real world driving experience as lot’s of people buy sat navs once they have passed their test.

Change in reversing manoeuvres

In the past, the three-point turn and reversing round a corner could both be tested on the driving test. However this is no longer the case, but you should still be taught them by your instructor. Instead, you will now be asked to do one of the three manoeuvres below:

• Bay parking – reversing in to a parking space and driving out or driving into a parking space and reversing out.
• Parallel parking at the side on the road
• Pulling up on the right-hand side of the road, reversing and rejoining traffic.

Answering a question on vehicle safety when driving

You will still be asked questions about vehicle safety. However, these will now be when you are driving, instead of at the beginning of the test. There will be a ‘tell me’ question where you will explain how to carry out a safety task. There will also be a ‘show me’ question where you will have to show carrying out a safety task. For example, showing how to use the wipers to wash the windscreen.

These changes affect everything taking out a driving test. The time of the driving test is not changing and is still roughly 40 minutes long and the cost is also staying the same. The changes to the driving test are being made to reduce the number of young people involved in collisions. You can read more about changes to the driving test on the Government website.

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Try Using Winter Tyres

Winter tyres are a lot better for driving on snow and ice than summer tyres. They provide you with more grip which means that you can handle your car more safely. They can often be more expensive than normal tyres but when safety is the most important thing then it is well worth investing in some winter tyres.

Make sure that your battery is charged

Once of the most common courses of breakdowns in the winter is flat batteries when you do not expect them. We recommend preparing for this before the winter by making sure that your battery is fully charged or replaced. These days you can buy battery chargers that can be taken with you in your car.

Keep essentials in your car

You never know when you are going to break down or get stuck in the snow in the winter. For this reason it is a good idea to keep essentials in your car such as warm clothing and food. The last thing that you want to happen is be stuck waiting for repair without warm clothing and food.

Keep your windows clear

Most mornings in the winter you will take up and your car will be covered in frost or snow. Before you set off it is crucial to make sure that all of your windows are clear so that you can see from every angle. The best way to do this is manually by using a window scraper. The winter can also often cause your car to get dirty so you need to make sure that your windows are always clear.

Get your car serviced

You never know what could happen to your car in the winter and keeping your car serviced will prevent any mechanical faults from occurring that you were not aware of. Car maintenance is important all year round but in the winter it is essential.

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Over 18 Years Experience

Not many driving schools can say this but our instructors have over 18 years experience in teaching people to drive. This means that they know what it takes to get you through your test. With experience comes knowledge and for this reason we are highly qualified to offer you the best driving lessons you can get. Furthermore we have also mastered the best techniques of learning to drive so we know how to provide you with the best tuition possible.

High Pass Rate

At Style Driving School we pride ourselves on our high pass rate with most of our pupils passing first time. This means that we can get you through your driving lessons with the fewest amount of lessons possible; saving you time and money. Furthermore we also get a lot of pupils referring their friends because they believe that we can get them to pass as well. Flexible lessons Unlike many other driving schools, we offer flexible tuition that is based around you. We can fit your lessons around you. Weather that is weekend or weekdays. Furthermore we can pick you up and drop you off where you want, making it more practical and useful to you. So we could pick you up from work and drop you back at college. Call us today to book your driving lessons in Solihull and all surrounding areas.

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You can now book your test online. By doing this you can pay online and there is no booking fee. To do this you need to go onto the DVLA website. Once you are on the DVLA website click Start Booking

After this a pop up will open and by default the test type should be set to car and the category should be set to B – Car. If not then change these and press next.

After this you will be asked some personal questions and then you can go a head and book your test. If you have any problems then you contact the DVLA or we will be happy to help you. Remember that you can still book offline by contacting your local test centre if you do not want to book online.

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Apply here

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