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.

The post A Guide to The Driving Test in 2019 appeared first on Style Driving.

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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