LATEST NEWS
The latest news and information relating to driving lessons and instructors.
Shorter version of independent driving video published
DSA has published a shorter version of the video that explains what independent driving is. It focuses on what candidates have to do during the independent driving section.
The original version explained what the test was like before October 2010. It also included feedback from candidates that took part in the independent driving trials.
If you put the original video on your website or link to it, please update your links to the new video.
Watch the shorter version of ‘Independent driving in the driving test’
How To Book Your Theory test Online
Directgov has published a new video showing how to book your theory test online.
Show Me Tell Me
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has published a new video playlist about the 'show me, tell me' part of the practical driving test.
How to book your practical driving test
The quickest and easiest way to book your practical driving test is online - this video shows you how.
How to Prepare For Your Theory Test
To prepare for your theory test you should study the source material, including information about motoring on Directgov. Find out what information is available and how to use it to help you prepare for your test.
Eco-Safe Driving
If you are 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 are driving.
Do you need to take a driving theory test?
If you are a learner driver you must take and pass your theory test before you book your practical test. If you already have a driving licence you might not have to take another theory test if you want to start driving a different vehicle.
How well do you know your traffic signs?
This section contains information from the Department for Transport's 'Know your traffic signs' booklet. Go to an individual section for images and information on traffic signs, signals and road markings. Or, download the booklet in full
Why know your traffic signs?
Traffic signs play a vital role in directing, informing and controlling road users' behaviour in an effort to make the roads as safe as possible for everyone. This makes a knowledge of traffic signs essential. Not just for new drivers or riders needing to pass their theory test, but for all road users, including experienced professional drivers.
The DSA Channel
The official Driving Standards Agency (DSA) channel on YouTube. DSA is part of the UK Department for Transport and its vision is safe driving for life.
The DSA 'S Mission
DSA's overall mission is to contribute to the public service agreement objective to achieve 40 per cent reduction in riders and drivers killed or seriously injured in road accidents, in the age group up to 24 years, by 2010 compared with the average for 1994-98.
DSA's contribution centres on:
- setting standards for drivers, riders and trainers
- driver education and the provision of learning resources
- registering and supervising quality assured instructors
- modern, effective and efficient assessments conducted as computer based and practical tests
Are You Ready?
DSA has updated its ‘Are you ready? A guide for learners’ playlist on YouTube.
The playlist is the official step-by-step explanation of the driving test. It’s been updated to include information about independent driving. It also confirms that car test candidates will only have to complete one reversing manoeuvre.
If you're a website owner, please feel free to put any of DSA's YouTube videos on your site. You're also free to put them on forums, blogs or social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Watch the updated playlist on YouTube >>
Book direct, book Directgov
Don’t let your pupils pay any extra for their theory and practical test bookings - make sure they always use the official Directgov website.
Booking with Directgov guarantees a service that your pupils can trust, and it will always be cheaper than a third party booking service.
DSA recommends all car and motorcycle test bookings are made via the official Directgov website.
- direct.gov.uk/booktheorytest –
book your DSA driving theory test onlilne - direct.gov.uk/changetheorytest –
check, change or cancel your DSA driving theory test online - direct.gov.uk/bookpracticaltest –
book your DSA practical driving test online - direct.gov.uk/changepracticaltest –
check, change or cancel your DSA practical driving test online
Video shows independent driving
DSA has published a short video on its YouTube channel explaining more about independent driving.
Watch the video on YouTube NOW >
Independent driving: the facts
Independent driving will become part of the practical driving test in Great Britain in October 2010.
It's tasking the candidate to drive for about 10 minutes, either following a series of directions, following traffic signs, or a combination of both.
To help the candidate be clear about where they’re going, the examiner can show them a diagram too.
It doesn't matter if candidates don't remember every direction, or if they go the wrong way - that can happen to the most experienced drivers.
Newspaper reports
The claim in some newspapers that independent driving would lead to a fall in the driving test pass rate is based on early research where conditions did not reflect the eventual design of the new element of the test.
Subsequent trials with a larger number of participants and more closely reflecting the conditions in the planned new test showed no significant fall in the pass rate.
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