By Ed Towner ...

Driving theory tests 'to be harder'

By Ed Towner

People looking to take up driving will be subjected to more challenging driving theory tests from today thanks to changes brought in by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).

In a bid to cut down on candidates memorising the answers, the driving theory test will no longer use pre-published questions. Until now, all the questions included in the theory exam had been published in revision DVDs and books.

This change hopes to improve learner drivers' understanding of driving theory as they can no longer rely on simply learning the answers.

It comes as the AA published a recent survey, which revealed that one in four (25%) of drivers do not know who has priority when traffic lights are not working. The poll also showed that almost half of drivers (46%) did not know what a flashing amber light at a pelican crossing meant.

Theory test help will still be available via the previous methods, but now books and software will provide exercises and case studies so that candidates can apply their knowledge to different situations and topics.

This will come as welcome news to theory test sceptics who believed the previous system was too easy for candidates.

Road safety minister Mike Penning is in full support of this change: "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."