John's School of Motoring advises us about changes to the UK Driving Theory Test for Learner Drivers!

John of John's School of Motoring advises us that as from Monday 23rd January 2012, the Driving Theory Test will no longer use pre-published questions. The reason behind the move is to stop candidates from simply memorising theory test questions and answers and learning by rote. (Rote is when you learn something by repeating it until is memorised)

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) wants learner drivers and riders to think more and not to just learn the bits they need to pass an exam and therefore gain a better understanding of driving theory.

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said:

“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.”

New official driving and riding theory books were published in September 2011 to help learner drivers prepare for the test and for life on the road.
The books contain new sections of revision support for motorcyclists, a free e-book for car drivers and full references throughout to help candidates learn and revise questions and answers for revision, including practice for case studies.

These theory test books and software still offer revision questions for learners to test themselves and assess their progress. They now also have exercises so learners can practice applying their knowledge on each topic to case studies.

The Driving Standards Agency has also launched its first iPhone apps for theory test revision, which also help learners to study and monitor their progress at their convenience as they approach their test date. These are available from the iTunes Store.

John of John's School of Motoring believes this approach to learning will help candidates to gain a better knowledge and understanding of driving theory which will help them respond correctly to the new, reworded live questions used in the actual test. So the changes to the Learner Driver Theory test are not as hard as some people fear.

John is multi-lingual and is one of the most experienced driving instructors in Rugby who offers a huge range of driving lessons and courses. To find out more about John's School of Motoring and view the feature click here.