About DSA driving practical test maneuvers/manoeuvres

According to recent telegraph news - one in eight driving instructors are not fully qualified, claimed the AA, which demanded the Government force driving schools to be more transparent.

The motoring group said the Government should intervene to insist learner drivers are told more clearly whether their instructor had yet to fully qualify or not. At present, the only legal requirement is for the trainee instructor to display an official pink badge in the windscreen.

The AA said that while trainee instructors have passed exams demonstrating advanced practical and theory driving knowledge, they have yet to sit a third exam testing their ability to instruct

You need to be careful while choosing the driving instructor.

Driving instructor role is very important while you are preparing for your driving lessons.

Approved driving instructor (ADI) can give you proper guidance on your DSA practical test.

He/She will also teach you driving test manoeuvres.

About DSA driving practical test maneuvers/manoeuvres -

In your DSA practical test, you will then be examined on your general driving and on two reversing exercises. The reversing exercises will be chosen from: 

• reversing around a corner
• turning in the road
• reverse parking

You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise.
What is expected in each driving practical test maneuvers/manoeuvres -
Reverse parking -

Drive alongside a parked car and reverse back within the space of two car lengths without hitting the kerb and whilst observing for other road users.

Turn in the road -

Turn the car around using forward and reverse gears without hitting the kerb and whilst observing for other road users.
Reverse to the left -

Reverse in to a side road to your left, keep close to the kerb and observe for other road users.

Bay parking -

Reverse in to a car park bay, whilst observing for other road users.

Emergency stop -

Stop the car as in an emergency, without skidding.

Throughout the test you should drive in the way your instructor has taught you. If you make a mistake, don't worry about it, it might be a less serious driving fault and may not affect your result. The examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving.

You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. If at any time your examiner considers you to be a danger to other road users your test will be stopped.

Are you preparing for the UK DSA driving test? Learn Show me tell me questions, DSA practical test maneuvers/manoeuvres, The Highway Code, road traffic signs. Visit our website.

Here you can also practice over 7o interactive hazard perception clips and get ready for your DSA theory test.

Why hazard perception skills are important while passing DSA driving test?

Hazard perception test forms a second section of the theory test and must be passed at the same time.

Integrating theoretical hazard perception test training into the practical training sessions will ensure that as competence is achieved in each of the necessary skills, they can be strengthened and applied while you are on the road to increase the road safety benefits.

If you follow good driving practices you can avoid potentially dangerous situations while driving.

THINK road safety advice to keep everyone safer on the UK urban roads -

Why speeding is a bad idea?

Deciding what speed to drive at is a continuous process and can be a difficult judgmentto make. THINK! has put together some tips to raise drivers' awareness of the dangers of driving too fast.

Driving too fast is bad driving

Drivers rightly think things like poor lane discipline (e.g: not getting into the right lane before a turn-off or roundabout, or failing to keep to the left when not overtaking on motorways and dual carriageways), failure to signal and driving too close are examples of poor driving.

Excessive speed is a criminal offence

"Excessive speed" means going over the speed limit. Doing this is a criminal offence and, if you're caught, it's likely to result in a fine and penalty points on your licence.

In most cases, you'll get a standard fine and licence endorsement. But more serious cases may result in you being taken to court.

Inappropriate speed is too fast

You don't have to be driving over the speed limit to be driving too fast.

"Inappropriate speed" means driving within the speed limit, but too fast for the road and traffic conditions. It includes approaching a bend or junction too fast, not negotiating narrow roads properly and overtaking where it's inappropriate.

Inappropriate speed can also be a factor in poor weather conditions and when driving at night. Choosing the appropriate speed is about judgement, most people think they get it right. Sadly, the statistics show many get it wrong.

Follow the advice, make yourself aware of the potential driving hazards and you can be safer driver of the roads.

About hazard perception test UK

New drivers are involved in accidents, especially in the first months after passing a driving test. It has been proven that drivers who have taken
hazard perception test training have much better hazard perception test skills. 

Are you preparing for UK DSA driving theory test?

Do not spend your money on multiple DSA theory test attempt.

For online driving theory test questions including new case studies and how to prepare for driving test
Pass at first attempt. Pass with confidence.

On the website, you can access entire official DSA driving theory test question bank as well as interactive
hazard perception clips for car and bike driving theory test.

DSA driving theory test for car and bike learner drivers - hazard perception test

Why hazard perception test was introduced?
New drivers are disproportionately involved in accidents, especially in the first months after passing a driving test. It has been proven that drivers who have taken hazard perception training have much better hazard perception skills.

About hazard perception test -

The hazard perception test is an online computer-based test, which measures a driver's ability to anticipate and appropriately respond to potentially dangerous situations while driving.

In hazard perception test, you will see video clips of genuine, traffic scenes filmed from the driver's perspective. When you watch the clips, you need to imagine that you are the driver.

In each clip there will be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards.

You will need to watch the clip carefully and try to predict the traffic hazard as early as you can. As soon as you predict that a traffic hazard is likely to happen, you need to respond straight away. A traffic hazard is something that would require the driver to take some action, for example: slow down, overtake or change course.

The hazard perception test is designed to get the candidate to identify 'Developing Hazards' rather the potential hazards.

For example School sign is not a developing hazard, but if you see school children about to cross the road, then it becomes a developing hazard and needs to be identified.

While appearing for the hazard perception test, watch out for following hazards, as these are the likely situations where developing hazard may turn in to actual hazard

• pedestrians or cyclists crossing the road
• vehicles emerging from side roads, parking places or driveways
• large vehicles moving over to your side of the road
• meeting oncoming vehicles on narrow roads or where other obstructions or slow moving
• vehicles make the road narrow
• loose pets and farmyard animals
• Changes in the traffic movement and volume
• junctions and roundabouts
• horse riders
• weather conditions of the day

How to score in hazard perception test -

Each scoring window is divided into five equal segments and a score of five through to one allocated to each. Those responding in the first segment of the scoring window will score 5 and those in last segment a score of 1. Responses outside the window will score zero.

Scoring in hazard perception test is not difficult at all. But you need to understand the test and practice variety of clips.

You can practice over 70 interactive hazard perception clips on our website.

Visit our website for detailed information on how to pass in hazard perception part of the test. We have graphical

illustrations of the scoring windows on our website. You can access entire DSA theory test online question bank with interactive hazard perception clips

Learner driver, Be aware, a New Drivers Act has been introduced

The New Drivers Act has been introduced by DSA which says that if you make six or more penalty points within two years of passing your first driving test, you have to appear for driving test.

Before passing your first driving test if you gain any penalty, that will be taken into consideration. Though, having penalty more then six times, doesn't mean that licence will be revoked immediately once you pass your driving test.

The New Drivers Act is being implemented in many countries such as Channel Islands, Northern Ireland, Gibraltar, Great Britain, the European community, European Economic Area and Isle of man.

The New Drivers Act applies to the drivers who want to exchange their driving licence from a designated country for a british licence and pass a further driving test in this country.

The designated countries are: South Africa, Australia, Barbados, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Monaco, Singapore, Switzerland and Zimbabwe.

According to New Drivers Act if a person wants to get their full driving licence back he needs to first reapply for a provisional driving licence.

Once you get your provisional licence then you need to pass theory and practical driving test again. Once you pass your driving test, you need to exchange your provisional driving licence for your final and actual one.

Passing a retest doesn't mean that your penalty points from your driving licence have been removed. A penalty point remains applicable with the drivers.

If a person wants to apply for driving licence for another vehicle needs the approval of a traffic commissioner and they may ask you to give a driving test for those vehicles.

Source: directgov.co.uk

Driving test: Passing at 1st attempt- a challenge?

1. Pattern of driving test -

Passing driving test is an important step towards throwing away your L plates.
Turned 17 - The earliest date your provisional licence can become valid is your 17 birthday. However you can apply for the licence up to three months before your birthday.

Apply for a provisional licence - before you start driving, you must apply for your provisional licence. You can get this licence from DVLA.

Passing your driving theory test - before you appear for your practical theory test, you need to pass your theory test. Passing your driving practical test - the purpose driving test is to find out whether you can drive safely.

Get a full licence - You will need to notify the DVLA to exchange your test pass certificate and provisional driving licence for a new full driving licence as soon as possible.

You must go through all the essential learning material written by the industry experts for learner drivers which will help you pass your driving test in 1st attempt.

Theory test book - Entire 2010/11 official theory test questions and answers from Driving Standards from which actual exam questions are chosen. Mock test papers Key information for all learner drivers
It is necessary to pass driving theory test before applying for practical test. If you are preparing for your driving theory test, it is important that you study all the latest official theory test questions published by DSA.
Book should contain:

Highway code book -

The Highway Code is essential reading for everyone. This is very useful to know road/traffic signs, rule and regulations if you are preparing for your driving theory test or practical test.

The most vulnerable road users are pedestrians, particularly children, older or disabled people, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders. It is important that all road users are aware of the Code and are considerate towards each other. This applies to pedestrians as much as to drivers and riders.

Knowing and applying the rules contained in The Highway Code could significantly reduce road casualties. Cutting the number of deaths and injuries that occur on our roads every day is a responsibility we all share. The Highway Code can help us discharge that responsibility.

Practical test book - 

Explained with The Highway Code rules Know what will be assessed on exam day DSA driver record - Check your readiness for the exam What is expected and how you should do it? Graphic illustration of driving test manoeuvres Know why learners fail in the test Easy to follow tips and hints Detailed advice and tips on how to improve key competencies necessary for safe driving Know what to expect on your driving test day Know how examiner will assess your performance Areas where you need to demonstrate consistent independent performance Why learners fail?
Additional resources:

CD ROM -

Many find CD ROMs as interactive resource rather than books. Because many driving theory test CD ROMs available feature-

Theory test (multiple choice questions) features -

• Latest 2010/11 DSA official driving theory test questions and answers for car and bike. Access complete official latest.
• DSA driving theory test questions bank from which actual exam questions are chosen.
• Know exactly what to expect in exam so no surprises!
• Latest 2010/11 DSA official driving theory test questions and answers for car and bike
• Includes new case study style questions for car and bike
• Solve unlimited random mock tests with different questions every time.
• Get ready for your big day!
• Progress monitor, review complex questions. Try our unique study pattern and you just can't fail.
• See all preparation statistics; see where you are getting wrong and how many times.
• Improve your weak areas/skills, graphical progress monitor.

Hazard perception test features -

• Includes interactive hazard perception clips
• Over 70+ interactive hazard perception practice clips, including official DSA practice clips, tips and hints, scoring mechanism demonstration graphics

Bonus features -

• Latest The Highway Code rules and regulations with road and traffic signs
• Driving practical test -
• Show me tell me questions
• Interactive driving test manoeuvres
• Detailed advice on how to pass your DSA practical test
• Eager to drive on the road? What you need to know about driving on the road

Driving theory test - Driving test pass stats at a glance and few more facts

Always be best prepared to pass your driving theory test in the UK in 1st attempt. Because according to most of the learner drivers and instructors, driving theory test in the UK is becoming harder and has become a challenge.

Here are few facts related to the driving test pass rates.

• 1/3 people who appear for driving test now fail. Through the pass rate at its lowest ever level, many learners are complaining that the test has become too hard. Tough, because moves are already under way to make it even harder.
• It takes learners 46 hours of tuition on average to pass their test at a cost of approximately 1,000 at current rates. That compares with 32 hours in 1988, according to statistics compiled by the Transport Research Laboratory.
• The signs are the test is about to get even harder. The Driving Instructors Association (DIA) is approaching for a compulsory driver's record book & with pupils having to complete a syllabus and have skills ticked off by their instructor before they are able to take the test.
• The representative statistics reveal that approximately 1.7m people in Britain took the test between April 2004 and May 2005. Merely 707,018 walked away with a license, a 42% pass rate. When the test was introduced in 1935 the pass rate was two-thirds.
• Many learners are now shying away from the driving theory test altogether who have failed two or more times. In 1966, more than 2m people took their test (half passed) and there were almost as many candidates in 1988. Then the numbers started declining, dropping to 1,670,302 in the following financial year.
• This is hardly shocking, because the test is growing in complexity all the time. A theory test was additional in 1996 and manoeuvres such as reverse parking and reversing into a bay were added in 1991 and 1999. A computer
  hazard perception test was incorporated in 2002, followed by a show me, tell me exercise to test drivers' knowledge of basic car maintenance in 2003.
• Most of the learner drivers complain they are being discriminated against compared with earlier generations. Getting your driving license, they say, is a more challenging, lengthy and expensive business than before.
• The current pass rate is terrible compared to previous years, admits Mike Ambrose, road safety consultant for BSM, the UK's largest driving school with more than 3,000 instructors. Robin Cummins, until last month chief examiner for the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), the government body that administers all driving tests, admits he is not happy with the declining pass rate.
• At the moment we have a circumstance whereby pupils can put themselves forward for the test at any time despite of whether a professional instructor says are they ready or not, & says Peter Laub, head of road safety for the DIA, which represents more than 13,000 UK instructors.
• So it goes without saying prepare, prepare and just prepare to get the driving license in 1st attempt. Practice entire official DSA driving theory test questions and hazard perception clips. Go through the highway code book for more detailed preparation.

Driving test: Theory test pattern

1. Theory test:
   
There are two parts to the theory test : the multiple-choice test and the hazard perception test. Both is required to be taken and passed in the same session in order to attain a theory test certificate, which can then be used to book the practical driving test within two years of the theory pass.
2. Pattern of the test

Multiple-choice test

• This part of the theory test is performed on a touch screen computer system.
• The test has 50 multiple choice questions and the examinee must answer at least 43 of them correctly to pass.
• Each question may have more than one answer and this will be indicated in the question. All questions are randomly chosen from a bank of thousands on a collection of topics.
• The test lasts for 57 minutes even though examinees with certain special needs can apply for more time. All 50 questions ought to be answered.
• The test allows 15 minutes practice time at the start of the exam to get used to answering the questions and how to use the system.
• To answer a question the examinee simply touches their choice of answer from the listed answers on the computer screen.
• If a mistake is made the examinee can deselect a choice and reselect a different option.
• To pass the test, 43 of the 50 questions (86%) must be answered correctly.
• For lorry and bus drivers, 100 questions are asked over a 115-minute period, and 85 out of 100 must be answered correctly to pass.
• Prior to 3 September 2007, the car and motorcycle multiple-choice tests comprised 35 questions, with a pass mark of 30 within a 40 minute time limit.

Hazard perception

• Examinees look at fourteen one-minute clips (nineteen clips for lorry and bus examinees) filmed from the point of view of a car driver and have to point out, usually by clicking a mouse button or touching the screen, when they examine a developing hazard.
• All of the Hazard clips will include one developing hazard, and one will include two such hazards.
• The sooner an examinee reacts to a developing hazard, the more points are scored, from five down to one, with no score if the examinee reacts too late.
• Thus the utmost likely score is 75 (100 for lorry and bus tests). The pass mark is 44 for car drivers and motorcyclists and 57 when qualifying as an Approved Driving Instructor. Lorry and Bus drivers must score 67 out of 100.
• For the purposes of the test, a "developing hazard" is defined as something which requires the driver to adjust speed and/or path. Potential hazards are road hazards that no instant action needs to be taken, but are worth observing in case their status changes.
• Clicking on potential hazards is satisfactory, but the scoring window only opens if that hazard develops, thus examinees have to remember to react if the status of a hazard changes, and not just when the potential hazard is first spotted.

Independent driving: new element of driving test- feasibility and information

Independent driving element in driving test will come in effect from Oct 2010.

What is an independent driving test:

Independent driving is tasking the candidate to drive for approximately 10 mins either following a series of directions, following traffic signs, or a combination of both.

Independent driving is when the learner get out on the road He/She will be driving alone and they need to know how to drive safely. Simultaneously it is very important for a learner to look at the signs at the time of driving because that's in normal life what the learners are going to do. It actually puts theory test and practical test together. It makes you think about the signs, makes you think independently and makes you feel much more confident.

Why independent driving will be introduced:

"The feasibility of introducing independent driving into the GB driving test" was studied and according to it, there are few situations which demand this element in driving test.

Statistics on the accident risk of new drivers shows that after passing their test they are at their peak in terms of their risk of having an accident. A number of reviews have concluded that traditional driver training does not seem to have any positive effect on road safety in terms of accident reductions.

One interpretation of these findings is that the experience gained by drivers after passing their test is completely unlike the experience they gain Pre-Test. Findings from qualitative research on the perceptions of new drivers seems to support this; in focus groups learner drivers expressed their belief that 'real driving' is fundamentally different from the training required to pass the driving test.

A number of authors have suggested however that driver training should not only focus on vehicle control skills but also on factors that have been shown to be related to accident reductions, according to the research evidence. This includes higher perceptual skills such as:

• Hazard perception
• Safer attitudes towards risk
• Better self-awareness of one's driving ability.

Post-Test experience seems crucial for reducing accident liability, it is theoretically possible that if the relevant elements of post-test experience can be identified and trained pre-test then driver training may be better placed that it is currently to reduce post-test accident risk. An existing example of this approach in GB driver training is the introduction of a video-based measure of hazard perception test online skill in 2002 as part of the driving theory test.

Once learner passes the test, the thing they struggle to deal with is not having the person sitting next to them to guide them around when they need it. Sudden introduction of the extra elements of having to read traffic signs, road markings, or possibly having passengers or music in the car, made it more difficult for learner.

Possible solutions for safer new drivers may be a -

• Tracker fitted to their vehicle to monitor speed
• Vehicle handling
• Maybe reducing insurance costs
• Limit passengers
• Plates compulsory
• Limit engine size
• 40 hours supervised driving
• Compulsory pass plus or motorway driving.

All for the first 2 years they are insured, not from when the test is passed.

Independent driving test examination:

On the independent driving test you have to do two maneuvers. However, when the new test starts, you may only have to do ONE maneuver. The test duration may also be increased to allow extra time for Independent Driving, and this will result in an increase in the test fee. You will still need to practice all the maneuvers because the Examiner on the day will decide which one you should do.

The whole thrust of independent driving is to prepare yourself for the real world.

Driving theory test: Test pattern and touch screen system

There are two parts to the theory test: the multiple-choice test and the hazard perception test. Both are required to be taken and passed in the same session in order to attain a theory test certificate, which can then be used to book the practical driving test within two years of the theory pass.

Multiple choice question :

In this part of the theory test has 50 multiple choice questions and the examinee must answer at least 43 of them correctly to pass in 57 mins.For lorry and bus drivers, 100 questions are asked over a 115-minute period, and 85 out of 100 must be answered correctly to pass.

online hazard perception test:

In this part of the theory test there are 14 hazard video clips of approximately one minute each. In this examinee have to watch these clips as a driver. There will be 15 hazard to find - at least one on each clip. However, one clip will
have 2 hazards.

The pass mark for this part of the test is 44 out of 75 for car drivers and motorcycle riders.

Those taking LGV or PCV (lorry or bus) tests must score at least 50 out of 75.Multiple-choice test uses the touch screen system to mark the correct answers.

What is touch screen-

A touch screen is an electronic visual display that can identify the existence and position of a touch within the display area. The term in general refers to touching the display of the device with a finger or hand. Touch screens can also sense other inactive objects, such as a stylus. On the other hand, if the thing sensed is active, as with a light pen, the term touch screen is usually not relevant.

The touch screen has two main attributes -

First, it enables one to cooperate directly with what is displayed, rather than indirectly with a cursor controlled by a mouse or touchpad.Secondly, it lets one do so without requiring any intermediate device that would need to
be held in the hand.

Touch screen in
theory test :

• To take online theory test for theory driving test examinees use touch screen computer system.
• Touch screen is preferred because it is easy to use or user friendly and has been carefully designed
• Examinees can also work through a practice session for up to 15 minutes to get used to the system before actually starting their test.
• To answer a question the examinee simply touches his choice of answer from the listed answers on the computer screen.
• During examination if an examinee faces any problem or finds difficult to use the new system staff will be on hand to help them
• The system has been carefully designed so that examinees that are color blind can use it.
• The system has the option for dyslexic examinees to listen to the test being read in English through a headset. People with dyslexia can also apply to have up to doubled the standard time for the multiple choice part of the test.
  
  This accommodation must be arranged at the time of booking. Supporting documents such as a letter from your GP or teacher will be required.
• The examinee is allowed to go back to a question at any time and can also flag questions they are unsure of in order to find and return to it quickly and easily later.