Foreigners without knowing English clear UK driving test

According to government documents, over 10,000 people of various nationalities have cleared driving test in Britain without having a basic knowledge of English.

According to Daily Express documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act showed that the 10,330 learner drivers passed the test with interpreters sitting in the back seat relaying instructions in their local language.

There are number of facilities provided by Driving Standards Agency (DSA) to the people who don't understand English language. Foreign drivers are not capable of reading instructions on road signs written in English. The DSA has provided special facilities for those people, who are unable to understand English. All these facilities need to be requested at the time of booking your theory test. There are theory test practice study material available that can help to clear driving test.

Ministers are also worried about the safety implications of providing driving license to number of people who do not speak English and cannot read road signs.

Transport minister Mike Penning said: "I find it incredible that Labour thought it was a good idea to let people without Basic English loose on our roads. Road safety should be our priority, not political correctness".

"Instead of spending taxpayers' money on costly translation services and interpreters we want to explore whether that money would be better spent on actually helping people to learn enough English to be able to drive safely".

Driving Standards Agency said: "We are review the level of foreign language support currently provided for drivers. Any changes to the current measures would be subject to a full public meeting".

The Driving Standards Agency website tells drivers that it is their responsibility to arrange an interpreter, who must be at least 16, and pay for the service.
The rules currently allow the theory test to be sat in 21 foreign languages. People are also permitted to attend the practical test with a translator.

If your first language is not English, or you can not read or understand written English well, you can request a voiceover in one of 21 languages(Albanian, Gujarati, Hindi, Arabic, Bengali, Punjabi, Pushto, Spanish, Tamil, Turkish, Urdu, Cantonese, Dari, English, Farsi, Kashmiri, Kurdish, Mirpuri, Polish, Portuguese, Welsh). A voiceover allows you to hear the theory test instructions and questions through headphones. The questions will automatically be read out to you, you can hear the answer options by touching the text on the screen. You can hear the questions as many times as you like, you simply need to touch the text of the question onscreen again.

It is cleared from the recent survey conducted by DSA people who don't have basic knowledge of English still book theory test and pass the driving theory test in UK. There might be a possibility that DSA will allow English as a compulsory language in future.

DSA driving theory test information

Since theory tests began in 1996, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has published the questions and answers from the question banks for all categories of tests for cars, motorcycles, lorries and buses. However, DSA announced last November that it was to stop publishing the multiple choice questions and answers, with unpublished questions being used from January 2012.

After that date, the questions a candidate will be asked on test will not be exactly the same as those in their learning materials. So in short - Questions will be drawn from new 'live' theory test question banks, which will not be published.

DSA's chief executive Rosemary Thew said:
'The reason behind the move is to stop candidates from simply memorising theory test questions and answers and learning by rote. The new books contain questions and answers for revision and also explain the theory behind each question.
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, re-worded live questions used in the actual test.

The idea is that driving test candidates need to learn and understand the theory and gain the appropriate knowledge required to be a safe driver on the road and withdrawing access to the questions and answers bank will stop people from just memorizing just to pass the theory test which is very common from my experience with learner drivers. But we would like to assure you that the tests will not be harder, but will support DSA's aims to move candidates away from learning questions and answers by rote and towards their gaining better knowledge and understanding of driving and riding theory.

You would need to study these practice, non-live theory test questions for revision purposes (the Official Revision Question Banks). These questions are to test your knowledge and understanding of the source material.

New theory test changes from Jan 2012-
From this date onwards, DSA is to stop publishing the live multiple choice questions used in all theory tests. However, the DSA will continue to release publication of Theory test practice, non- live theory test questions for revision purposes (the official revision question banks.

How exactly would it affect candidates?
If you are taking your theory test before 1st Jan 2012, you will be asked the exact same questions as they are published here. But if you are taking theory test after 1st January 2012, you need to know about the changes in the UK theory test.
The questions in the exam will not be exactly same as they are published.
The DSA will not distribute the real/exam questions.
Real/live exam questions will not appear in any product - book, CD, mobile applications or on any website.
So your test would contain questions which are unpublished.

Revision questions Vs live questions -
Revision questions is the source material published by DSA
Whereas the live/exam questions are the questions based on the revision questions - which not appear in any product!

We wish you all the best for your DSA test.

Using mobile phone while driving is a growing problem

Driving a motor vehicle on public road could be challenging task. Irresponsible driving can be a dangerous activity for most of the people. Careless driving can harm road users and driver as well.

It is illegal to drive a car or ride a motorbike and make use mobile phone or similar device. It is also illegal to supervise a learner and use mobile phone. A mobile phone can distract a driver in various ways. Even a small phone ring can create an accident. With better technology, people can now use mobile phones without touching it - but nobody can resist listening and talking on the phone while driving. But please always note such distractions while driving can always turn fetal.

Since 1st of December 2003 it became an offence to use a mobile phone while driving. The fixed penalty was a £30 or up to £1,000 on conviction in court (£2,500 for drivers of goods vehicles, buses or coaches). Since 27th of February 2007 the penalty is now 3 points on your license or a minimum fine of £60. The new regulations are now applied to the drivers of motor vehicles on the road, including cars, motorcycles, goods vehicles, buses, coaches and taxis.

Research has found that telephone conversation distracts from the mental concentration and divides attention while driving. Normally it is expected that if a pedestrian starts crossing the road suddenly, a driver will try to react and stop the car. But if the driver is using a mobile phone, then there will be a risk that the driver will not be able to respond in time and ultimately create an accident

Consequences of driving with no lack of attention while driving could be fetal.

1. Drivers are less aware:
Drivers are less aware of what's happening on the road around them. They don't pay full attention towards their driving, accidents can happen.

2. Fail to maintain proper lane position:
Sometimes when drivers are busy with their phones they fail to maintain their lane position and speed.

3. Fail to see road signs:
When drivers are busy with their phones while driving forget to notice the road signs and drive in wrong lane. They can create a problem for road users.

4. React slowly and take longer to brake:
It takes longer for them to notice potential hazards and take necessary action.

5. More likely to enter unsafe gaps in traffic:
Bike riders and car drivers are sometimes don't maintain safe distance to stop their vehicles in traffic. Bike riders always try to move further from the big vehicles and forget their safety on the road.

6. Parking vehicles in no parking areas:
As the drivers are less aware about the surrounding, they park their vehicles in prohibited areas e.g. space reserved for handicapped people.

Safety measures can be taken:

1. Set up an answering Service:
Instead of answering a phone call while driving, you can use answering service so you won't miss that important call

2. Switch off:
You can switch off your mobile phone while driving. This will help you to concentrate on the road. Or you can also keep the mobile phone in silent mode so you can receive emergency calls and messages later.

3. Dial sensibly and assess the traffic:
If you want to make an important call, find a suitable and safe place to stop and use your mobile phone.

4. Avoid conversations during hazardous driving conditions.
As a driver, your first responsibility is to pay attention to the road. Let the person you are talking should know that you are driving. If necessary, reject the call in heavy traffic or hazardous weather conditions. Rain, sleet, snow and ice can be hazardous but heavy traffic can be just as dangerous.

Learner car drivers - some tips to avoid crashes with motorcyclists

Motorcyclists are 57 times more likely to be injured in serious or fatal crashes than car drivers.

Some tips to avoid crashes with motorcyclists:

Keep your distance. Driving too close can intimidate a less experienced motorcyclist.
Check for bikes when changing lanes. A motorcyclist may be in the space you want to move into, or moving into it fast. Remember your blind spot. For learner drivers its too mendatory to drive slow and turn vehicle safely. Visit here to pass online driving course .

Check for bikes when turning. Parked cars or large vehicles can obstruct your view of a motorcyclist.

Motorcyclists might pass you on either side, so double-check, whether you're turning left or right.

Check for motorcycles at junctions. Remember to look carefully for bikes, as it is often difficult to see them when they are coming out of junctions. Always look out for them before you emerge from a junction because they could be approaching faster than you think.

Park safely. Check for motorcyclists before opening a car door and ensure that your passengers do the same. When you pull away remember that motorcyclists are narrower than cars, which can make them harder to see.

DSA driving theory test for car driving learner and practical test online-
Before you can start driving on the road, you need to pass your car theory and motorbike practical test. You can access entire official driving free daily mock theory test, hazard perception test clips, scoring mechanism, lots of tips, hints and online driving courses .
Know exactly what to expect in DSA exam so there are no surprises!

Be a safe and responsible driver; take care of vulnerable road users.

Driving theory test center: Important documents required with you

DSA has been working closely with the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) so we can accept UK Identity Cards issued by IPS as an alternative means by which candidates may confirm their identity for all types of driving tests and Driver CPC periodic training.

Minimum cost of DSA driving theory test online  itself is £31.00. And on top of it, if you just don't carry required documents, you might loose your driving test fees. So why take a chance.

DSA has been working closely with the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) so we can accept UK Identity Cards issued by IPS as an alternative means by which candidates may confirm their identity for all types of driving tests and Driver CPC periodic training.

Candidates for driving tests and periodic training need to produce evidence of their entitlement to drive the relevant vehicle and prove their identity before the test or training can commence.

Candidates may currently do this by way of a driving license. Where the license does not contain a photograph a valid passport is also required.

Candidates will still need to confirm their driving entitlement by producing their driving license for driving test but, with effect from 27 April, candidates who do not have a photo card license will be able to use a valid UK ID Card issued by IPS as an alternative to their passport.

Any candidate who is unable to satisfy the examiner of their driving entitlement or identity will have their driving test cancelled and may lose their fee.

Things to note down:

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the test time shown above to allow DSA to check you in.

Must-have documents from driving test-
• A valid signed UK photocard licence
• An old style valid signed UK paper driving licence and a valid passport.

Accepted photographic ID -

Photographic identification acceptable for both driving theory and driving practical tests are as follows:
1. A valid signed UK (or Northern Ireland) photocard licence
2. An old style valid signed UK (or Northern Ireland) paper driving licence and a valid passport.

If you now have two or more tests booked that you have not yet taken, please check that there is at least 2 hours between your appointments. Failure to do so could cause you to miss a test and lose your fee. If you haven't already, you can also book appointment online.

Remember: if you do not bring your driving licence and acceptable proof of identity when you arrive for your test you will not be allowed to take it and you will lose your test fee.

Learner drivers - Few things to keep in mind while using satellite navigation systems

Satellite Navigation (satnav) systems are popular with many drivers and provide a safe option for directions for drivers in unfamiliar areas. Correctly used satnav systems have the potential to ease congestion, reduce fuel consumption and improve road safety. Listening to satnav instructions is likely to be less distracting for a driver than stopping every few minutes to check a paper map or worse, trying to use a paper map in motion.


Satellite navigation systems are perhaps one of the most futile driving aids. With their improved functions like voice commands and blue-tooth technology, these systems are making traveling fun and easy. Still, it is necessary to use them wisely while driving without putting yourself in danger.


The Think Road safety has given few useful tips on how you should keep in mind while using Satellite Navigation (satnav) systems:

• choose a satnav system that is suitable for you.
• the controls are simple to understand and operate;
• you can read and understand the graphics;
• the system includes all the information you need (e.g. height restrictions in the case of a tall vehicle);
• the map information is current and can be updated in the future.

Driving on the road should be paid full attention on your vehicle otherwise you could be in big trouble, like collides with another vehicle or having cross the road dividers or may be others.


While using Satellite Navigation (satnav) systems you keep in mind that this is help to you for finding out the location or some specified place. It should be used very carefully or you have to travel some more distance unwanted.

Many drivers on the road do not follow the guidelines well and pay healthy money for avoiding traffic signals. On the other hand if you are well passed theory test it will be easy to you drive a vehicle on the road. So, this leads to be important factor which is known as "hazard perception test". It is passed during your theory test examination.


If you are not passed your UK Driving test then there is one great opportunity for you. There you will be more pleased to learn driving because there is confidential tradition for learner drivers.