Is a more difficult driving theory test the answer?

[AB Asks]

The driving theory test is being made more difficult to try and make sure people are better drivers. Is this the best way to do it? Or should the government be doing more to improve standards?

[kevo2k7]

i passed my theory test 1st time on saturday so just made it in time i scored 35/35 on questions which took me 8 minutes to do and 63/75 on hazard test, overall it was alot easier than i thought it wud be and increasing the questions to 50 wont make much of a difference as u are allowed to get 7 wrong and i think this is more than enough.

[sddsddean]

It will make naff all difference. The real problem is you pass your test...and are never tested again! You can drive for another 80 odd years with no one telling you what you are doing wrong or checking on your hazard perception. I passed my HGV 20 years ago, so I have had an 'additional' test. I would hope I'm a good driver as I do it for a living and get more 'practice' than most who just do the commute to work, but thats my opinion. How do I know I'm right? No Government will ever bring in testing every 10 years or whatever, as i) the cost would be horrendous and ii) it would be a mega vote loser.

[thundercrack]

put the driving age up to 21, make anybody who is caught for reckless driving/dangerous driving/unduecare etc take another test. you could make the driving test a day long, but once a person has got the piece of paper and out of sight of the test centre, they can do what they like, compulsory green L plates for a year might help, but the rest of the maniacs will still be out there.more deterrent is required by a greater police presence and more cameras in the black spots and some more of those nasty speed bumps. if it saves lives put up with it.

[Toureman]

RE-testing every 10 years would help also compulsory IAM test after 5 years.

[Loosehead]

Some reasonable ideas above but I can tell you what would improve driving dramitically, make everyone, able bodied, ride a motorcycle for at least a year before they can take a car test. then they would learn roadcraft something that motorists are not taught.

Other ideas include regular eyesight tests and indeed updates in the theory test should be for people alreadt with a licence too. Some administrative problems to overcome though.

[Reverandfunk]

I've just started to use a scooter after driving for 15+ years and agree with loosehead everyone should do it. Car drivers are unbelievable at times, overtaking on corners, constantly pulling out etc etc.

Definately think the age should be raised

[dilligaf]

A driving examiner does not have the authority to assess a driving test candidates attitude.

Having conducted many driving tests over the past 25+ years it is very frustrating to tell a test candidate they have passed having "met the required standard" when the examiner knows full well the candidate is "a little boy racer " who has been driving since being a 15 year old and although having good control over the car has very little regard for the law and he people the law protects,(supposedly)

Perhaps a psychological test should be carried out before a provisional licence is issued?

Perhaps a realistic deterrant eg. licence revoked for a far longer period than at present, possibly for life, crushing of offenders vehicles. The list is endless. Any more idas?

[weeal]

No difference to the boy/girl racers out there.

[dilligaf]

sorry weeal. I have noticed girl racers are as bad, if not at times, worse then boy racers.

[woodchopper]

More to do with weeding out the thickies

[Panic Button]

I still think replacing each airbag with a viscious spike would work wonders.

[johngraham]

From 23 January 2012 the theory test will be made up of multiple-choice questions which are no longer published in learning materials. The reason behind the move is to stop candidates from simply memorising theory test questions and answers and learning by rote.

No changes are being made to the format of the theory test. It will still be made up of a multiple-choice part and a hazard perception part.

f you are taking your theory test before 23rd Jan 2012, you will be asked the exact same questions as they are published here. But if you are taking theory test after 23rd 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.

Sources:

http://www.theory-tes...test_changes_2012.asp