Learning to Drive Programme Unfolds

Posted on November 24th, 2009 by admin, under Advice for Learner Drivers, Driving Instructor, Driving Test.

DSA continues to be taking measures aimed at improving road safety and the way learner drivers are instructed and tested. Today we are going to update you on DSA’s Leaning to Drive Programme. We will recap what’s been achieved already and look at what’s coming next.

Learning to Drive Programme focuses on newly qualified drivers and includes measures built around three themes.

• Pre-driver education
• Strengthening the learning processes and the way learner drivers are tested
• Post test

The programme includes three basic phases.

Phase 1: Voluntary Pre-Driver Qualification and Abridged Theory Test, 2009

January saw the introduction of a voluntary pre-driver qualification in Safe Road Use. It targets 14-16 year olds but remains open to all age groups. The course consists of two modules, each taking about 40 hours. Despite the course is voluntary, it gives an advantage to those who passes it. They gain a credit towards the theory test, valid for three years. This credit means an abridged theory test, including 35 multiple choice questions instead of 50 and a lower theory test fee.

Phase 2: Case Studies, 2009

If you are currently on the training, you should be aware about case studies included in the multiple choice section of the theory test. The revamp came into effect on September 28. DSA explained this move as a measure designed to better assess learner drivers’ understanding of the theory. Case study puts knowledge into context and brings pupils closer to real life situations. Case study takes form of a short story on which five multiple choice questions are based. Only one case study is currently introduced.

Phase 3: Assessment of Competence to Drive Independently, 2010

From October 2010, DSA plans to introduce an assessment of competence to drive independently on all practical tests. This independent section is supposed to assess the candidate’s ability to drive independently of direction from the examiner. In other words, the candidate will drive as if they were alone. This new section makes perfect sense as learner drivers should be able to make timely and independent decisions before they can safely use roads by themselves. Independent driving will not add extra time to the test. DSA plans to reduce the number of reversing manoeuvres from two to one to fit the interdependent section in.