What's New from the DSA 0779 855 3932
New independent Drive on Test
As everyone will know the new Independent Drive section of the driving test began in October of 2010. So far the comments are encouraging. Candidates appear to be getting on very well with it, thanks to be being properly prepared by their instructors and examiners are enjoying the new role taken on by the candidates. It would appear, though it is early days yet, that there is an improvement in the pass rate, a small one but non the less an encouraging one. It will have to be checked over a longer period but when the figures are available we hope to see a resulting drop in the KSI rate-only time will tell.
KSI - killed and seriously injured.
Latest Changes to the Theory Test 
DSA to stop publishing questions used in theory tests
- Candidates need to understand theory
- End to memorising answers
- Unpublished questions used from 1 January 2012
The Driving Standards Agency is to stop publishing the multiple choice questions and answers used in theory tests, Road Safety Minister Mike Penning announced (01/11/2010).
This will help to ensure that new drivers learn the principles behind driving theory rather than just learning answers.
The move follows the introduction of independent driving into the driving test and the DSA's decision to stop publishing test routes in October 2010, to make sure the test assesses a learner's ability to drive and not their capacity to memorise routes.
Mike Penning said:
“The driving theory test should help to prepare drivers for real life on the road - good driving is not just about vehicle-handling skills, but also about having the knowledge and understanding of safe driving theory.
“No longer publishing these questions and answers will mean that successful candidates will have to understand the theory rather than simply memorising answers.
“I believe that this - along with the other changes we are making to the driving test regime - will lead to better drivers and safer roads.”
In September 2011 DSA will change the format of books and other learning materials available to help people prepare for theory tests. This will take place at the same time as more challenging case studies are introduced to car and motorcycle theory tests.
Then, from 1 January 2012, DSA will create theory tests using questions which will not be published.
Practice questions and answers, not used in theory tests, will still be available to help candidates with revision.
Other companies which publish products containing DSA theory test questions will also no longer have access to the questions used in the tests.
Were you aware that from April 6th 2010 the DSA introduced legislation so that whoever accompanies you to the centre will be invited to sit in the back of the car/vehicle on your test? The examiner will ask you if you want your instructor or accompanying driver(maybe mum,dad or a friend) if you would like them to come along with you.
The examiners do not usually mind and are quite willing for the Instructor to come along for the ride but from 2010 it will be by invitation from your examiner.Your instructor does not have to sit in the back so make sure you sort it out before you get there to save any embarrassment. If your instructor refuses maybe ask yourself why? Statistics now show that around 20%of instructors now sit in the back for the test.
It should not be a problem unless the examiner him/herself are being checked out by their boss then there will be four of you in the car....cosy if you are in a not so smart car. Make sure you get some practice with someone sitting in the back as the extra weight will greatly affect the way the car handles especially if it is a small light car with a little engine.(There could be up to five of you if you have an interpreter with you). Getting a bit like a fun day out isn't it.
Interpreter. From April 2010 your instructor can act as your interpreter also. Up to now this was not allowed and you would have had to provide your own who had to be recognised by the DSA but if you do need an interpreter at least you will no longer incur that cost. Come to think of it you will not be able to read this anyway.....hohum.
Last year we had the introduction of the Independent Drive , this is a new idea to test the candidate to see if they can drive "on their own". No smartie pants the examiner is not going to get out and run behind, you will be given a set of simple instructions to follow in advance for 2 or 3 roads / junctions then the examiner will just sit back and let you get on with it. Do not worry if you forget, just ask them to repeat and they will happily do so. Remember you will be nervous and if like me you will be guaranteed to forget, so no problem just ask. This is a test of your driving skills not a memory test.
If your instructor is doing the job properly you will be practising this anyway as your standard improves and can cope with it eg, find your way home, take me to the station/Sainsbury's or Tesco's or follow the signs to....if you are not doing this already you are not ready for your test anyway. If you are not doing this before ask yourself why not, or better still ask your instructor? This is not a surprise, we have known this was coming for quite some time so your instructor should be getting you prepared as it is exactly what you will do once you pass anyway.
When this came in this year they dropped one of the manoeuvres. You will still have to be able to do ALL 4 but will only be asked to do one, this is completely at the discretion of the examiner .The emergency stop stays the same, at random on one in three tests.
You can get more information on this at www.adirso.com or on the ADIRSO page on facebook, it is a page I run for driving instructors and there are loads of links on there you can take a look at.
Booking your tests; 
Just click on the link below.
Use of mobiles when driving. The DSA have a new online test for us to try , have a go here, see if you can get a high score. I am afraid I needed a couple of attempts to get it right, when the lady starts to talk and pedestrians were about I switched off to her voice like a good instructor, which was not the object of the exercise. I hope you have better luck. It really does bring the message home,imagine doing this in real life. Unfortunately some fools think they can.
Please, please never use a hand held phone when driving and never ever send text messages when at the wheel.Most people do not realise that you should not even check your texts or take/make calls when stationary in traffic queues or at traffic lights. You need to be parked up safely to use your phone.