Changes to driving theory test increase accessibility

The DVSA has announced changes to the driving theory test, which will come into effect in April 2020 for new learner drivers in England, Wales, and Scotland. Instead of reading case studies and answering three questions about them, learners will soon have to watch a short, silent, video clips, which will be followed up with three multiple-choice questions. Test sitters can watch the video clip as many as times as they wish. This change does not apply to theory tests for motorcycles, lorries, bus or coaches and Approved Driving Instructors, part 1.

Reasonable adjustments can be made to the theory test for those with a reading difficulty, disability and health condition. The adjustments include extra time to take the test, someone to read what’s on the screen and record your answers and someone to reword the questions for you.

Peter Brabin, head of training at BillPlant.co.uk, commented: “There’s no doubt that the changes coming into effect are an improvement to the theory test; as whilst the majority of the examination remains unchanged, the introduction of video clips in place of written case studies puts students into more realistic scenarios akin to everyday driving experiences.

“As well as this, the implemented changes will prove far more beneficial to drivers with reading and learning difficulties, as well as those who find they learn better in visual scenarios. The improvements, while small, are more geared towards making the theory test more client centred, leading towards longer term understanding, rather than shorter term revision.”