The format of the test is exactly the same as it has been for the last couple of years which is:

50 multi-choice questions, to pass this section you must get 43 correct

13 hazard perception clips, 11 with 1 hazard and 2 with 2 hazards, giving a total of 75 available points, and to pass you must score 45 or more.

So then, what’s changed?

The only change to the theory test is that the DSA is no longer publishing the questions that will be asked during the test.  Previously, you could buy a book, CD, or go online and see every single question that would be asked on your test.  The problem with that is many people would just learn which answers matched which questions, without getting an understanding of what was being asked.

The questions that will be asked will be very similar to those asked before, but it’s important now that you understand what you are learning, and not just memorising the questions and answers.  The DSA has published a new set of learning aids including books, CD’s, and even an iPhone app.  More information on these publications can be found at http://www.tsoshop.co.uk/bookstore.asp?FO=1162833&trackid=000578 or by going the App Store and searching DSA theory

Tailgating – this is when you follow the car in front much too closely.  The reason this is dangerous is because when following too closely, you are greatly reducing the time you have to react if the driver in front has to brake suddenly.  You will also be a distraction to the car in front, as the driver will be constantly checking their mirrors, concerned about how close you are.  This will mean they are spending less time concentrating on the road ahead, making it more likely they will be late to respond to incidents ahead, making them brake late and hard, making it even more likely that you’ll run into the back of them.

What should you be doing?

Remember the 2 second rule?  In dry weather you should keep a minimum distance of 2 seconds between you and the vehicle in front.  The way we judge this is using the 2 second rule – when the car in front passes a static object e.g. a signpost/lamppost/bridge/road marking, say to yourself “only a fool breaks to the 2 second rule”.  If you’ve reached the static object before you’ve finished saying the phrase then you’re too close, so ease back and try again until you can complete the phrase.  It’s also important to remember that for wet weather you should double the distance, and icy weather you should multiply the distance by 10!  Why not check out this video from the 70′s, it might look a bit dated but the principles are still exactly the same - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZesRXxS2MNY&feature=related

Overtaking on the left - if you overtake somebody on the left hand side you are creating a dangerous situation.  The highway code states that you should only overtake on the right.  This means that drivers can be constantly aware of the cars around them, and know that when they move back over to the left lane they need to look out for the vehicles they have just overtaken, and not drivers who are hopping between lanes.

What should you be doing?

It’s important to keep your normal driving position in the left lane, unless you are overtaking or turning right.  When you do overtake, only do so to vehicles on your left, then make sure as soon as you’re a safe distance past the vehicle, move back over to the left lane.  If  the traffic in the right lane is going slower than you are, then you need to reduce your speed to ensure you don’t overtake them.

There are a couple of exceptions to this rule.  You may overtake vehicles which are signalling to turn right, IF it is safe to pass on the left.  Also if traffic is moving slowly in queues, and vehicles in the right lane are moving more slowly than you are, then you may pass on the left.

Hopefully these new rules will encourage drivers to drive more safely and follow the rules of the road.  The fixed penalty notice is a fine, usually £60 although this may rise to £80 or maybe more in the near future.

Drive Ahead provide quality, affordable driving lessons throughout Stoke on Trent, North Staffordshire, South Cheshire, and all surrounding areas.

The website contains links to all of our regional sites:
Stoke on Trent
Crewe
Stafford
Leek

This website highlights the services we offer:

Pass Plus, motorway lessons, block bookings, gift vouchers, as well as online show me tell me questions.

This is the first ever WordPress blog from Drive Ahead School Of Motoring

Hopefully, the first of many, I’ll update this as often as I can.  If there’s anything you want to know or ask about driving or our driving school then just ask.  Leave a comment here, visit our Facebook page, or visit one of our websites:

www.driveahead.co.uk

www.driving-lessons-in-stoke.co.uk

www.driving-lessons-in-leek.co.uk

www.driving-lessons-in-crewe.co.uk

www.stafford-driving-lessons.co.uk

Thanks for looking, will blog again soon,

Dave Shannon