New theory test changes that could make it a lot easier to pass
21st September 2020
The driving theory test will change later this month, Monday 28th September 2020, with the introduction of video clips to replace some written question sections.
The DVSA says the changes will bring the test up to date and make it more accessible for learners.
From 28th September, written questions in the multiple choice part of the test will be replaced with a video clip of up to 30 seconds showing different driving conditions such as driving through a town or on a rural road. Candidates will then have to answer three questions about the clip.
The changes, which will apply in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, come after research recently done with learners who have reading difficulties and disabilities. It showed that learners felt more comfortable and confident with video scenarios, rather than written ones, as they were better able to process the information on the screen and it also mirrors the way that candidates take in and react to information when driving. The DVSA also worked with the National Autistic Society, the British Dyslexia Association and British Deaf Association amongst other stakeholders to develop these changes.
Similar research was done by Pass N Go during lockdown when we did a survey asking students about how they would typically learn their theory and how easy/accessible this was to them. We also used stats from the DVSA such as over 50% of people who take the theory test every year fail and with all that research we created Theory Time. Theory Time is a free, chart-topping podcast designed to help you learn your theory and also has ways to get involved by answering a few theory questions to win some ASOS vouchers and other big prizes in a new section to the podcast we call Caller ID.
John Rogers, who represents the Association of Disability Driving Instructors, said: “A picture paints a thousand words, especially for candidates with special educational needs. Having to go back and forth between the text in the written scenario and the written questions and answers was a big obstacle to understanding what was required.”
“Video scenarios should prove much easier to follow and the questions will hopefully appear more relevant.”
The new clips are the only changes to the theory test and don’t replace the hazard perception section, which also uses video clips to test learner’s awareness.