Our website uses a small number of cookies. Some of these are strictly necessary and essential to the website’s functioning and others are used to help us improve the user experience of our website by collecting anonymous data about how it is being used. To find out more about the cookies we use, please read our Cookie Policy.

Admiral logoRussian Dolls top banner

MultiCar Insurance

Combine cars on
one policy for
MultiCar discounts.

Start a quote

Find out more

Retrieve a quote

Single-Car Insurance

Great value car insurance
quotes crammed with plenty
of features.

Start a quote

Find out more

Retrieve a quote

Give us a call

Talk to a friendly
member of staff.

Single-Car Insurance

0844 543 4416

MultiCar Insurance

0844 848 4316

Back to Motoring news

Motoring news

Theory test revised after driving standards clamp-down

26/01/2012

The Driving Standards Agency will no longer use pre-published questions in the driving theory test, in order to stop candidates from memorising the answers.

Previously, all questions used for the test had been published, allowing potential drivers and car insurance policy holders the chance to learn them by rote for the test.

As of this week, the questions will no longer be made available to the public, meaning candidates will have to read the Highway Code and to work out the answers.

"By bringing a stop to publication of theory test questions we aim to encourage candidates to prepare by learning each topic area thoroughly rather than just memorising the questions and answers," said Road Safety Minister Mike Penning in a DSA press release.

"The intention is to improve candidates' knowledge and understanding of driving theory, so that they are more able to retain and apply it when they are on the road."

Theory test books and software will still contain revision questions for self-testing and assessment to help candidates prepare. The books will also contain exercises to help candidates practice applying what they have learnt on each subject area. Revision support for motorcyclists is also to be provided.

This change to the theory test is the second major revision to the testing procedure in just over a year. Fifteen months ago, the practical exam was modified to include 10 minutes of what is called "independent driving", where the candidate must navigate to a local landmark by using road signs without the guidance of the examiner.