Changes to the Theory Test
From 23 January 2012 the theory test will be made up of multiple-choice questions which are no longer published in learning materials.
The reason behind the move is to stop candidates from simply memorising theory test questions and answers and learning by rote.
Revision materials still available
New official driving and riding theory books were published in September 2011 to help candidates prepare for the test and for life on the road.
The new books contain:
new sections of text for motorcyclists, a free e-book for car drivers and full references throughout to help candidates learn and revise
questions and answers for revision, including practice for case studies
the official DSA explanations for every revision question, helping candidates fully understand the answer
This approach to learning will help candidates to gain a better knowledge and understanding of driving theory which will help them respond correctly to the new, reworded live questions used in the actual test.
No changes to the format of the test
No changes are being made to the format of the theory test. It will still be made up of a multiple-choice part and a hazard perception part.
The time allowed and the pass marks will stay the same.
Find out more
You can find details about the new official learning materials at tsoshop.co.uk/dsa
For information about how the theory test works, visit direct.gov.uk/theorytest
Winter Tyres
Is it worth spending the £500 or so it costs to fit your car with a set of winter tyres? If you had a crash after losing control during last year's protracted cold spell you might decide it was money well spent.
After years of mild winters, British motorists have had to get used to driving in snowy and icy conditions. And as a result, motoring experts now advise drivers to consider switching to winter tyres.
Contrary to popular belief, the tyres are not studded; they have a tread pattern designed to cope with slush and cold rain, as well as snow and ice, and give much more grip and control in the cold. They are also safer than a standard tyre in dry conditions below 7C, because the tread compound heats up at lower rolling temperatures to create grip in low temperatures.
Residents in colder parts of Europe have long kept a spare set of winter tyres, which they put on their car at the first sign that temperatures are dropping. Come the spring they switch back. Ten European countries have already introduced winter tyre legislation and/or a government public awareness campaign.
In a recent test of Bridgestone's winter tyre against its ultra-high performance summer tyre, stopping distances in icy conditions varied enormously. At 10mph the winter tyre stopped in 6.4 metres while the summer tyre needed more than twice the distance to stop (14 metres). Imagine the difference if you start braking at 30mph.
Despite these benefits, tyre manufacturer Dunlop estimates that the winter tyre market only accounts for just 2% of overall British tyre sales, and a recent survey showed that just 5% of motorists were planning to use them this year.
However, that could be about to change. Last winter's cold spell led most tyre retailers to sell out of specialist winter tyres. They became impossible to find and, for that reason, if you live in an area with a fair expectation of snow this winter now is the time to look for a set.
Compare the cost of winter tyres to the cost of even a minor accident – in terms of the damage and increased insurance premiums – and it could be money well spent. Winter tyres could even save your life.