March 2023 - The New Highway Code App Lauched
On 17th March 2023, DVSA's official publisher, The Stationery Office, launched a new Highway Code app.
The app is for all road users and makes it even easier and more fun to keep up to date with the rules of the road.
What's new?
Instant access to the very latest version of the Official Highway Code while on the move, on tablets and mobile devices.
Quizzes and timed challenge features, that help users check their knowledge of the Highway Code and track their progress.
A voice over option enabling users to listen as well as read.
The app costs £3.99 and is available to download on both Android and iOS platforms.
Find it here
February 2023 - Updated Theory Test Kit App has launched
DVSA's official publisher, The Stationery Office (TSO), is launching an updated version of the theory test kit app. The app is a great resource to help you learn The Highway Code and prepare for your theory test. It's available to download on both Android and iOS device.
The app includes:
- Measure of test readiness - helping learners know when they're ready to take their real test.
- Timed mock tests
- Links out to DVSA Ready to Pass campaign - combining your practical and theory tests.
- A fresh new design - making it easier for users to navigate the app.
The app also includes all the official revision questions, interactive hazard perception clips to help you get ready for your test and a digital copy of The Highway Code. If you already have the app, you can check your devices' app store to make sure you have the most recent update.
January 2022 - Changes to the Highway Code
The image on the left, shows the updated cover of the new Highway Code for 2022, of which the printed version will be available to purchase in April 2022.
There are some significant changes reflecting the new hierarchy of road users, ranging from vulnerable pedestrians to heavy goods vehicles, which is now very much a part of the changes made to the driving test.
There is a very useful table that gives all the wording to the changes (highlighted in grey), alongside the original text (highlighted in yellow). You can access it here.
April 2020 - Theory Test Changes
The theory test is changing and will be using video clips instead of written case studies
Currently, you have to read a case study and then answer 5 questions about it. This tests your knowledge and understanding of road rules. This will change if you take your test from 1st May 2020. You will be watching one video clip instead of reading a case study, and answering 3 questions about it.
How using a video clip will work
You’ll watch a short, silent, video clip and answer 3 multiple-choice questions about it. You can watch the video clip as many times as you like during the multiple-choice part of the theory test.
Example You can watch the video, answer a question, and then watch the video again before you answer the next question.
What the video clip will look like
The video clip will show a situation, such as driving through a town centre, or driving on a country road.
The type of questions you’ll answer about the video clip
You’ll answer questions like these:
- Why are motorcyclists considered vulnerable road users?
- Why should the driver, on the side road, look out for motorcyclists at junctions?
- In this clip, who can cross the chevrons to overtake other vehicles, when it’s safe to do so?
For each of the 3 questions, you’ll have to choose the correct answer from 4 possible answers.
What the screen will look like
The left-hand side of the screen will show the video clip, with controls to:
- play the video
- pause the video
- move to a specific part of the video on a progress bar
- watch the video using the full screen
The right-hand side of the screen will show the question and 4 possible answers.
What’s not changing
You’ll still need to study the same books and software to prepare for your theory test.
You’ll still need to:
- answer 50 multiple-choice questions within 57 minutes
- get 43 out of the 50 questions right to pass the multiple-choice part of the test
The hazard perception part of the test is not changing. This is where you watch video clips to spot developing hazards.
Practising the new learning materials
To help you prepare for the upcoming theory test changes, the DVSA have published the new practice video clips.
I would encourage you to use these when practising for your theory test.
November 2018 - New hazard perception test clips
From 19th November 2018 we have announced changes to the hazard perception test for cars, to help improve road safety. We've added 23 new CGI clips into the driving theory test to simulate adverse weather conditions including:
- snow
- wind
- fog and rain
There will also be clips showing the type of low-level lighting experienced at dusk and dawn. The clips will be included in other types of theory tests soon.
To view these new CGI clips, click this link here
July 2018 - Learner Drivers on Motorways
From Monday 4th June 2018, learner drivers will be able to take driving lessons on motorways in England, Scotland and Wales. This will help to make sure more drivers know how to use motorways safely.
How the changes will work - Learner drivers will need to be:
- accompanied by an approved driving instructor
- driving a car fitted with dual controls
Any motorway lessons will be voluntary. It will be up to the driving instructor to decide when the learner driver is competent enough for them. Find out how the rules will work in the full announcement.
June 2018 - Changes to rules for vehicles used for driving tests
From Monday 4th June, you will not be able to use any vehicle (not including motorbikes) for a driving test if:
- its engine management light is on, or if the light does not work.
- its reversing lights don't work (this only applies to cars first used from 1st September 2009)
If the engine management light comes on during a driving test, and the car appears to be working normally, the test will continue. The examiner will tell you this happened at the end of the test.
New Rules reflect MOT changes
The new rules reflect changes made to the MOT test on 20th May 2018. These defects are now classed as major defects in the MOT, and cause the car to fail the test.