DIA welcomes theory test reforms

25/01/12

By Dan Smith

New measures to strengthen the driving theory test have received the backing of the Driving Instructors Association (DIA).

Earlier this week the Driving Standards Agency revealed that pre-published questions will no longer be used as part of the examination.

Steve Garrod, general manager at the DIA, believes this should turn out to be a positive move.

He stated: "Drivers' knowledge of the Highway Code has been on the decline since the theory test was first introduced in 1996, with very few people ever opening a copy.

"Simply memorising answers to the theory test will not help anyone (learn) how to stay safe on increasingly busier roads and in more congested traffic conditions."

Mr Garrod added that rather than just learning a series of answers, new motorists need to understand how the theory behind driving can be applied to their own time on the road.

He concluded: "The change is not so much to the test itself, but to the way new drivers learn the theory."