DVLA questions...

Author
Discussion

Nightmare

Original Poster:

5,221 posts

289 months

Wednesday 16th January 2002
quotequote all
A friend of mine is in the middle of doing his bike test...and as he is my age has to do the theory test cos we didnt when we originally learnt to drive. He is getting slowly more aggravated by some of the questions being asked......here are the three examples so far...

In windy conditions you should take extra care when
A. Using the brakes
B. Making a Hill start
C. Turning into a narrow road
D. Passing Pedal Cyclists

no doubt the answer is (D), but surely, considering their very nature, you should ALWAYS take extra care when passing cyclists?

Which THREE of these emergency services might have blue flashing beacons

Coastguard
Bomb Disposal
Gritting lorries
Animal Ambulances
Mountain Rescue
Doctor’s Cars

Who cares!?! If you see a blue flashing light you get out of it’s way in a safe manner, that is all you need to know. Bomb diposal my a2se!

and then....in my view astoundingly...

An elderly persons driving ability may be affected because they may be unable to :

A: Obtain Car insurance
B: Understand Road Signs
C: React Quickly
D: Give Signals Correctly

If I answer to ANY of those, surely the person shouldnt be on the road at all.....????

can see why he's getting wound up! thoughts anyone?

N

hertsbiker

6,357 posts

276 months

Wednesday 16th January 2002
quotequote all
what gets me, is the bike theory test ought to be more relevant to bikes. Actually you might find the answer to the first question in reality (as a rider) could be that turning (anywhere) into a narrow road is risky in high winds. Depends on your machine!

Flashing lights - I like YOUR answer best.

As to old drivers, I think "e": all of the above would be a laugh.

You're right, this has little relevance to real life. I hope to hang onto my license so I don't need to do this sh*t !!

Don

28,377 posts

289 months

Wednesday 16th January 2002
quotequote all
I had a go on a driving theory test software program.

You could always deduce the "correct" answer - if in doubt pick the politically correct one.

Nightmare

Original Poster:

5,221 posts

289 months

Wednesday 16th January 2002
quotequote all
as a follow up he wrote a letter to the DSA - which reads :

Dear Sir/Madam,

Please note this is a question about policy not about the theory test.

I have just read a question in the motorcycle theory book stating that

'An elderly persons driving ability could be affected because they may be unable to react quickly.'

My question is why is this person, who cannot react quickly should be driving on the road at all? I think the theory test is a great idea and there are a lot of questions which have made me think, as a car driver of
10 years, that I really should do a few things differently. The motorcycle test I am about to undertake is really quite difficult and I need to have
good reactions, knowledge and the confidence on the road.

My point is that many of the questions mention thinking time, reaction time, how drinking and driving increases your reaction time etc, and yet we allow people to drive a car who have not had this tested in years, and I’m sure, at least in some cases, would not pass this kind of test, both theory and practical. Comparing the driving theory in this book to what
happens on the road each day (I do about 20000 miles a year) the two are mutually exclusive, every day I see (and do) things in a car which contradict what I have been reading in the 'Official DSA Theory Test for
motorcyclists'.

Would it not be wise to retest people after a certain amount of time to make sure they haven’t forgotten the road laws, and more importantly to make sure they are still physically capable of driving. I for one
volunteer to take this test, as I’ve suddenly realised how complacent I have become behind the wheel of a car. The fact that there are people driving, who have not had their ability to work a potentially lethal piece of machinery checked in 40 or more years is, to me, absolutely appalling

This is a genuine query, I am puzzled how, with current initiatives to reduce accidents on the roads this has been overlooked. From a financial point of view, people will be paying, and once the backup systems were in place, the scheme would make money. I am truly interested to receive a response from the DSA on this matter and I look forward greatly to your
reply,

Regards

and fair play to them - he as already got a response...which reads as follows!

Thank you for your e-mail 16January 2002.

The Agency carefully considered the idea of re-testing drivers over the course of their driving career. However, we believe that good basic training fosters the foundation for a lifetime of safe and happy motoring. No doubt, you are aware that both the practical car and bike tests were recently revised to reflect today’s tougher driving conditions. In addition, the Theory Test question bank is constantly updated with new questions. Successful practical test candidates are encouraged, by their instructors, to sit Pass Plus; with many insurance companies offering up to a years no claims bonus for those who complete the course.

Once qualified, drivers are encouraged to take responsibility to ensure that they become better and more competent drivers. There is a wide range of post-test training on offer through organisations such as the Institute of Advanced Motorists and The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. Many insurance companies offering generous incentives upon successful completion of these courses. Insurance company rates for novice drivers deter the vast majority of newly qualified drivers from buying high-powered vehicles; after a number of years careful motoring drivers are rewarded with lower insurance premiums. The courts also play an important role in ensuring drivers are more careful, they are increasingly passing tougher sentences on those who offend on the roads.

Ensuring high standards of driving is paramount on the Agency’s agenda. However, we feel the changes that we are currently making, in all areas of driver testing and training, is the way forward rather than retesting throughout a driver’s career.
Yours sincerely

xxxxxx
POLICY BRANCH
DRIVING STANDARDS AGENCY

I think we'll be writing a reply this evening - which I will also put up on ehre, along with anything they have to say in response...

N


Edited by Nightmare on Wednesday 16th January 15:53

McNab

1,627 posts

279 months

Wednesday 16th January 2002
quotequote all
Night, this is what you get when bureaucracy takes over. Sadly the ones who make the rules aren't drivers. They may think they are, and they can probably drive, but they aren't 'naturals' and don't understand what it's like to feel part of the machine they're handling. Same with the Police nowadays - drive by the book, and forget natural aptitude.

domster

8,431 posts

275 months

Wednesday 16th January 2002
quotequote all
Someone mentioned political correctness. You may be able to help me with this Theory test question I am stuck on.

"Q32

You are approaching a pedestrian crossing, when you discover that your brakes have failed. Some pedestrians have already started crossing, but you have no alternative but to negotiate the hazard.

Do you:

A) Run over the white middle class gentleman carrying a briefcase.

B) Run over the afro-carribean single mother wearing dungarees and Doctor Marten brand boots.

c) Mount the pavement and swerve into the DVLA office, opposite the crossing, possibly causing injury to the workers therein."






M-Five

11,385 posts

289 months

Wednesday 16th January 2002
quotequote all
That's easy . . .

It must be A as any member of a lower class or ethnic minority will only cross within 10m of said crossing - therefore you would be clear of the hazard when your brakes fail. Also as no-one works at DVLA offices it would be impossible to injure anyone!

A white middle class businessmen will always walk to the crossing to cross the road - it's only proper after all!

Edited by M-Five on Wednesday 16th January 16:52

CarZee

13,382 posts

272 months

Wednesday 16th January 2002
quotequote all
I think I just heard a collective sharp intake of breath...

ZZR600

15,605 posts

273 months

Wednesday 16th January 2002
quotequote all
I think as you take the bike and car test seperatly you should get 2 licences so if you lose one through being stupid on the bike you can still drive your car
and at the rate the police are trying to do people for speeding there wont be anyone left on the road !

Jason F

1,183 posts

289 months

Wednesday 16th January 2002
quotequote all
quote:

Night, this is what you get when bureaucracy takes over. Sadly the ones who make the rules aren't drivers. They may think they are, and they can probably drive, but they aren't 'naturals' and don't understand what it's like to feel part of the machine they're handling. Same with the Police nowadays - drive by the book, and forget natural aptitude.



Of course not, because if they did they would not want to be sat in an office.

I did like the answer to that letter though, is it really because 95% of people would fail the test and then Safety Camera revenues would be reduced ??

funkynige

9,054 posts

280 months

Thursday 17th January 2002
quotequote all
I took the theory test many (well three) years ago and my thoghts are this:

You can get 25/35 for not being a brain dead monkey.

You can get 30/35 for doing a little bit of revision (How many of you know at what distance you should be able to read the 3 1/2 inch letters on a number plate?)

To get 35/35 you need to 'think in the mind of the examiner' and get all of the 'What is the most dangerous object in this picture?' questions right.

My thoughts.

Jason F

1,183 posts

289 months

Friday 18th January 2002
quotequote all
quote:

To get 35/35 you need to 'think in the mind of the examiner' and get all of the 'What is the most dangerous object in this picture?' questions right.



Didn`t sit the Theory test (phew) but I can`t help but imagine a picture of a Tank, Small Nuclear Weapon, and a Fiat Uno, and we all know the 'car' would be the most dangerous..

Whoozit

3,747 posts

274 months

Tuesday 22nd January 2002
quotequote all
Re: Tank, nuclear weapon, Fiat Uno

That would be because the first two are controlled by fully trained personnel. And the third?