IAM RoadSmart says video clips in learner driver theory test will make safer drivers in the long run

IAM RoadSmart, the UK’s biggest independent road safety charity, welcomes the move to replace written scenarios in the theory part of the driving test with video clips, saying it is an important step forward for road safety.

The DVSA announced today (18 February) that from 14 April, video clips will replace written situations, saying it will bring this part of the test up-to-date and make it more accessible for everyone. 

The new video clips will show up to a 30-second scenario of different driving conditions, such as driving through a town centre or a country road. Candidates will then need to answer three multiple-choice questions about the clip. The changes only apply to the car theory test.

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and research, said: “Anything that makes the theory test more like the real world should deliver safer drivers in the long run. Simply learning multiple choice answers by rote has been the biggest problem with the written test in the past.

“The hazard perception text has used clips for many years and has been shown to make new drivers safer, so the same approach for the theory test should be a similar success. It’s also great to see the test being made more inclusive.”

The changes have been developed in association with the British Deaf Association, British Dyslexia Association, Royal School for the Deaf Derby, Disability Driving Instructors and the National Autistic Society. 

The DVSA added: “As well as making the test more accessible, the changes make the test more realistic, as it mirrors the way candidates take in and react to information while driving.”

For a sample video clip click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnMMjuaS8fQ&feature=youtu.be

Link to picture: https://dmscdn.vuelio.co.uk/publicitem/b01bc6b3-789b-4d40-8c57-f5d1b16e4a3b 

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IAM RoadSmart has a mission to make better drivers and riders in order to improve road safety, inspire confidence and make driving and riding enjoyable. It does this through a range of courses for all road users, from online assessments through to the advanced driving and riding tests. IAM RoadSmart is the trading name of all businesses operated by the UK’s largest road safety charity, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and was formed in April 2016 combining the IAM, IAM Drive & Survive, PDS and IAM Driver Retraining Academy. The organisation has 92,000 members and campaigns on road safety on their behalf. At any one time there are over 7,000 drivers and riders actively engaged with IAM RoadSmart’s courses, from members of the public to company drivers, while our Driver Retraining Academy has helped 2,500 drivers to shorten their bans through education and support programmes.

To find out more about IAM RoadSmart products and services visit the new website www.iamroadsmart.com   

To find out the name of your own local IAM RoadSmart group please visit: https://wwwiamroadsmart.com/local-groups   

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