Best Learner Aids: Software

Driving Test Success: All Tests CD-ROM

Price: £10.20
Rating: ★★★★★
Contact: 01889 570156,
www.focusMM.co.uk

BEST CD-ROM Another guide to work only on PCs, this three-CD package costs more than Driving Test Master. But All Tests is comprehensive, and includes a section on independent driving. There’s a website you can launch from within the software, and great hazard perception feedback. Much of the engaging info is the same as on the more pricey DVD, so it wins our test.

Driving Test Master CD-ROM
Price: £5.98 (including postage)
Rating: ★★★★
Contact: 01903 882299,
www.desktopdriving.co.uk

You have to register with the Driving Test Master database to unlock the full potential of this software, which can E-mail your instructor with progress reports. It’s all very easy to use, with a choice of study or test modes, and you can review hazard perception in the most amount of detail here. Looks good value atonly £6, although there’s no driving advice and it doesn’t work on Apple computers

The Official Highway Code Interactive CD-ROM
Price: £9.99
Rating: ★★★
Contact: 0870 600 5522,
www.tsoshop.co.uk

This official software disc from the Driving Standards Agency is fully interactive, and includes animations and videos to liven up the Highway Code text. Features such as the stopping distances test and road sign quiz make learning fun, too. It works on PC and Mac, but while it’s a useful resource, our three other CD-ROMs have a text-only version of the Highway Code built-in for reference.

The AA Pass Your Test CD-ROM
Price: £17.99
Rating: ★★
Contact: www.theaa.com

Two-disc AA package got off to a bad start. Not only is it the most expensive option, it also takes a while to install. Plus, there’s no advice regarding the independent driving element of the test. The CDs are crammed with information, and cover the theory and practical tests. They work on a Mac, too, but it’s all a bit text heavy, and the hazard perception practice test doesn’t remind you how many clips you’ve seen.