Changes to theory test

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) will no longer publish answers for the multiple-choice theory exam as part of a crackdown on poor driving standards.

The answers have previously been published in a book, fuelling fears that candidates were just learning by rote without gaining an understanding of the theory behind the questions.

As of Monday this week, this practice has come to an end. It means students will need to read the Highway Code and work out the answers for themselves.

The change comes 15 months after the practical exam was modified to include 10 minutes of “independent driving”, where candidates must navigate their way to a local landmark using road signs, rather than just following turn-by-turn instructions from the examiner.

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said: "By bringing a stop to publication of theory test questions and answers we aim to encourage candidates to prepare by learning each topic area thoroughly, rather than just memorising the answers.

"The intention is to improve candidates' knowledge and understanding of driving theory, so that they are more able to retain and apply it when they are on the road."