Driving Standards Agency announces that it will refrain in future from publishing questions from its driving theory test.

Driving theory students will no longer be able to access previous test questions under new rules launched by the DSA.

The news has been announced that learner drivers preparing for their driving theory tests will no longer be able to get their hands on test questions previously published as part of the multiple choice exam.

Justification for the restrictions has been explained as a means of challenging learners to actively apply the principles rather than simply learning prior questions from memory. Members of the DSA believe that in ending the publishing of previous theory test questions they will assist the next generation of drivers in becoming more aware of how theory is applied to real driving situations. This has the added benefit of preventing those sitting the test from simply learning answers in order to tick the correct box and pass without truly grasping the material.

The alterations will come into play in September 2011 when the format of the test preparation materials available will be changed to accommodate the new rules. From 1st January 2012 they intend to ban any further publishing of test questions. This will also mean that other companies publishing test preparation materials will no longer be able to access previous test questions.

Mike Penning, Minister for Road Safety said of the changes: “I believe that this – along with the other changes we are making to the driving test regime – will lead to better drivers and safer roads.”