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The theory test

One significant area of change has been in preparation for hazard perception. Whereas in 2004 only 41% felt that candidates were well prepared for HPT, this year more than two thirds (68%) felt this was the case. The help given in preparation from ADIs no doubt played a part, as over 80% of ADIs stated that they helped their candidates prepare for their theory test (83% for multiple choice and 85% for HPT). Of those who helped their candidates prepare, three quarters used DSA produced materials to do so.

The practical test

Waiting times and the availability of tests remained an issue for many ADIs. Although satisfaction with waiting times was low at 34%, this does represent a significant improvement on last year’s figures. However, over half of ADIs (54%) were dissatisfied with waiting times, with an even greater proportion (58%) being dissatisfied with the wait for re-tests. More positively, eight out of ten ADIs were satisfied with the distance travelled to the test centre they used most regularly.

Awareness of DSA produced preparation materials was very high. Around two thirds of ADIs stated that they would recommend these materials to their pupils, with the Official Guide to Learning to Drive book and the Official Guide to Learning to Drive DVD being the best regarded.

Although almost three quarters of respondents felt that the driving test report was useful in helping candidates understand the outcome of their test, its clarity was less well regarded, with 60% believing that the explanation of ratings was clear and half that the report was easy for candidates to understand. Most ADIs felt that post-test feedback was helpful (74%) and that examiners give sufficient oral feedback following tests (72%). Satisfaction with practical test feedback

Driving Test Report

The report is useful in helping candidates understand the outcome of the test. The report is easy for candidates to understand. The explanation of the ratings is clear.

Oral Feedback

Examiners give sufficient feedback after the test Post-test oral feedback helps candidates understand the outcome of their test.Candidates feel able to ask examiners questions about the test and feedback

Examiners

ADIs’ opinions of examiners remained largely the same as in 2004. Most respondents (87%) felt that examiners give sufficient explanation prior to the test and that examiners are polite (83%). Overall, three quarters of ADIs were satisfied with the attitude of examiners towards candidates (75%) and instructors (74%). Statistical analysis showed that, in the opinion of ADIs, examiners putting candidates and their ease and being friendly were their most important attributes. In relations with instructors, being polite and, to a lesser extent, friendly, had the greatest impact on overall satisfaction with examiners.

The local test centre

Only 5% of ADIs stated they had not visited a test centre in the past month. Over half (61%) visited more than twice a month. Overall, almost three quarters of ADIs (74%) were satisfied with the service they received at the centre. The most positively rated aspect overall was the information provided, with 79% being satisfied with this. Just over half (56%) were satisfied with the facilities, with over a third (38%) stating that they were dissatisfied. Statistical analysis showed that satisfaction with the facilities had the greatest impact on overall satisfaction with the local test centre. In addition, when asked to state one thing to change about practical tests, improving facilities was the most commonly mentioned area.