03/03/2009
Harder Road To Get 'On The Buses'
Aspiring bus, coach and lorry drivers in NI will have a new theory test to do from next week. As of 10 March, a number of additional theory questions will be introduced for all such drivers.
NI Driver & Vehicle Agency Chief Executive Brendan Magee explained: "These changes aim to further improve road safety and driving standards for bus, coach and lorry drivers.
"The changes represent a step change in our approach to delivering drivers to the standard needed by the road freight and passenger transport sectors".
Drivers will be tested on 100 questions and need to correctly answer 85 to pass the multiple-choice part of the test.
Currently drivers get 60 questions and need to score 51 out of 60 to pass.
The number of hazard perception clips will also increase from 14 to 19 and the pass mark will increase from 50 out of 75, to 67 out of 100.
The other change, which is being made at the request of the industry, is to split the test into two parts.
This will allow candidates to take the multiple-choice element separately from the hazard perception element - in either order.
This change aims to avoid potential recruits being put off entering the industry due to the length of the test as a single event.
To accommodate the changes, the cost of the theory test will increase from £32 to £50 (£35 for the multiple choice test and £15 for the hazard perception test) for those taking their test from the 10 March. Tests can be booked separately.
(BMcC/JM)
NI Driver & Vehicle Agency Chief Executive Brendan Magee explained: "These changes aim to further improve road safety and driving standards for bus, coach and lorry drivers.
"The changes represent a step change in our approach to delivering drivers to the standard needed by the road freight and passenger transport sectors".
Drivers will be tested on 100 questions and need to correctly answer 85 to pass the multiple-choice part of the test.
Currently drivers get 60 questions and need to score 51 out of 60 to pass.
The number of hazard perception clips will also increase from 14 to 19 and the pass mark will increase from 50 out of 75, to 67 out of 100.
The other change, which is being made at the request of the industry, is to split the test into two parts.
This will allow candidates to take the multiple-choice element separately from the hazard perception element - in either order.
This change aims to avoid potential recruits being put off entering the industry due to the length of the test as a single event.
To accommodate the changes, the cost of the theory test will increase from £32 to £50 (£35 for the multiple choice test and £15 for the hazard perception test) for those taking their test from the 10 March. Tests can be booked separately.
(BMcC/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 December 2002
Onscreen hazard testing for NI learner drivers
Learner drivers in Northern Ireland will soon be experiencing onscreen testing of their reactions to real hazards as part of revisions to the driving test. From January, candidates taking the 35-question driving theory test will also have to complete a separate hazard perception test.
Onscreen hazard testing for NI learner drivers
Learner drivers in Northern Ireland will soon be experiencing onscreen testing of their reactions to real hazards as part of revisions to the driving test. From January, candidates taking the 35-question driving theory test will also have to complete a separate hazard perception test.
16 September 2002
Larne test centre receives top quality award
Management and staff of the Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency’s Larne Test Centre have received a top award in recognition of their achievements from Environment Minister Dermot Nesbitt today.
Larne test centre receives top quality award
Management and staff of the Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency’s Larne Test Centre have received a top award in recognition of their achievements from Environment Minister Dermot Nesbitt today.
10 May 2021
DVA Re-Opens Practical Driving Test Booking System
The DVA has re-opened its practical driving test booking system with more capacity. A priority booking system has been in place since 26 April 2021. Those customers affected by the restrictions and who had their appointments cancelled were given first access to the booking system.
DVA Re-Opens Practical Driving Test Booking System
The DVA has re-opened its practical driving test booking system with more capacity. A priority booking system has been in place since 26 April 2021. Those customers affected by the restrictions and who had their appointments cancelled were given first access to the booking system.
29 May 2012
Shake-up For Learner Drivers In The Pipeline
The Environment Minister has tabled plans that amount to a radical shake-up of the rules for learner drivers. Teenagers could be able to get behind the wheel at the age of 16-and-a-half, and the 45mph speed limit for new drivers could be scrapped.
Shake-up For Learner Drivers In The Pipeline
The Environment Minister has tabled plans that amount to a radical shake-up of the rules for learner drivers. Teenagers could be able to get behind the wheel at the age of 16-and-a-half, and the 45mph speed limit for new drivers could be scrapped.
04 June 2010
'L-Drivers' Face Tougher Test
Learner drivers in NI face changes to both their driving and theory tests. The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) plans to implement changes to the driving and theory tests over the coming months.
'L-Drivers' Face Tougher Test
Learner drivers in NI face changes to both their driving and theory tests. The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) plans to implement changes to the driving and theory tests over the coming months.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.