Who are the DSA?
The Driving Standards Agency are the people we go to when we want to take a test in a car, on a bike, in a bus or lorry. Nearly two million car tests were taken in 2005/2006, a further 113,000 vocational licence tests with nearly 100,000 bike tests taken in that same period. The DSA are responsible for the standards of driving tests in the UK. Although the statistics for the amount of tests taken are here, it doesn’t tell us how many were actually passed! The DSA.
What do they do?
Well these guys devise and conduct all of the driving tests in the UK. They govern the instructors and the information that the instructors teach their pupils. The DSA site (far easier to use than VOSA) is a wealth of information.
What’s there for you?
On the site are some really excellent tools, whether you have passed your PSV or are looking to see how much you still know it’s all here. There’s a section where you can retake your theory test and there are two practise tests available, but they haven’t been updated since March 17th 2006. Although the tests have been there a while if you haven’t done it give it a go. In another piece for this site I mentioned that I had taken the test again and passed. It’s a lovely feeling to sit back and think, “I’ve still got it.” Also, if you’re thinking of expanding your driving knowledge the Lorry Theory Test is also on this page. I did ok, but failed! I don’t know how to rope and sheet! Passed my practise car test, failed my practise Bike test. Perhaps I should work on them?
The tests take about 45 minutes each so it is worth doing just to see if there are any improvements you can make to your driving or equally inflate your ego with your superior knowledge! If you fail it tells you which questions you failed on. Pick up ‘The Official Theory Test for Drivers of Large Vehicles’ if you did. PSV questions that are specific to PSV drivers used to be marked with a little bus but it seems that's all changed. The new book, which I bought today, is totally different and in my humble opinion harder to understand with lots of new questions. Buy the book is one place where the book can be purchased from, but Waterstones and WHSmiths in my local High Street stock it, so try there or other similar bookshops first. Saves postage and packing! The new book was published in April this year and retails at £14.99.
More Good reading
Another great book to read, for the new or old driver is here. The Official Guide to Driving Coaches and Buses. My edition is from 1999 and cost £12.99. Very out of date! Again, not much different to the newer version but it is always worth having an up to date copy. If, like me, you are low on funds (This website is costing me a fortune!) join together with a few friends at work and buy the book between you. Set up a study group during your break or on a rest day. Get together, have a few drinks and test each other. £15 between 6 is £2.50 each, and when you’re done, hand it down to that newer driver with a smile. Alternatively, if you’d like help we plan to set up a specific forum/chat room to aid and assist new drivers. There is nothing to stop older more experienced drivers joining in, see if you can catch me out!!
Forms
Forms and applications for tests can be downloaded from here along with an information sheet on how to pass your test. Older drivers, have a read, just to see what’s changed, because believe me since ’93, it’s changed! You can also book your test on this page, with a helpline to find your nearest test centre.
Road Safety
Although a short piece, which I feel could have been expanded on further, read Road Safety. It covers what the DSA are doing to insure road safety. Always a good thing to have under your belt so read it carefully and understand it. There are several headings about ‘Arrive Alive’ ‘Work related road safety’ and other relevant topics so it’s a case of reading each of them and taking what you need from each of them. I think one of particular importance is the Road Safety Bill. Read and digest, this has come from The Crown herself!
All in all, the DSA website is really easy to use; the search facility is simple and finds what you want and hopefully is your gateway to better driving. The DSA do not endorse PSVDrivers.com in any way, because they can’t, which is a shitty deal, considering I have to endorse them. They have a good website, great reading material and an easy to understand strategy. This is always a bonus when taking on a task such as learning to drive.
So get reading, get testing yourself and your mates at work and bring your driving back up to ‘first pass’ standards. Remember, it’s not the company licence, it’s yours!
Amanda Smith
PSVDrivers.COM
