Long time drivers - could you pass the modern driving test?

[PaulR]

As per the title. If you've been driving for a while and took the old single part driving test, could you pass the modern two part theory and practical test? Obviously you can't take the practical on-line but here's an official practice theory test:

Take an official free practice driving theory test | DVSA - Safe Driving for Life

I expected to fail but was pleased to find that I passed (46 out of 50). I do think it needs updating though as I thought that hand signal knowledge is no longer required and programming a satnav (eurgh) is coming in.

Just to give the game away my first driving licence was a little red booklet (I still have it somewhere) and my current licence is a green paper one.

 

[Lazarus]

Also 46.

I did an IAM Course once, which was extremely valuable and somewhat reassuring.

 

[Topper]

45 for me but then I have never towed anything in the UK so was not sure

 

[sonnetpete]

Only 43 for me but in my defence I haven't driven in the UK for more than a week in over 15 years. Incidentally, it isn't true that the French theory test includes photos of vehicles on which you have to draw targets...

 

[purplemarina]

Just got 50 sweated a bit on hand signals not a poor memory, but because im so young;) no im not doing the test again!

 

[sonnetpete]

Just got 50 sweated a bit on hand signals not a poor memory, but because im so young

Crikey...I had to do them on my driving test...

 

[PaulR]

It was a hand signal that I thought I had failed my (original real) test with. The examiner asked me to indicate left and, being totally unable to remember the proper signal, swung my left arm in front of the examiner's face.

I passed but have forever remembered the proper signal and was therefore able to answer the sample test question correctly.

 

[Lazarus]

Ditto, Pete: And I nearly failed for having to be reminded to do so.

Worst thing, though, was doing my three-point turn in the street next to my school at break-time when several of my buddies had escaped from lessons to go to the shop.

 

[Topper]

SWMBO just got 45 as well and I forgot to mention we both still have pink fold up paper licenses.

 

[sonnetpete]

TBH, it was the hand signal for a left turn that gave me the most trouble as I had to swap the reins over to my left hand...

 

[Channel Hopper]

My chauffeur just got 52 .

 

[Lazarus]

They didn't test us on this

 

[Archive7]

View attachment 109628 They didn't test us on this

I was wondering who is going to mention this first.

 

[jeallen01]

I don't even want to try - TOO many exams in the past! OTOH, the guy who nearly pulled out in front of me and hit my car on the M4 this afternoon ( a very loud blast on the airhorn stopped him just in time !) probably should take his test again before he actually does

 

[pgh13]

Well, I got a pass with 44, but on reviewing the answers, several of their corrections were what I'd previously answered, so?

OTOH, having done MS exams, etc., with this type of test, you can be coached with the correct answers without knowing the sense behind them.

Still; I've passed the test, so I'm safe, Innit?

 

[pgh13]

View attachment 109628 They didn't test us on this

Ah! the Prince Philip signal.

 

[PaulR]

Ah! the Prince Philip signal.

That would be two fingers.

 

[Llew]

46 here. Failed the two trailer questions, the minimum age for accompanying a learner, and, to my shame, the level crossing one. Thought it was the red lights.

Incidentally, when I took my test in 1959 (in the first Mini in town - not mine, the driving school instructor's), there were no yellow lines and no traffic wardens.
Parking in town was a piece of cake; if there was space at the kerb outside Woolies or M&S, that's where you went (avoiding the eye of the traffic control bobby up the road).

Also, no motorways (M1 hadn't been fully joined up I think). The Great North Road was my idea of a good run out - had to pray my knackered Hillman Minx would last the journey

 

[PaulR]

Failed ... the level crossing one. Thought it was the red lights.

Me too.

 

[sonnetpete]

TBH Llew, I thought the trailer ones were confusing, as there used to be differing limits for single and twin axle trailers (twin axles used to be able to do 70mph on the motorway) . First car I drove as a learner, was my Dad's Singer Gazelle (7216 TE), I was terrified in case I scratched it..