Friday 05 September 2014
Guernsey Press enquiry:
BBC News in the Isle of Man ran this story on driving theory tests - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-isle-of-man-28897039
What are the key differences with this test compared to the current one? How much did it cost to develop? How many people take the test each year? What were the main reasons for its introduction? Also could the department confirm that it will take effect in Guernsey from Thursday 4 September?
We would like to take the test for the article, are we able to access it online or have a copy of the CD?
Environment Department response:
The Environment Department currently uses an ageing question bank of theory test questions previously provided by the UK's Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). However, in order to update the questions and reduce copyright costs, the governments from the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey decided to set about developing their own database of theory test questions. The collaboration required a certain amount of staff input from across the Islands into question design and testing and this has helped to reduce the cost of the project at a time of budget restraint. The Environment Department's financial contribution has amounted to just £8,000 towards the production of a completely new database of questions.
However, Guernsey uses different theory IT software to run its tests and therefore it will need to import all of the data into its current system and test it before the new questions are used. Therefore, it is anticipated that the new questions will not be used in the live environment until later in the year.
The general format of the theory test will remain unchanged. Details of the test can be found at http://www.gov.gg/theorydrivingtests
Included as part of the joint project is the production of a theory test CD featuring questions and hazard perception clips, which candidates will be able to purchase so drivers can practice before taking the theory test. This CD includes additional information and explanations, so anyone clicking a wrong answer can discover why it is incorrect and be guided towards the right answer. The new CD will include specific questions that are relevant to local driving on each Island, as well as on a wide range of subjects, some of which will be related to driving in the UK or abroad. People will be able to choose which island they live in - and selecting 'Guernsey' will ensure that no questions specific to Jersey or Isle of Man will appear.
The Guernsey theory test does not currently include the hazard perception part of the test as per the UK and the Isle of Man, only the multiple choice questions, but the Department plans to introduce this at some point in the future.
Details of when the new database will be coming into force and how and where the CD's can be purchased will be issued in due course.
Contact Information:
Karl Guille, Traffic and Transport Services Manager
Environment Department
Tel: 243400
