Statistical Analysis of UK Theory Test

RED undertook analysis of the UK Driving Theory Test, ensuring the test was fair and equittable for all candidates. The theory test is intended to ensure that all new drivers have a certain basic level of knowledge of UK traffic regulations and have a basic awareness of roadcraft.

The theory test has three sections:

• The Multiple Choice Test,
• The Hazard Perception Test and
• Case Studies

As the name suggests, the Multiple Choice Test (MCT) consists of a series of multiple-choice questions that candidates must answer, in order to demonstrate their knowledge of the Highway Code and other issues relevant to driving on the roads in the UK. RED was tasked with ensuring that the questions asked performed as expected and that the various test forms used for the different vehicle categories (Car, Motorcycle, LGV, HGVs, etc) were all of equal difficulty.

The Hazard Perception test requires candidates to watch a short video clip and indicate when they perceive a hazard to driving develops. For each clip, candidates score based on how early they perceived the hazard, with a minimum total score required to pass the test. The test also has in-built algorithms to detect anyone attempting to cheat. RED was tasked with ensuring that clips and test forms were performing as expected.

The Case studies were a later addition to the test and were introduced as part of the Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) for Large Goods Vehicle and Passenger Carrying Vehicle Tests. Case Studies were later extended to the other test categories in a reduced format. RED was required to ensure that the Case Study tests performed in a fair and equitable way.

In addition to our work on the test forms themselves, RED also provided a number of additional services. These included providing training and developing a new system for assessing hazard perception test clips.