Driving Test Success ALL Tests 2008/09 Edition (PC) (DVD-ROM)

Perfect As my daughter is the one who's learning to drive, I thought it made more sense for her to write this review, so here it is... The DVD is really easy to use and provides a lot of useful tools. One thing I particularly noticed which I'm sure wasn't on the previous version was the help with the practical test too. This is particularly beneficial for me as I'm not able to do driving lessons now but it's helping to prepare me for the kind of things I will be learning about and the final test also - I'm sure this section will become even more relevant in the run up to the practical test. Back to theory - the tests have to be the best part in my opinion. It's so easy to go through them again and again and are a useful learning tool; it helps me affirm what I know, what I kind of understand, and what I'm just guessing about so that I can actually have an aim with my studying of the highway code rather than trying to learn it in one go. I have always been daunted by the highway code, but now I combine the tests with the code to break it down into more manageable pieces. I'm learning much quicker too! Also the hazard perception test is good; I'm not always sure what a hazard is and sometimes think a post box is but the huge lorry approaching isn't. So, this part is of particular help because it teaches me about recognising hazards when driving (which I would like to be able to do!). However it would be a bonus (for me, at least) if there could be two possibilities with the hazard perception test - the straightforward test, and then a more learning-as-you-go option, so for example if I signal a hazard when there isn't necessarily one, a little box could appear saying, "This isn't necessarily a hazard", or if it is then, "Yes, that's a hazard". I find it easier to relate if I get this kind of feedback during the test rather than at the end, and then I would be able to prepare myself more so that when I start practising for the test I could turn off this feature and do it without instant feedback. If this already exists, please tell me! Overall I would highly recommend using the DVD for people learning to drive, and I hear it's good for those recapping too. It's easier to manage than the printed highway code in my opinion, not daunting, easy to use and I feel one can learn a lot faster with this interactive style as opposed to reading it all in black and white. It's also preparation for the real thing not just in learning and doing practice tests but in that it is electronic, just as is the exam (to my knowledge), which means you become comfortable with that format and can recall information quickly in that setting, as opposed to trying to translate pages and pages of knowledge. All in all, highly recommended.

Does what it says on the cover - and it's still relevant if you have passed your test This is the new 2008/9 edition. The program says it was 'last updated May 2008' and the content talks of 2007, but it's likely the information is really up to date, as laws change relatively slowly - besides the software can update itself via the internet anyway. Put in the DVD and the program installs quickly and runs perfectly on our Vista & XP gaming PCs, plus there are a few video options that can be set to ensure it all runs smoothly [useful as the training is very video based]. Start it up, and there's a great intro video outlining the reasons to drive safely: 95% of accidents are caused by human factors, seventeen under 25s die every week on the roads in the UK, a learner driver is 7x more likely to have an accident in his first 250 miles on the road. This video mentions research on why under 25s are so at risk, it's because they rely on their good reaction skills too heavily so that they become more aggressive in their attitude. This coupled with their inexperience on the road [hazard perception] is the cause of their notorious high accident rates [particularly among young males]. Whether any young man running this software will take much note of this is debateable, but at least the software might give them a few hazard perception skills and it will certainly help them pass the theory test [this is 'guaranteed' for users of this program] and the main driving test. For older 'safer' experienced drivers there's still much to gain from playing with this software, with it's prime message that "having the right attitude is the key to safe driving". As you would expect, it is very UK orientated, even the English voice-overs. Once past the important intro, there's Theory test help [for the new DSA test], with training and then mock exams. You get similar help with the hazard perception test [which is the main cause of failure prior to the actual driving test]. The hazard perception test includes ten official sample clips [and many more of the same standard]. And finally there's the practical driving test, where you can view 60 video lessons, and there's show me/tell me questions plus a full mock driving test. Even more helpfully there's a lot of text/pictures that includes a Theory test book, all the roads signs you might be asked about, the official highway code, and 'safe driving for life'. There are options for learning when you are on the go, with things like printing out info and putting test/answers on your portable music player. The only downside is that the hazard perception videos are a bit blocky to the point that a distant hazard can be very tricky to perceive - not that you are marked down for it though provided you notice it as it comes nearer [click on it]. All for under a tenner, this is important software for any driver, and pretty essential viewing if your teenage kid is learning to drive. It will be well worth viewing this software yourself if you are teaching your kids to drive [so that you can ram home those safety points]. Great software.

Driving Along This is a comprehensive and weel presented programme aimed at those learning to drive. It is user friendly due to the fact that all of the sections of the test are categorised and there are self assesment oppertunities which allow you to see the progress that you're making. It is all well presented with instructional videos and a very interesting hazard perception simulation. A lot of the questions are challenging and very relevant and there is enough visual stimulation to keep things interesting and dynamic. The videos explaining how to change a tyre and check for oil are very comprehensive so will be helpful to people who have no experience and there is a lot of information on specific signs, laws and rules. It is overall a very sturdy and entertaining way to ohelp pass your driving test - suitable for all ages.

very useful This is useful for learners and also for people who have been driving for years! We found it quite humbling as to how many questions we couldn't answer and we have been driving for over 20 years! Very nicely presented and easy to use.

Rather brilliant PC-ROM helping you to pass the Driving Test the first time. Rather brilliant new product from this well known software brand, this is a complete guide to taking your first driving test, and is fully inclusive of the latest developments in all of the new tests involved, such as Theory, Hazard Perception, and Practical Driving. This is an exciting user friendly CD-ROM with actual real time footage and realistic scenes geared to develop the knowledge needed to pass the new tests in the most coveted position of all: The First Time. It includes a full printable copy of the latest edition of The Highway code, records your scores and tests results, and can gear your future tests to cover any areas of weakness revealed. And, rather brilliantly, it can be used as an application on your iPod, Blackberry or mobile phone in addition to being able to print tests out to take with you in places where the use of these devices is frowned upon. The only downside that I have been able to find with this product, and have encountered after many enjoyable hours of brushing up on my motoring skills is that it is not suitable for use on a Mac. As, however, it run's on every edition of Windows from 'Dinosaur to Vista this seems like a small price to pay. Might be worth checking out though if this is meant as a gift for a loved one.