Taking the theory element of the driving test can be a nerve-wracking ordeal for many, particularly those who are not as computer literate as they would like. Michael McAleer tests some theories on today's theoretical driving test
It's hair-raising enough to be faced with the task of taking to the roads in one-tonne of potentially high-speed steel that requires the feet of a ballet dancer and the hands of a surgeon to control, but before you even get that far, they require you to sit in front of a computer and answer multiple questions on road signs and various traffic scenarios.
For some unfortunates, this theoretical part is more daunting than the driving test itself.
So, thankfully, some thought has been given to the matter and there are now a number of CD-Rom aids to help pupils get acquainted with taking a computer-generated exam.
We've taken a look at two of the CD-ROMs on offer and found them very helpful, if a little unnerving - we need to brush up on our rules of the road. The first CD-Rom we tested was The Driving Quiz in Pictures, on sale in numerous bookshops and priced at €25. Published by Patrick J Slattery it contains four preparation levels and a random test.
Aimed at complementing the Official Driving Theory Test, the CD-Rom features multiple choice questions, similar to those in the real exam, but with traffic images to put the questions into real life perspective.
According to Slattery, the information and learning gained from taking the quizzes is on a par with a library of text books and aids available to the learner driver.
We found the images useful for contextualising the questions, and the feedback and score tally was informative and helpful.
However, one criticism of this CD is that the questions are written in official driving school-speak.
We would have preferred shorter, more succinct answer options. A great deal of our time was spent re-reading the possible answers.
The problem with this is that the actual test questions are nowhere near as confusing or long-winded as these. If you were unaware of the format for the exam and went first to this CD, you may be scared off, and end up spending the rest of your life on public transport.
The graphics are a long way from Playstation, or even Pac-Man, but you don't buy a driving school CD-Rom for the quality of the software.
The second CD we tested was The Official Driver Theory Test. Retailing in bookshops at €15, we found it very useful and the better of the two. It contains the bank of questions used by the Driver Theory testing service in the real test.
If the dust cover is to be believed, this CD contains every question you may be asked on the test.
The questions were very clear and understandable, the graphics simple yet precise, and the options were impressive.
Like the other CD, there are various preparation levels available. However the Official CD also contains separate questions for those intending to drive mopeds, motorcycles, work vehicles, trucks or buses.
For those who are more afraid of the computer than the test, this CD is a must, for the questions are asked in the same format and using the actual screen layout of the theory test.
It also comes with the same narration, and voice, as in the real test. We found the questions far more understandable and tightly written and the images directly related to the questions at hand.
Overall, the various CD-Roms on offer are a helpful addition to the profusion of books all aimed at helping you get through the test, and of course lightening your wallet in the process.
For the computer literate it's a handy and efficient way to cram for the exam. For luddites, it offers the chance to overcome the fear of all things technical, get a feeling for the exam and at the same time practise the questions.