Driving theory test gets harder

Today, the DSA announced that Britain's driving theory test has just got harder.

The changes, which came into effect yesterday, mean there'll no longer be a pre-published list of questions. That means candidates are encouraged to apply knowledge, not memorise a list of answers.

Road Safety Minister, Mike Penning, says: "The intention is to improve candidates' knowledge and understanding of driving theory, so that they are more able to retain and apply it when they are on the road."

Lots of us at Top Gear HQ ditched their L-plates in the pre-theory days, so - intrigued - we tracked down some of these new questions to see how hard they really are.

Have a squiz at the questions below - all of which are lifted from the new iPhone app from the DSA - and see if you really deserve to be driving on the UK's roads.

Oh, and see if you can spot a few fake answers we've slipped in...

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You keep well back while waiting to overtake a large vehicle. A car fills the gap. You should:

A. Sound your horn

B. Drop back further

C. Flash your headlights

D. Start to overtake

E. Check your glovebox for old sweets

You lose your way on a busy road. What is the best action to take?

A. Stop at traffic lights and ask pedestrians

B. Shout to other drivers to ask them the way

C. Turn into a side road, stop and check a map

D. Check a map and keep going with the traffic flow

E. Plug in your Sat Nav

Are passengers allowed to ride in a caravan that is being towed?

A. Yes, if they are over fourteen

B. No, not at any time

C. Only if all the seats in the towing vehicle are full

D. Only if a stabiliser is fitted

E. Only if you're Paddy Doherty

You must have valid insurance before you can

A. Make a SORN declaration

B. Buy or sell a vehicle

C. Apply for a driving licence

D. Obtain a tax disc

E. Get married

A friend wants to help you learn to drive. They must be

A. At least 21 and have held a full licence for at least one year

B. Over 18 and hold an advanced driver's certificate

C. Over 18 and have fully comprehensive insurance

D. At least 21 and have held a full licence for at least three years

E. Over 14 and have their cycling proficiency certificate

You claim on your insurance to have your car repaired. Your policy has an excess of £100. What does this mean? 

A. The insurance company will pay the first £100 of any claim

B. You will be paid £100 if you do not claim within one year

C. Your vehicle is insured for a value of £100 if it is stolen

D. You will have to pay the first £100 of the cost of repair to your car

E. You can buy 100 packets of Iceland's mini profiteroles

You are driving on a wet road. You have to stop your vehicle in an emergency. You should.

A. Apply the handbrake and footbrake together

B. Keep both hands on the wheel

C. Select reverse gear

D. Give an arm signal

E. Open all windows and flap your arms like a bird

What TWO safeguards could you take against fire risk to your vehicle?

A. Keep water levels above maximum

B. Carry a fire extinguisher

C. Avoid driving with a tank full of petrol

D. Use unleaded petrol

E. Check out any strong smell of petrol

F. Use low octane fuel

G. Do not urinate until your journey has finished

You wish to tow a trailer. Where would you find the maximum noseweight of your vehicle's tow ball?

A. In the vehicle handbook

B. In The Highway Code

C. In your vehicle registration certificate

D. In your licence documents

E. Tattooed on Paddy Doherty

When should you update your Vehicle Registration Certificate?

A. When you pass your driving test

B. When you move house

C. When your vehicle needs an MOT

D. When you have a collision

E. When you run out of toilet tissue