A theoretical question
Studying the rules of the road and theory exams are an integral part of the training of future drivers. This is the basis for law-abiding and safe behavior of motorists on the roads. Taking into account the changes in traffic regulations and the advent of new technologies, the theoretical driving test is constantly being improved. Izvestia found out what changes in theory are expected in the future.
From cards to computers
In Soviet times, when computers were a rarity, taking exams for knowledge of traffic rules was in many ways similar to exams at universities. The graduate of the driving school drew a ticket consisting of ten questions and answered them on an ordinary piece of paper, which he then handed over to the traffic police inspector. To be admitted to the test of practical driving skills, it was necessary to correctly answer nine questions on the ticket. The massive transition to theory tests in our country occurred in the early 90s of the 20th century.
Since then, the scheme and methodology of taking exams for knowledge of traffic regulations have been repeatedly transformed: the questions themselves in the tickets have changed, the number of questions that a driver candidate must answer, the number of possible errors in which the exam was considered passed. According to the current rules, during exams at the State Traffic Inspectorate, a graduate of a driving school is asked to answer 20 questions in 20 minutes (five out of four thematic blocks each). If he makes a mistake, the system additionally assigns him five more questions on the same topic and five additional minutes. If questions from different thematic blocks are answered incorrectly, 10 additional questions from these two blocks and ten additional minutes are assigned. Two incorrect answers to questions on the same topic mean that the exam has not been passed. Also, a "failed" grade is given if a total of three mistakes are made or the exam time is exceeded.
Against cramming
According to the State Traffic Inspectorate, now about 40% of the total number of theoretical exams are passed the first time. At the same time, the examination methodology has significant reserves for further optimization, the department notes. According to the head of the Department for the organization of examination activities and the provision of public services of the Main Directorate for Road Safety (GUOBDD) Police Colonel Nikolai Gilyakov of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, given the relatively small number of exam tasks, graduates of driving schools have the opportunity to memorize the correct answers. Their publication in the public domain on information resources also contributes to this. Driving school teachers often organize the learning process based on examination tasks and answers, rather than legislation and practices in the field of road safety and traffic regulations.
— Improving the procedures for conducting the theoretical part of the exam is to make it possible to assess not how well a candidate for driver memorized the correct answers to questions, but to check how well he knows traffic regulations, knows how to navigate the traffic situation, make decisions that are safe for all road users, anticipate and prevent emergency situations, in a word, is he ready to drive a vehicle in modern conditions," Nikolai Gilyakov told Izvestia.
He noted that the modernization of the rules and methods for checking the depth and quality of knowledge gained in driving school from future drivers is a process that never stops. It is based on a thorough analysis of the causes and factors that led to accidents, especially with novice drivers. Of course, when updating curricula and assignments for the theoretical part of the exam, all changes in legislation related to road safety are taken into account, added the head of the Department for the organization of examination activities and the provision of public services of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.
Focus of attention
The State Traffic Inspectorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia emphasizes that one of the priorities is to improve the quality of training by driving schools for drivers of trucks (category C), buses (category D) and rolling stock (categories CE, DE). Driving such vehicles requires drivers not only to have a thorough knowledge of traffic regulations and the ability to apply them competently in a real road environment, but also specific knowledge and skills.
For example, heavy truck drivers need to know how to properly place and secure cargo in the back of the car, and be able to do this, the State Traffic Inspectorate notes. After all, if it is positioned incorrectly, it will lead to a violation of the stability and controllability of the vehicle, causing an increased load on one or another axle of the truck. And if you are negligent about securing the load securely, then when braking or maneuvering, it may well shift and fall out of the body onto the roadway, causing an accident.
A separate conversation is about the observance of work and rest conditions by drivers of trucks and buses. It is not difficult to imagine the severe consequences that can result from a person who falls asleep at the wheel of a multi-ton truck or bus with dozens of passengers inside. That is why, when training drivers for the "cargo" and "bus" categories, special attention should be paid to these issues, the State Traffic Inspectorate notes. In addition, future bus drivers should have stable first aid skills and knowledge: there is a possibility that their passengers may need it.
Additional attention should be paid to the rules of transportation of children when preparing motorists for exams, according to the State Traffic Inspectorate. The driver must be able to install a child restraint in the car, know and understand the specifics of transporting underage passengers, depending on their age and build. He should also be aware that if there are young passengers in the vehicle, the driving style and pace of movement should be as calm and balanced as possible, eliminating even in theory the possibility of dangerous and reckless maneuvers.
An important aspect of the training and theoretical exam is the psychological preparation of future drivers, the Traffic Police emphasize. A person driving a vehicle should be aware that a car, motorcycle, and even more so a truck or bus is not a toy, but a source of increased danger. It is on the driver's compliance with traffic regulations, his experience, skills and condition that not only his life and health depend, but also the life and health of passengers, pedestrians and other road users.
The work will continue
Adapting the training of future drivers and taking theoretical exams from them to the new realities is a constant job, the main goals of which are to reduce accident rates, reduce the number of accidents, the number of dead and injured people, and improve road safety, the State Traffic Inspectorate notes.
— The processes and procedures for the candidate's admission to driving are constantly being improved based on statistics and indicators of road safety. The main task is to ensure that the future driver does not just know traffic regulations, but is able to competently use this knowledge and acquired skills in real road conditions, promptly assess the road situation, choose the best course of action, which, in turn, will contribute to improving safety on Russian roads," said the head of the department for organizing examination activities and providing Nikolay Gilyakov, the State Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.
The material was created as part of the implementation of the federal project "Road Safety" of the national project "Infrastructure for Life".
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