Product Reviews

this latest driving tuition software is its Theory Questions. This contains the complete official 2004-2005 database of multiple-choice questions and answers set by the Driving Standards Agency for both car and motorcycle examinations. It also has helpful introductory material and explanations provided by BSM, the UK's largest and longest-established driver training organisation.

There are two testing modes. In one, you attempt questions on a single topic and are given instant feedback as to whether your answers were right or wrong. The other is representative of the real test in that

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questions are drawn at random and you discover your mistakes only at the end of the test. Although the program contains explanations for every question you are shown them only when your answer is incorrect or incomplete.

The 'Show Me, Tell Me' option on the main menu accesses a guide to the latest addition to the practical driving test, designed to ensure that new drivers know how to check that their vehicles are safe for use. Again the CD-ROM contains the official DSA questions with BSM's explanations of the right answers. A third section provides preparation for the Hazard Perception test and covers traffic signs, signals and markings, how to take account of road, weather and traffic conditions, awareness of other road users and the all-important skill of prioritising hazards. The fourth and final component is a Sign Checker.

The program maintains results for multiple users and you can consult your User profile to check your progress. This is an excellent product but it loses marks because although it claims to run under Windows 98, many users will have to download the latest version of the Windows Media Player to run the crucial Hazard Perception section.