Designing theory tests for those applying to be approved driving instructors

The first Department of Transport Register of Approved Driving Instructors was issued in 1964 and contained at that time over three thousand names. By 1982 this number had increased to twenty-six thousand. In order to be included on the register candidates had to pass a qualifying examination having both theory and practical components. Following a review of the theory paper and the identification of certain weaknesses it was decided to design a replacement test. A multiple-choice objective test was proposed and this report describes how it was developed and evaluated. The method adopted to produce four matched versions of the test is described and the procedures for computer marking and analysis are outlined. The results show that the four tests produced performed with very similar characteristics and provided a consistent measure of attainment for candidates.