CPD assessment exam

Dont forget you can revert to the I.M. as you are doing the test,

I must admit, some questions are deep and one I thought was no longer in manual but a pass is a pass !

I decided to go with ABC Awards, no special reason, I was having a look at all the ‘providers’ and theirs just seemed the most attractive somehow and easy to navigate. I went with exam only, but I could see how it might be beneficial to take a pre-test training course with the same company if even the slightest bit unsure.

The questions were not as straightforward as I thought they might have been, many requiring a bit of confirmation from the manual for things like dates, and specific detail that we mostly, during the working day don’t need to use. So take a bit of time to set your stall out so that you can navigate your way around.
Have a couple of ‘Windows’ open. I suggest the Inspection Manual at least! Researching stuff on-the-spot will gobble up your time. There was the facility to ‘log-out’ and continue later but I never used that so can’t comment. And there was a constant display showing what question I was on and how long I had left. There was the facility to go back and change any answer once the test was completed but you could not progress forward by leaving something blank.

And then it happened! About two thirds through (on time and questions) my lap-top crashed. In spite of my best efforts to recover and continue I was stuffed. So I rang ABC who were engaged. Time to collect my thoughts, calm down, and make a few notes (time, progress etc. etc). Finally got through and explained my position. I have to say they were very understanding and positive. I told them where I was up to (some of which they could see from their end) and we agreed that I should be ‘credited’ with another 17mins to allow me to finish.
Heat off, I made a cup of tea and continued two days later. They sent a ‘link’ through to my mail box which allowed me to continue.

Technically, there was no need for me to continue as I found out through an automated e-mail that I had reached the pass-mark at the point of crash. But having paid my thirty five quid, I wanted my monies-worth and was equally curious to see what happened next. The moral of this bit is write the providers hotline number down before you start!

E-invoice and certificate were received and results by category were visible, post-test.


Only two negative things to say:-

1. Some of the questions were too ambiguous (some of you guys have said this already elsewhere; quite right)
2. (Re: ABC Awards) The only way I could see how to pay was via PayPal but as that suited me I didn’t pursue it.


For ‘B’ category (Class 3,4,5,7) I suggest a revision programme of:-

1. Bonnet
2. View-rear
3. Wipe/Wash
4. General standards and procedures
5. H/L aim
6. W/screen
7. Planning
8. Recording
9. Special notices

.........based on my experiences.


Happy Hooting!

Is that correct with the actual exam when using the IMi, I knew it was when in 'free' mode, I think that's bordering on cheating if it is ??

Just keep trying until you get 100% then submit ?

Ive done the the real test about 20 times and the quys in work and the wife had a go also and got a pass.
and doubt you will get 100% as i have now found 3 wrong questions, you have to give a wrong answer to get a point on them !
Dvsa can add another dysfunctional service to the list of comedy errors.
Great quality system of assessment Dvsa have provided thats sure to raise testing standards and improve road safety !!!!!!

Couldn't agree more about correcting what we got wrong - How are we supposed to improve that area if not trained how to.

I'm not against self training but there has to be some effort from their side too.

That explains a lot !

Thought I was losing the plot

Just pinged e-mail to DVSA regarding the general ambiguities of the test (as I'm sure some of the other council members have).

ABC Awards would not forward a set of questions for me (us) to put under the microscope which is understandable.

DVSA are now aware that some candidates are holding-back from taking the test so it needs sorting out.