National driving school BSM, part of RAC, has devised a unique and easy way for learners to revise for their theory test using mobile phone technology.
National driving school BSM, part of RAC, has devised a unique and easy way for learners to revise for their theory test using mobile phone technology.
BSM "Theory Mobile" texts learners official Driving Standards Agency theory questions and images, as they would appear in the real test, to their mobile phone. The revision is split into ten modules, the first of which is free* and contains 50 questions. Subsequent modules contain approximately 90 questions and 25 images and cost Ł1.50 each.
The service is available to all learner drivers – not just BSM pupils – and additional features include:
- An opportunity to learn - if a wrong answer is given the right answer is shown with an explanation of how it is formulated
- No hidden costs – users don’t have to subscribe to the service
- Easy access – the mock test appears in the games section of a mobile phone.
Commenting on the "Theory Mobile" launch, Robin Cummins, road safety consultant at BSM, said: “More than 1.25 million learners take their theory test every year at a cost of Ł21 and 35% fail**. This can be down to a lack of preparation but many people also struggle to find a convenient and reliable revision method. Theory Mobile means learners don’t have to persuade a friend or relative to test them but can access a module whenever convenient learn from their mistakes and keep their costs down.”
He added: “BSM recognises that the needs and lifestyles of learner drivers are constantly changing and the ‘Theory Mobile’ product responds to the growing popularity of downloads.”
The "Theory Mobile" technology has been developed with Tribal Cambridge Training and Development and is compatible with WAP enabled colour phones that support Java.
Visit www.bsm.co.uk/theorymobile for more details or text bsm to 80806 to access the initial free* "Theory Mobile" module.
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BSM/RAC Press office contacts:
Lucy Haughey on 01603 354337/07800 160149 and Jenny Chapman on 01603 684224/07800 699668
Notes to editors:
Images of how the test appears on a mobile phone screen are available.
* Standard network charges apply. Please access a free module by texting BSM to 80806.
** Driving Standard Agency figures. In the year 2004/5, of the 1,269,698 people who took the theory test, 452,966 failed.
About BSM
Founded in 1910, BSM is the UK’s most experienced national driving school. Each year it teaches over 170,000 learners how to drive. It has over 100 BSM centres and 3,000 BSM instructors across the UK.
While BSM is best known for teaching learner drivers, it is also one of the largest providers of training for driving instructors. It is a founding member of ORDIT (Official Register of Driving Instructor Training) and plays an active role in lobbying the government on road safety and learner driver related issues. It is the largest driving training organisation of its kind in the world.
About RAC
With around seven million members, RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organizations, providing services for both private and business motorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, windscreen repair and replacement, learning to drive, vehicle inspections, legal and financial services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information - RAC is able to meet motorists’ needs.
Aviva bought RAC last year. The acquisition brings together RAC's powerful brand and customer base with the expertise and leading position in motor insurance of Norwich Union Insurance (part of Aviva). Norwich Union is the UK's largest insurer, insuring one-in-seven motor vehicles and with a market share of around 14%.
About Tribal Cambridge Training and Development
Tribal CTAD, a member of Tribal Group plc, has over 20 years of experience of developing products and services to support learning, from strategy to delivery. They have an international reputation for their work in both conventional and new media, through a unique combination of pedagogical and technological expertise. They are market leaders in the development of m-learning solutions.
Clients include government, local authorities, companies, colleges, broadcasters, e-learning providers and universities.