Those who leave studying for their driving test to the last minute, may find themselves caught out.

　　The pass rate for the amended theory test in Yuyang City of East China’s Zhejiang Province hasfallen to 10% compared with 80% under the old test.

　　One resident said, "For people like us who have never driven before, it’s really hard to understandall the concepts."One candidate said, "The questions are very open. And there are some new points not covered inthe textbooks or on the internet."The new theory test is divided into five parts and almost half of it is presented in graphics.

　　The questions are set in real-time situations which require more than just memorizing information.

　　Yan Qing, Traffic Management bureau of Jiangjin, said, "Because there’s no template test online, candidates won’t be able to pass this test by just memorising answers. They’ll have to learn therelevant rules, familiarise themselves with technical terms and try to understand them."Last Friday, the new practical driving test came into effect. Here at the test area in Chongqing, onlyone third of candidates passed. The test is more practical and more rigorous.

　　One difference is that there are no longer helpful reference markings to refer to when reversing, aswas the case under the previous test.

　　By Monday, however, the practical pass rate had already climbed back up to 49%. Under the newregulations, using a handheld cellphone is prohibited whilst driving, and blue tooth headsets arebecoming a must-have for drivers.

　　However, experts say, even with the headsets, calling or answering a cellphone whilst driving couldstill potentially distract drivers.

　　So to make sure you don’t lose your license, it’s better and safer for you to use your cellphoneafter you’ve stopped the vehicle.

　　According to the latest official statistics, road accidents in major cities like Beijing have decreasedsince the new regulations took effect.