Focus Driving Test Success Online

There are many web-based alternatives to traditional software that have the same features but don't need installing, don't take up any space on the PC's hard disk and can be upgraded (or bug-fixed) without you having to do anything.

Driving Test Success Online allows anyone with a web browser and a broadband internet connection to use the same learning materials included in the company's DVD-based all-in-one driving test product. The Theory Test, Hazard Perception and Practical Driving lessons for your chosen vehicle are charged on a subscription basis; a week costs a fiver, a month is £7, six months is £10 and there's a free 15-minute trial so you can take it out for a quick spin before deciding.

The home page is nicely designed and clearly laid out. There's a main menu for accessing your personal details, managing subscriptions (these are the additional question sets for car, motorcycle, Light Goods Vehicle and Passenger Carrying Vehicle) and a learning summary which shows you which sessions and lessons you've completed.

The tests themselves follow the same format as the disc-based versions with plenty of ways to study the material, take timed tests, review results and isolate weak areas so you can brush up on them. While the tests themselves are useful and of a high standard, they could do with better signposting. For example, it's not clear whether the lengthy Introduction to Hazard Perception relates to the real life test or is there to explain how to navigate the online tests (it turns out to be both), which means it's possible to land on the first of these video-based tests and not have a clue what to do.

Elsewhere we felt navigation was inconsistent with links sometimes opening in the same tab or a new one and the Back button variously taking you to the previous page or back to your home page. On smaller screens a lot of the content and controls can't be seen without scrolling.

Taking these tests onto the web makes sense because it's convenient and keeps costs down - however, navigating the site isn't as intuitive as it should be.