Pearson Wins DSA Contract

Pearson PLC
06 November 2003


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
6 November 2003


                      PEARSON WINS DRIVER TESTING CONTRACT
                     FOR GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND

Pearson, the international media and education company, today announced that its
professional testing business has been awarded a seven-year contract with the
Driving Standards Agency (DSA) of Great Britain and the Driver and Vehicle
Testing Agency (DVTA) of Northern Ireland.


Under the contract, Pearson Assessments & Testing will administer and process
the results of the driving theory section of the driving licence examination,
beginning in September 2004.  Candidates will take the computerised theory test
at more than 150 examination centres throughout England, Scotland, Wales and
Northern Ireland.


Over 1.6 million theory tests are taken in the UK each year.  Since 1996, new
learner drivers have had to pass the driving theory test, which covers all
aspects of driving theory relating to road safety and driver attitude, before
booking their practical test.  In January 2000 the pen and paper test was
replaced by a multi-media computerised test.  Since November 2002 the test has
included a hazard perception section, with a selection of film clips showing
real road scenes and potential hazards.


DSA's Chief Executive Gary Austin and DVTA's Chief Executive Stanley Duncan
issued a joint statement which said "Our selection of Pearson to fulfil this
important role reflects our confidence in Pearson's ability to meet our current
and future needs, and to work collaboratively with us to advance our road safety
mission."


Clive Hay-Smith, President of Pearson Assessments & Testing, said: "DSA and DVTA
are pioneers in computer-based testing. We are honoured to be entrusted with
this contract and thrilled that they have recognized our investments and skills
in online assessment."


Ends


For more information:


Luke Swanson / Charlotte Elston       Pearson          + 44 (0) 20 7010 2310


Notes to editors:

1.      The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is an executive agency of the
        Department for Transport, and is part of the Driver, Vehicle and 
        Operator (DVO) group of organisations within the Department.

•       The Agency's aim is to promote road safety through improving driving
        standards, testing drivers and riders fairly and efficiently, 
        maintaining the registers of Approved Driving Instructors and Large 
        Goods Vehicle Instructors and supervising basic training for learner 
        motorcyclists.

•       DSA achieved formal accreditation as an Investor in People in July
        2000.

•       It is one of the first Government Agencies to introduce an 'on-line'
        booking service at  www.dsa.gov.uk


2. Pearson Assessments and Testing is the professional and educational testing
division of Pearson Education, the world's leading education company.  Its
customers include global corporations such as Microsoft, IBM, Cisco and Sun
Microsystems as well as the US National Council of State Boards of Nursing and
the National Association of Securities Dealers.  Pearson also provides testing
services for more than 20 US states and the US Department of Education.  In the
UK, Pearson is one of the major academic and vocational testing organizations
through a partnership with Edexcel, a leading UK examinations board.


Pearson Education is in turn part of Pearson (LSE: PSON; NYSE: PSO), the
international media and education company.  Pearson's primary operations also
include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.


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            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange