OWT is the module in the DLR test that most closely simulates what pilots do every day: reading instruments, memorizing values, and reporting them accurately. It sounds familiar—but only at first glance. That’s because the display time is short, the scales have gaps, and you have to find and read exactly the right four values from a 3×3 matrix of instruments. Those who are familiar with the format and train systematically can score well here.
What is the OWT test?
OWT stands for Optical Perception Test and is one of the ten modules of the DLR Cockpit Certificate. It tests the ability to quickly and accurately process visual information from instrument-like displays, retain it in memory, and reproduce it correctly.
The connection to the cockpit is immediate: Pilots constantly read instruments—under time pressure, with limited viewing time per display, and often while performing other tasks simultaneously. The OWT simulates exactly this requirement in a standardized format and is thus one of the most practical modules of the entire test.
Format and Procedure
An OWT session works like this:
- You see a 3×3 matrix of nine pointer instruments —that is, nine displays simultaneously on the screen
- Each instrument has a pointer whose position indicates a value between 1 and 8
- The instruments differ in two characteristics: color (black or white) and shape (round or square)—resulting in four types: black-round, black-square, white-round, white-square
- Your task: read and memorize the values of exactly these four relevant instruments
- The matrix is displayed only for a short time —then it disappears
- Then enter the values you read from the four instruments
- The challenging elements: The scales of the instruments have gaps —not all positions are marked, which makes accurate reading more difficult
The real challenge lies in the interplay of several factors: During the brief display time, you must first identify the four relevant instruments in the matrix—by color and shape—and then read and memorize their pointer values. All at the same time, before the display disappears.
What the test really measures
- Selective visual attention: Quickly filtering out the four relevant instruments from a matrix of nine—based on color and shape
- Precise reading under time pressure: Quickly and accurately estimating pointer positions on incomplete scales
- Visual short-term memory: Retaining four read values until the input screen appears
- Processing speed: The entire sequence—identifying, reading, memorizing—must be completed in a very short time
The OWT thus combines several cognitive demands into a single task: visual search, metric reading, and short-term memory. Anyone who neglects one of these components will also fail in the others.
The most common mistakes in the OWT
1. Spending too much time searching for the relevant instruments
Anyone who has to laboriously search for the four relevant instruments in the matrix loses valuable seconds before the actual reading begins. The four types—black round, black square, white round, white square—must be recognized automatically so that the search takes hardly any time.
2. Not paying enough attention to incomplete scales
Those accustomed to reading scales with complete markings underestimate the gaps in the OWT. A pointer between two marked positions must be interpolated—without training, this takes more time than expected and leads to reading errors.
3. Not paying attention to the order of entry
When the input screen appears, the four values must be entered in a specific order or sequence. Those who do not pay attention to the later sequence while memorizing will make mistakes during entry—even if the values themselves were correctly memorized.
4. Allowing too little time for memorization
Some candidates read the four values—and realize, as the display disappears, that they’ve already forgotten the first ones. Reading and active memorization must happen simultaneously, not sequentially.
Specific Training Tips for OWT
Tip 1: Develop a fixed scanning path
Develop a fixed order in which you scan the matrix—for example, always the black instruments first, then the white ones, or always from top left to bottom right. A fixed scanning path dramatically reduces search time because you don’t have to decide where to start each time.
Tip 2: Actively practice reading incomplete scales
Interpolating pointer positions on incomplete scales requires practice—it is a distinct skill that differs from reading fully labeled scales. During training, consciously focus on the gaps and automate quick estimation.
Tip 3: Verbally articulate values immediately
As soon as you read a value, say it out loud in your head immediately—”black round: 5, black square: 3…” This anchors the values in your phonological working memory and relieves the purely visual channel, which is already busy with further reading.
Tip 4: Train speed and accuracy in parallel
As with other DLR modules, the following applies: Those who train only for accuracy will be too slow on test day. Those who train only for speed will make too many reading errors. Both components must be developed together from the very beginning.
How to integrate OWT into your preparation
OWT is a module that benefits greatly from familiarity with the format—those who are well-versed in the structure of the matrix and the logic of the four instrument types already have an advantage. Recommended structure:
- Weeks 1–2: Get to know the format, develop a scanning path, practice reading gap scales
- Weeks 3–5: Increase pace, automate verbalization strategy
- Weeks 6–8: Practice OWT under full pressure—after other modules, not just when you’re fresh and rested
On DLR-TEST.TRAINING, you train OWT in the authentic format—3×3 matrix, four instrument types, incomplete scales, short display time. The adaptive stage system automatically shortens the display time and increases the scale difficulty as you progress.
Go directly to OWT training: app.dlr-test.training →OWT
Train for OWT now
Authentic instrument matrix, incomplete scales, time pressure — practice reading instruments just like in the real test.
Frequently asked questions about the OWT test
Why are the scales incomplete?
The gaps in the scales are a deliberate challenge — they force you to quickly interpolate rather than simply reading a marked position. This simulates realistic cockpit conditions, where instruments rarely point exactly to a scale mark.
Do I have to read all nine instruments?
No—only the four relevant types (black-round, black-square, white-round, white-square). The remaining five instruments in the matrix are distractors. A quick, reliable scanning path that immediately identifies the relevant four is crucial.
What happens if I forget a value?
You enter what you know—forgotten values are counted as incorrect. That’s why the verbalization strategy is so important: say the values out loud to yourself immediately after reading them, rather than reading all four first and then trying to remember them all at once.
Does experience with analog instruments help?
Generally, yes—those who read analog clocks, pressure gauges, or similar pointer instruments in everyday life will find it easier to get started. But even without this prior experience, OWT can be learned well with targeted training.