Driving Theory Test - A Handy Guide To Studying For Perfection

Driving Theory Test Explained

Before any learner driver can take the practical driving test they are first required to take and pass the driving theory test. This is a government issued test that can be taken at one of many centres (consult your driving school for the closest one) and consists of two sections, a multiple choice exam and a hazard perception test.

Studying For Your Test

There a number of ways that you can prepare for these tests through various resources. The first point of contact for advice and driving tips would be your driving instructor during your driving lessons, he or she will have bags of experience and be full of useful hints, tips and support when taking the test. They will also be able to provide you with advice on where you can purchase the best resources from.

It is the opinion of the author that the best guides for these test are a combination of:

• A highway code book - about £3 from all good book shops and will always come in handy, not just when you finish your driving lessons but throughout your life. It is quick and easy to flick through on your lunch-break or on the bus or train. It is full of everything you will need to know about road signs, markings, police signals to name but a few.

• A driving theory test computer software - There are many different types of theory test software available both online or through book shops or Amazon. Make sure that you purchase one that comes with both the multiple choice and hazard perception sections and allows you to practice both sections of the test. The official DSA theory test guide would be my personal recommendation as it also comes with a handy manual.

• If you are lucky enough to own either an iPhone, Blackberry or Android phone, you can download a great app from here. This is a great way to learn on the move or as is convenient as you can brush up all areas of the test, take mock-tests with a 1000 different questions and even have a check list of documents you will need.

The best way to practise the for this test is by doing an hour or so of these different sections each day in the month before your test. I would pick a section in the DSA guidebook and read through each section and then take a quiz on the relevant section. Then note down your score and take the same section in a couple of days. This way you can build up your knowledge and ensure it sticks in your mind. I would also take every spare second to be learning the different signs and road markings by covering over the name and just seeing the image. Why not get a friend or parent to also test you by making you describe/draw a sign for a particular regulation? Also - one of the best methods of learning signs and road markings, is when you are on your journey. If you are on the bus just keep an eye out and mentally note them down... This will also help on your driving lessons. Finally, if you are unsure of anything, ask your driving instructor. Trust me, they will have seen and heard it all before so no question, query or worry will sound stupid to them and they will be able to reassure and answer your question correctly.

Booking Your Test
You can book your theory test online through the DirectGov website and on the day you will need to bring (without exception):

• A valid passport
• Your paper part of the provisional driving licence
• Your provisional card licence.

Failure to bring one of these will result in you not being allowed to take the test and you will have to pay again... so don't forget them!

Taking The Multiple Choice Section

The first section of the test will be the multiple choice test.

The first thing you will see will be a small section asking if you want to do a practice session before you take the real thing. I would strongly recommend you do so that you can get used to the interface and layout of the test. Once you finish these few questions, the test will begin.

You will be presented with 50 questions and a number of possible answers that you must select the correct answer or answers in some cases from.

You don't have to answer the question then and there so you can flag certain questions, which will enable you to come back to them when you have finished the rest of the multiple choice section of the theory test. Some car and motorcycle questions will be given as a case study.

The case study will:
• show a short story that five questions will be based on
• focus on real life examples and experiences that you could come across when driving

In order to pass this section of the test you must complete it within 57 minutes with a score of 43 out of 50. If you are running short of time, you will be shown a warning.

Once you are finished with this section you will be offered a 3 minute screen break before the next section begins.

The Hazard Perception Test

As before, you will see a short video on how the Hazard Perception test works and how to identify if you spot a developing hazard (a mouse click).

You will then be shown a series of small video clips that show every day road scenes that you encounter. Each of these clips will show One hazard but one clip will show two hazards. When you spot a hazard, or a developing hazard, click the mouse to identify this. If you will continually click, or in a pattern, you will see a message that says you have scored zero for the particular clip.

An example of when to click would be when you see a cyclist on the side of the road, he may not be doing anything but by clicking you wouldn't lose any marks.

He then might stick his arm out to indicate he is turning right at a roundabout, this is where the cyclist moves from a potential hazard to a developing hazard as he is going to slow down and potentially move right across the road to make his turn. It is when he signals that you should click again.

When he moves, you should also click again to be sure you have caught the click. To pass the hazard perception test you need to score 44 out of 75 over 14 clips and 15 developing hazards. Once you have finished you should exit the booth and then return to the desk where you checked in. Here you will be informed of your score (confidentially) and if you have passed the test.

If you have failed, you can rebook. But if you have passed you can go on to book the practical section over the phone or online.

There you have it. The driving theory test explained! We hope this advice has helped and that you will feel better prepared. Just remember, keep calm, ask your driving instructor and practice, practice, PRACTICE!

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