This blog will explain a little bit about what the theory test is and how to prepare for and pass it.
Learner drivers must pass a Theory Test before they can book their practical driving test. You must have a provisional licence before they can book the theory test. The test can be taken anytime from your 17th birthday onwards.
There are two parts to the theory test:
Multiple Choice questions – 57 minutes to answer 50 questions
Hazard Perception Test – this is about spotting hazards on the road
For the multiple-choice questions, you must correctly answer 43 out of 50 questions., and the pass mark for the Hazard Perception is 44 out of 75. You need to pass both parts at the same time. If you fail one part, you’ll need to retake both parts.
Consequently, it’s important to prepare well for both parts of the test. At a cost of £23 per test, plus the time, effort and expense taken to get to and from the test centre, you don’t want to have to pay for several attempts.
At the time of writing this blog, the pass mark for the theory test has reached the lowest in over a decade. Learners are finding the test increasingly difficult to pass and less than half are passing on their first attempt.
There may be many reasons for this, but one overriding reason is that learner drivers are expected to just ‘get on with it’. They have to take an exam, that’s becoming more difficult, without any help and support. Many driving instructors offer very good advice to their pupils, but they don’t have the time during a driving lesson to really teach the required level of theory knowledge needed to pass the theory test.
Also, once a learner has passed the theory test, lack of understanding means that they don’t relate the information to their actual driving, which defeats the object of taking it. For example, a learner driver may answer a question about road markings accurately, but not know how to read the markings correctly while driving. Or a pupil may know what ‘Aquaplaning’ is not, so they can answer the theory multiple-choice question correctly. But they still don’t know what it is and how they’d deal with it in real life.
The questions in the theory test are based on the information within three books:
- Driving the Essential Skills
- Highway Code
- Know your Traffic Signs
It’s a really good idea to purchase these books to refer to while preparing for the test. The content in the books are also very useful for experienced drivers who’ve passed their test, they include information such as Motorway Driving, Breakdowns and Accidents.
Many pupils will only use an App to help them prepare. There are some very good Apps and they will help, if all sections are completed in full. The problem with only using an App is that full knowledge and understanding is often not gained. Therefore, when a question that’s been covered is phrased in a different way, the pupil cannot answer the question with confidence.
At Spot On, all pupils are given access to the full version on Theory Test Pro. Instructors can see and monitor progress and send messages of advice and encouragement.
To gain a good knowledge and understanding of the theory of driving, and to pass the theory test, it is advised that learners attend a Theory Test Training Course. These can be tailored to the individual, or as part of a group. Some learners might find that a 3-hour course is adequate, especially if they are motivated to study independently. A 10-hour course will cover much more of the syllabus.
A Spot On ‘Theory Test Training Course’ will give learners:
- a fun environment for learning (in the classroom lesson)
- knowledge and understanding of the theory of driving
- techniques for answering multiple-choice questions
- techniques for spotting hazards and scoring high for the hazards
- opportunities to ask questions
- continued support and access to Theory Test for 1 month after attending the course
Classroom lessons are held at our office in Shaftesbury, Dorset or over Skype.
I hope you found this blog useful. If you’d like to book a course or find out more information, please contact us.
Free help and advice, and free limited access to Theory Test Pro, can be found at:
https://theorytesttraining.com/optin25279052
Our Theory Facebook page has hints, tips, questions, videos:
https://www.facebook.com/theorytesttraining/?modal=admin_todo_tour