The Theory Test
What is The Theory Test?
Learning to drive is as much about knowing how to be safe on the roads as it is about handling the car.
The Theory Test has been designed to test your 'reading of the road'. You'll learn all about road signs and general road etiquette as well as anticipating hazards.
The fact is, within the first two years of passing your driving test, you're more vulnerable on today's busy roads than more experienced drivers.
As many as 1 in 5 newly qualified drivers has an accident in the first year, with the highest risk being faced by 17 to 25 year olds.
The Theory Test and the new Hazard Perception Test are designed to boost your skills so that you're less likely to be involved in an accident. Research shows that just three hours of hazard perception training can significantly reduce the accident rate of an inexperienced driver.
The Theory Test comes in two parts - there's a Multiple-Choice Section and a Hazard Perception Section, both computer based.
You have to pass both parts of the test at the same session to pass your Theory Test.
You don't need to pass your Theory Test before you can start driving lessons. In fact, it's a good idea to learn the theory while you are learning the practical side of driving as it can bring the subject alive, making it easier to understand and remember.
However, you do have to pass your Theory Test before you can book the Practical Driving Test.
If you want to get a head start, you can actually start learning your theory before you even have your provisional licence, and you can take your Theory Test as soon as you reach your 17th birthday.
What Happens when I Pass the Theory Test?
Once you've passed your Theory Test, we can talk about when you should be ready for your Practical Test.
Naturally, I want you to pass first time, but we both need to be sure that you are ready. Below are a few pointers that could give you that extra edge in your preparations.
When should I take my Test?
You should only take your test when we are both sure that you're ready. As your driving lessons progress, your Personalised Plan will show you how near test standard you are.
It allows me to monitor your progress, showing you where your strengths are and what skills you'll need to improve on to pass your test
What Study Aids are Available?
For a bit of extra help on the practical side, I can provide copies of The Official DSA Guide to Driving - The Essential Skills, The Practical Test for Car Drivers and The Theory Interactive DVD. They are all really useful step-by-step guides to the Theory and Practical Tests, covering all the topics that you'll be tested on.
All Intensive Course Packages include a FREE LOAN of the DSA Driving - The Essential Skills Workbook (worth £12.99) and the accompanying Theory Test and Hazard Perception DVD (worth £12.99).
It also gives you some tips from expert instructors and test examiners on how to pass the different exercises.
Make the Most of your Practice
I recommend that you supplement your lessons with plenty of practice.
If you do have the opportunity to practice your driving between lessons, ask me for advice about which manoeuvres to practice to make sure you get the most out of these sessions.
And remember if you're practicing with friends or family, it's your responsibility to make sure you're covered on their car insurance policy.
Take a Mock Test
One of the most effective ways of preparing for the Practical Test is to have a trial run.
With a Mock Test you can take a test with exactly the same format as the real thing. I have all the materials, a database of the Basingstoke Test Routes and Test Papers to conduct a Mock Test with you when we are both sure that you are ready to do so.