H O W

HOW TO PASS YOUR
THEORY TEST
IN UNDER THREE WEEKS
Leander Waine
Updated October 2012
CONTENTS
The theory test explained
How to pass your theory test
Other materials available
How to book, change or cancel your theory test
appointment
Documents you need to produce at your Theory
Test appointment
Taking your theory test if you have special needs
Your 18 day plan to pass your theory test
THE THEORY TEST EXPLAINED
The theory test is made up of two parts; the multiple choice part and the hazard
perception part. You need to pass both parts to pass the theory test. Once you have
passed the theory test you can then apply to take your practical driving test.
Taking the theory test
The multiple choice part is delivered using a touch
screen computer and the hazard perception part
records your responses through the use of a
computer mouse button.
If you pass one part and fail the other you'll fail the
whole test, and you'll need to take both parts
again.
The questions in each multiple choice test vary
according to the category of vehicle you're hoping
to obtain a licence for, i.e. a motorcycle theory test
will contain specific questions that don't appear in
any other test.
For the hazard perception test there are no separate versions for different vehicles,
each vehicle category takes the same test, however the pass mark is different for
different categories of tests.
Part One – Multiple Choice
Before the test starts you'll be given instructions on how the test works.
You can also choose to go through a practice session of the multiple choice questions
to get used to the layout of the test. At the end of the practice session the real test
will begin.
A question and several answer options will
appear onscreen and you have to select
the correct answer to the question by
touching the screen. Some questions may
require more than one answer.
For cars you'll be asked 50 questions in 57
minutes and the pass mark is 43 out of
50.
You can navigate between questions and
'flag' questions that you want to come
back to later in the test. After the multiple
choice part you can choose to have a
break of up to three minutes before the
hazard perception part starts.
Part Two – Hazard Perception
After the break you'll then be shown a short tutorial video clip about how the hazard
perception part works.
The hazard perception part is also delivered
on a computer but you respond by clicking a
button on the mouse. You'll be presented
with a series of 14 video clips which feature
every day road scenes. In each clip there'll
be at least one developing hazard, but one
of the clips will feature two developing
hazards.
To achieve a high score you'll need to
respond to the developing hazard during the
early part of its development. The
maximum you can score on each hazard is
five.
You won't be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test; as on the
road, you'll only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard. The pass
mark for the car and motorcycle hazard perception part of the theory test is 44 out of
75.
At the end of the test
At the end of the hazard perception part of the theory test you'll be invited to answer
a number of customer survey questions.
You don't have to answer the questions if you don't want to, and any information
given is anonymous and confidential. The survey questions don't affect the result of
the test.
When you have finished the test you may leave the examination room. Once you
have left the room, you'll not be allowed to enter it again. You'll then be given your
result by the test centre staff.
HOW TO PASS YOUR THEORY TEST
So you want to pass your theory test? Of course you do and your driving coach
wants you to pass too!! That’s why the Go-Drive (Lincs) website has everything you
need to pass. Here is a tried and tested way of studying for your theory test that has
resulted in many happy Go-Drive (Lincs) clients passing their theory test first time…
Register to access both the Go-Drive (Lincs) members area and Theory Test Pro.
Your driving coach will have sent you the links to register after your first lesson.
Log into The Go-Drive (Lincs) members area www.godrivelincs.co.uk/wp-login.php
Once logged in click on ‘Pass Your Theory’
Choose one of the theory tutorials. This will open a pdf document packed with all
the information you need on that subject. Read the document as many times as
necessary until you understand the information
Log into Theory Test Pro www.godrivelincs.theorytestpro.co.uk/session/new
From the ‘dashboard’ click on ‘Practice By Topic’ then select the topic you have
just done the tutorial on. It’s suggested you do the full topic test rather than the
short tests, it shouldn’t take long if you understand the information. A PASS is
85% but you should be aiming for at least 92%
Once you’ve completed the test and PASSED IT, go back to the Go-Drive (Lincs)
website and do the next topic tutorial followed by topic test on Theory Test Pro,
and so on until all topics are completed
Once all the topic test have been completed and PASSED you can then start on full
mock tests. These can be found on the ‘dashboard’ on Theory Test Pro
For the hazard perception test remember to keep focused from start to finish. Do
not take your eyes off the screen and remember to keep your eyes moving.
Don’t click rhythmically as you will be disqualified for that clip and score zero.
Click on approach to any hazards, at any hazards and after any hazards
(remember the 3 A’s). This way you stand a better chance of scoring a 5 for each
hazard. Your instructor will supply a laptop to discuss this method with you in car
before you sit your theory test.
It’s not a good idea to try and memorise the clips or use them too often as this will
make you less alert on the day.
You need to be getting at least 92% on each mock test before taking your theory
test that way if you drop a couple of % through nerves etc on the day you are still
going to pass as you have to get 85% or more to pass.
Remember – fail to prepare, prepare to fail!!!
YOUR 18 DAY PLAN TO PASS YOUR THEORY TEST
Book your test for at least three weeks away and follow this guide
EVERYDAY to keep you on track to passing your theory test
Websites:
http://godrivesleaford.co.uk/wp-login.php?action=register
www.godrivelincs.co.uk/wp-login.php
www.godrivelincs.theorytestpro.co.uk/session/new
www.direct.gov.uk/drivingtest
Category
Alertness
DAY 1
Hazard
Awareness
Accidents
DAY 2
Motorway Rules
Documents
DAY 3
Attitude
DAY 4
DAY 5
Road and traffic
signs
Other types of
vehicles
Vehicle handling
Vehicle loading
DAY 6
Safety and your
vehicle
DAY 7
Safety margins
DAY 8
Rules of the road
DAY 9
DAY 10
DAY 11
Vulnerable road
users
Hazard
Perception
Hazard
Perception
DAY 12
Full Tests
DAY 13
Full Tests
DAY 14
Full Tests
DAY 15
DAY 16
DAY 17
DAY 18
DAY 19
Date read topic
tutorial on
Go-Drive (Lincs)
website
Total
number
of
questions
Test
pass
rate
85%
GoDrive
pass
rate
37
32
33
96
83
89
79
68
73
67
58
62
47
41
44
50
43
46
156
135
145
27
24
26
62
54
58
15
13
14
112
97
103
59
51
55
75
65
69
81
70
75
n/a
44
52
n/a
44
52
50
43
46
50
43
46
50
43
46
50
43
46
50
43
46
Re-revise weak
topics
Re-revise weak
topics
Full Tests
Full Tests
TEST DAY!!!!
Mock
test 1
score
Mock
test 2
score
Mock
test 3
score
OTHER MATERIALS AVAILABLE
Now that you have decided that the time is right to start studying for your theory test
you need to make sure that the time you spend studying is used wisely. There are
many books, CD’s, DVD’s on the market aimed at studying for the theory test and it
can be difficult to know which one’s are best so to help I have listed my top four that
I would highly recommend.
The materials listed below can be purchased in many high street stores such as WH
Smith and also through your driving instructor.
The Official Highway Code
This book is the road bible. The theory test is aimed at all of the
information within this booklet so it is vital that you read it before
taking your theory test.
Your instructor will also give you rules to read as part of your home
learning so it is important that you get a copy.
Know Your Traffic Signs
Another essential read before taking your theory test. This book
shows and explains all the signs used on today’s busy roads. Your
instructor will be testing your knowledge and understanding of
road signs during your lessons so why not get a head start. Can
be downloaded for free from the Go-Drive (Lincs) members area!!
The Official DSA Theory Test for Car
Drivers (with Highway Code)
This book is the entire question bank for the theory test giving you
all 900+ possible questions that you could be asked in the palm of
your hands.
All questions are put in sections to make for easier studying. The
book can be purchased with or without the Highway Code at the
back.
Driving Test Success – All Tests DVD ROM
Once you have read the recommended books now’s the time to start
testing yourself. This DVD ROM allows you to sit mock tests for the
multiple choice test and the hazard perception test. It also tracks your
progress as you go. It also has unique ‘Learn on the go’ software so
you can study on the move via your i-pod, mp3 player, DS and many
more.
Once you’ve passed your theory test you can still use this DVD ROM as
there is also a full section on the practical test – well worth a tenner!!
HOW TO BOOK, CHANGE OR CANCEL
YOUR THEORY TEST APPOINTMENT
Theory test appointments can be booked, and subject to three clear working days
notice, be changed and cancelled using the online booking service or the telephone.
You can also download an application form and apply by post.
Before you can take your theory test you'll need to make sure you have a valid
provisional driving licence. You can apply for a provisional driving licence from the
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The application form D1 can be obtained
from your local Post Office.
Once you have a valid provisional driving licence you can book your theory test.
Waiting times vary from region to region, but the target is that 95 per cent of theory
test candidates receive an appointment date within two weeks of their preferred date.
Theory tests can be taken at Lincoln, Boston or Grantham
Book your test online
To book a theory test online you'll need:
•
a valid UK driving licence
•
a valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa
Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted)
•
Visit www.direct.gov.uk/drivingtest to book your test online.
Book your test by phone
To book a theory test with an operator over the phone you'll need:
•
a valid UK driving licence
•
a valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa
Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted)
You can book a theory test over the phone using the numbers below, from 8.00 am
to 6.00 pm except on Bank Holidays.
Theory test booking line - 0300 200 1122
Welsh language booking line - 0300 200 1133
Minicom booking line - 0300 200 1166
Fax booking line - 0300 200 1177
Book your test by post
To book a theory test by post you'll need an application form. Application forms are
available online (www.direct.gov.uk/motoring) or on request from the Driving
Standards Agency (DSA) booking line. Payment can be made by cheque or postal
order, but cash payments aren't accepted.
Cancelling or rescheduling your test
You can reschedule or cancel a test over the phone via the booking line or you can do
it online. Providing you give DSA three clear working days notice you can:
•
move or change your appointment
•
cancel your appointment
•
have a full refund of test fee
DOCUMENTS TO TAKE TO YOUR DRIVING THEORY TEST
You'll be expected to show both parts of your valid driving licence
(the photocard and the paper counterpart) at the test centre. If you
have an old-style licence without a photo you must also bring a
valid passport.
If you don't show the required documents you won't be allowed to
test and you'll lose your fee.
Old- style licences
An old-style licence consists of one paper document which does not display your
photograph. If you have an old-style paper licence you must also bring a valid
passport with you - no other form of photographic identification will be accepted.
At the Test Centre
Once you have been registered at reception you'll go through to the test room. You
may not take anything into the room with you; all personal items must be stored in
the lockers provided.
Once you're in the test room you may not talk to or distract other candidates. The
computer screen will display your name and the category of test you're taking.
If you have any problems during the theory test, you should raise your hand to
attract the attention of the test invigilator.
TAKING YOUR THEORY TEST IF YOU HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) provides a number of facilities for those people
with special requirements, these include foreign language voiceovers, extra time,
British Sign Language interpretation and translator assisted tests.
The following facilities are available for candidates with special requirements. All of
the facilities need to be requested at the time of booking.
English not first language
If your first language is not English, or you can not read or understand written
English well, you can request a voiceover in one of 21 languages. A voiceover allows
you to hear the theory test instructions and questions through headphones. The
questions will automatically be read out to you, you can hear the answer options by
touching the text on the screen. You can hear the questions as many times as you
like, you simply need to touch the text of the question onscreen again.
Foreign language voiceovers are available in the following languages:
Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, Dari, English, Farsi, Gujarati, Hindi, Kashmiri,
Kurdish, Mirpuri, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Pushto, Spanish, Tamil, Turkish, Urdu,
Welsh
Translator assisted tests
If there is no voiceover provided in the language you require, you can request to
have a translator assisted theory test. The call centre agent should be able to tell you
the names and contact details of the relevant DSA approved translators. It is your
responsibility to arrange a test date with the translator and to pay any fees involved.
Reading difficulties
If you have dyslexia or other reading difficulties you can ask for an English or Welsh
voiceover. You can also request to have up to double time for the multiple choice part
of the theory test. If you require more than the standard time for the multiple choice
part you will need to send in evidence of your reading difficulty to the theory test
booking customer services.
Hearing difficulties
If you are deaf or have hearing difficulties you can ask to take the theory test in
British sign language (BSL). The BSL interpretation will run alongside the standard
test questions and answers. If you do not use BSL, an interpreter can be taken into
the test centre, this facility needs to be arranged through the theory test customer
services section. There is no extra fee for either facility.
Other special requirements
If you have a special need that is not met by the facilities above, you can contact the
theory test customer services section who can discuss your requirements and the
facilities available.
You can also find out more information about the theory test at
www.direct.gov.uk/drivingtest
As always, if you are finding studying difficult and would like some additional help or
just an explanation of any aspect of driving theory then don’t struggle, just ask your
driving coach!
GOOD LUCK!