The DSA introduced the Theory Test in the 1990′s.  The intention was to make all learner drivers acquire the same basic level of knowledge about driving.  It also brought us into line with the rest of the EU.  Most of the members of the EU at the time had a theory element to their driving tests.

Since its introduction, the Theory Test has gone through a number of changes. They added the hazard perception test.   Now you use a touch screen computer to take the test.  The number of questions has increased.

Learning Styles

We need to look at how you learn before we can discuss different ways of preparing for your theory test.   You should prepare for the test in a way that best suits you.

 Each of us learns in a different way.  This is our learning style.  There are three main learning styles: Auditory, Visual and Kinaesthetic.  Most people are a mix of two or three styles – say kinaesthetic with a bit of visual.

Here are some questions to help you decide your learning style.

Do you remember the plots of films and TV programmes?  If someone shows you how to do something, do you remember what they did?  Then you are a visual learner.

Do you remember songs and conversations?  Do you learn better when some one you through the task?  Then you are an auditory learner.

Do you remember things once you have had a go at them?  Then you are a kinaesthetic learner.

Your reasons for learning affect your learning style.  Are you learning just to pass the test?  Are you learning so you can be a better driver?

Preparing for your theory test

There are a number of ways to prepare for your theory test.  You should choose the mix that best suits your learning style and motivation. 

Rote learning aids

The DSA in its wisdom decided that they had to publish the theory test questions and answers.  This makes it the only public examination where you know the answers before you sit the test.  As a result, you can learn the answers off by heart.  This is learning by rote.

If you want to learn by rote, there are a number of CD ROMs and websites available.  Make sure that the CD ROMs or website is using the current question bank.

Active Learning aids

These learning aids actually help you to understand the Theory of Driving.  People who use active learning aids tend understand the theory of driving.  Those who learn by rote can struggle to apply the theory of driving to real driving.

There are three good quality active learning aids.  The CD Rom by GSP is the best active learning CD Rom.  GSP are part of Learning Driver Centres.  The BTEC in Driving Skills takes you from core knowledge to the toughest mock theory tests around.  The BTEC in Driving Science also has an active learning programme

Preparing for the hazard perception

Stage one – Ask your driving instructor to spend a couple of driving lessons on hazard perception.

Stage two – Practice spotting the hazards every time you are in the front seat of a car

Stage three – Find a free hazard perception website and practice the test no more than three times

Booking your theory test

The DSA prefer you to book your theory test online.  You can go to the DSA website or through Direct.gov.  They will take you to the booking service.  Just follow the instructions on the booking service website. 

Be warned – at certain times of year the online theory test booking service can be very slow.  You can ring the DSA and book the theory test over the phone.  You will be on the phone for a long time though.

When you book your theory test, make sure that you tell them if you have any special needs.  You might need a reader because you struggle with reading.

The day of the test

Arrive at the test centre five minutes early.  Make sure that you have your confirmation letter from the DSA and both parts of your driving licence.  You will not take your test if you do not have these documents.  If you are late arriving for your test, you will not take it.  They have too many people taking the test to wait for you.

The test.

The theory test is in two parts.

The first part is the actual theory test.  You must answer 43 out of 50 multiple-choice questions correctly.  You answer them by touching the appropriate answer on the screen.  Try reading the question with each of the available answers.  That usually makes it clear which is the correct answer.

After the theory test, you face the hazard perception test.  This is 14 short films shot from a car as it was driven about.  13 of these films have one scoring hazard.  One film has two scoring hazard. 

Your task is to click the mouse when you see the scoring hazard.  You can score up to five points for each hazard.  You need to score44 or more to pass.

The problem is that the films contain more than one hazard – which one is the scoring hazard.  You cannot fail if you click the wrong hazard.  You can fail if you click all the time or with a rhythm.

Give a little commentary in your head as you are watching the films.  Say what you see happening on the screen.  Every time you mention a hazard click.  Click when you see the hazard and click every time it changes.

The end of the Theory test

After the hazard perception, the DSA may ask you to complete a survey.  It is up to you if you do the survey.  When you are done, go back to the receptionist and collect the result.

Don’t expect to come back from your first lesson ready for your test.  Do expect to come back from it stressed, confused and slightly hyper.

Things to do before your first driving lesson

• Read up on car controls, moving off and stopping and left turns.  There are plenty of good books.  You could use one of the two BTECs in learning to drive.
• Make sure you know where both parts of your driving licence are.  Your driving instructor will need to see both parts. 
• Make sure you have the money to pay for the lesson.  Most driving instructors will say no money no lesson
• Find comfortable shoes with a thin sole and a little grip.  It will help you feel the pedals
• If you wear glasses make sure that they are clean

The start of the lesson

When your instructor arrives, they will introduce themselves and ask to see your driving licence.  They are checking your entitlement to drive.  You can expect them to check your eye site.  They might ask you to read the number plate of a car.

When you get in the car, check the front windscreen.  All official driving instructors will display a pink or green badge in the front windscreen.  If you cannot see the badge, ask the driving instructor to show you it.  If they cannot show you their badge, they are not a real driving instructor.  You should cancel the lesson and tell the DSA.

Once you are in the car your driving instructor will need to ask you three questions.    Can they have the money for the lesson?  This gets you in the habit of having the money.  Where do you want to finish the lesson?  You might want to finish at a friends house.  Your instructor needs to know so they can plan the drive.  Is this time slot going to be Ok for you?  They need to plan their workload and keep the space open.

Your instructor will probably drive you to an area where the roads are nice and quiet.  It makes the first lesson a lot easier if the roads are quiet.

The lesson

You have arrived at the place where you will start to learn to drive. 

Your driving instructor will ask you sit in the driver’s seat.  That is all they want you to do.  You are about to learn how to set the car up for your use.  

The instructor will teach you how to check the doors, seat, steering wheel, seat belt and mirrors.  Get into the habit of checking these every time you get into the car.

Once the car is set up for your use the driving instructor needs to explain what each of the car controls do.  Some driving instructors may do this as they drive you to the safe area.  Either way it is very important that you listen to this part of the lesson.

Make sure that you understand how to use the steering wheel, brake, clutch, gas, signals and parking brake.  

Once your driving instructor has explained how to use the car controls they will explain the commands they will give.   These are the instructions they will use when you are driving.  Cover the… foot over the pedal.  More – press it down, less – let it come up.

Its now time to get the car moving.  Have fun

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