Before you can book your practical driving test you’ll need to pass the UK driving theory test.
Your driving instructor will help you prepare during your driving lessons, but here are WS Driving School’s Top Five Tips to pass your theory test first time.
#1 – BUY THE RIGHT STUFF
There’s a plethora of materials available to help you study for your driving theory test, but if you want to pass first time then you must ensure you’re studying from the best ones.
A common mistake people make when learning their driving theory is to focus on trying to pass the test. Learning how to physically drive a car is only part of the requirement for passing the UK driving test. You must also prove that you understand all signs and road markings which are designed to keep you safe on the roads.
You’ll find dozens of driving theory apps online, but be careful which you choose! If you use the free apps then you will only access a small selection of the total questions available, so when you come to sit the test you’ll suddenly find a whole bunch of questions in the multiple choice section that you’ve never come across before. This can spell disaster as you need a minimum of 43 correct answers out of 50 to pass.
WS Driving School recommends downloading The Official DVSA Theory Test Kit App which is currently priced at £4.99. This contains EVERY car theory test question and features 20 interactive hazard perception video clips in CGI format (the same as the test itself). The app also includes a copy of the Official Highway Code, and allows you to track your progress so you know when you’re ready to pass the test.
#2 – SET ASIDE SOME TIME
Having all the gear but no idea is not going to get you through the theory test. If you want to pass it you’ll actually need to study.
Set aside 20 minutes per day to practice your driving theory. Wherever you decide to revise make sure you remove all other distractions. Set a timer on your phone, switch off the TV and ignore those Facebook or Snap Chat alerts until the timer goes off. It might feel like the worst thing in the world at the time, but trust me it’s not as bad as being passed a sheet of paper saying you’ve failed your theory test.
#3 – THE APP ISN’T THE ONLY WAY TO REVISE
Your theory app and Highway Code will help you understand what things mean, but you’ll have a better understanding and improve your driving skills by getting used to seeing them in the real world.
Whenever you’re a passenger in the car get into the habit of looking at all road signs and markings. Try to identify them while you’re on the move and make a note of anything you didn’t know so that you can look them up when you get home. Ask the driver to test you on as many elements of driving as possible, such as who has priority at junctions and why.
You can also practice the hazard perception while you’re on the move by identifying potentially dangerous situations around you, you’ll find it much easier when the time comes to sit your test.
#4 – SET A DEADLINE AND SAVE SOME MONEY
When you begin your driving lessons you’re setting a goal; the goal of learning to drive and passing your test.
But you can’t take your driving test until you’ve passed your theory, and if you put off doing the revision you may find you are ready for the practical before you’ve actually taken your theory test.
Your driving instructor will be just as eager for you to pass your driving test as you are, but to achieve a first time pass you’ll need to be consistent with your practical driving lessons. If you put off taking your theory test you may find you end up taking more lessons than you really needed in order to keep on top of your driving while waiting for a driving test appointment.
So put some pressure on yourself to do the revision and set a deadline. Book your driving theory test as soon as you’re getting close to achieving the required pass marks for the multiple choice and hazard perception during your mock tests. The waiting time may be 3-4 weeks for a test slot, so don’t wait until you’re 100% ready before you book it.
#5 – TAKE MY ADVICE, START CLICKING IT TWICE
The hazard perception clips which are a fundamental part of the driving theory test can be tricky to master when you first begin practicing.
Remember, you aren’t clicking for the potential hazards (those which ‘could’ become a problem), but you DO need to click when one of them develops and would force the driver to take action – either slow down, stop, or change direction.
Each developing hazard will have a potential maximum of 5 points, which decreases the longer it takes for you to identify it and click the mouse. But if you’re very fast at identifying these, it’s possible you may actually click BEFORE the points begin to be counted and score zero.
To ensure you achieve the highest possible score WS Driving School recommends clicking twice in succession when you see the hazard. If you click before the points begin to be counted then your second click should capture the 5 points and you’ll keep those. If your first click is within the 5 points zone and your second falls into the 4 point section, you’ll keep the highest mark.
Your clicks should be around ½ second apart but you must not click randomly throughout the hazard perception test, otherwise you’ll score nothing for that clip.
However you decide to tackle your theory revision, don't delay. It's never too soon to start learning your Highway Code!
WS Driving School offers manual driving lessons in Penkridge, Stafford and Cannock, and welcomes nervous and anxious learner drivers.
Comments