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Do you have a limited
budget? |
| Are you already having driving
lessons? |
| How soon do you need to take
the theory test? |
| Are you happy to study on your
own from books and videos? |
| Do you have access to a
multi-media computer system? |
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 Limited budget .... |
If you want to learn theory and take the theory test with minimum
expenditure, then you will have to do all the work yourself. Virtually
everything you need to know is in the Highway Code (which only costs
£2.75) so with a good deal of home-study and with help from experienced
drivers you could learn enough to pass the test.
From an early
stage in your studies you will need to try sample questions on driving theory
to find out just what you know and what you don't know. |
 Mock
Test Paper
|
If you are already having driving
lessons, your instructor will be able to provide mock test papers. If you are
not, it would make sense to buy a book on driving theory containing sample
questions and answers. If your budget allows you can buy The Official
Theory Test for Cars and Motorcycles published by The Driving Standards
Agency. This book contains all the official questions with answers.
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 Help from your driving school
..... |
You will find learning about driving theory and hazard perception
much easier if you wait until you actually start your practical driving
lessons. However, if you expect your driving instructor to help you learn
driving theory as well as practice, then you need to find out just what sort of
help he or she can provide before you book any lessons. Driving Theory training
is a relatively new requirement and you should not assume that all driving
instructors can provide the training you may need. Many instructors will simply
advise you to read up the theory on your own; some may ask you theory questions
from time to time during your practical lessons; others may give you mock test
papers to try on your own; others may have no desire or ability to provide any
help with the theory whatsoever.
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NOT ALL
DRIVING
SCHOOLS
OFFER
STRUCTURED
THEORY
TRAINING
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A growing number of driving schools are
able to provide fully structured theory training - which means they will teach
you everything you need to know to pass the theory test. Such training may be
carried out in the car, or at the driving school's office, on a one-to-one or
classroom basis. Many driving schools now offer computer based theory training;
this is a highly effective method of learning the theory and is also far more
enjoyable for most pupils. Whatever form the theory training takes, obviously
you will have to pay for it. However, theory training often costs much less
than practical training - so ask what's on offer and shop around until you find
a driving school that can provide what you want.
Learning about
Hazard Perception is something that all driving instructors should help you
with. During your practical lessons a good instructor will constantly remind
you to scan the scene in front and around you, and will point out potential
hazards that you should observe as you drive. It is worth knowing that some
driving schools have equipped their cars with state-of-the-art video training
systems. These have a small camera in the front of the car which takes a video
of your entire driving lesson. This enables the instructor to later play back
and review any part of your lesson and to point out any mistakes or hazardous
situations that you encountered.
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 Theory courses and classes
.... |
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You may find an organisation, school or college in your area which
provides theory training courses or evening classes. Some of these use a
classroom where a number of students are taught theory through a combination of
lectures, slides, videos, discussions, group excercises, mock tests etc. Others
provide computers where you can learn theory on-screen at a rate which suits
you best using the latest interactive theory training software. Such courses
are often run by qualified driving instructors but there is no legal
requirement for them to be. |
| There are advantages in learning
theory on a specific training course.... |
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it should be a lot more interesting and effective than trying to
teach yourself. |
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it avoids spending time learning theory during your practical
lessons. |
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you should learn quicker and be ready to take the theory test
sooner. |
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it should be more cost effective - especially as you are more likely
to pass the test first time. |
| Intensive courses are often
available for those with an urgent need to take the theory test. You could be
ready to take the test within just a few days. |
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| Home Study .... |
By whatever method you choose to learn theory, some study at home is
advisable. You need to have a copy of The Highway Code, and if you can
afford it, The Official Theory Test for Cars and Motorcycles will be
useful. Make sure you use the LATEST version as it's updated every year.
Although this book contains all of the official questions and answers, remember
it is much easier to learn by understanding the topics rather than trying to
learn all the answers "parrot-fashion".
Virtually all the raw information you need for the theory test can be found in
the Highway Code, but don't try and take it all in at one attempt - you will
find it more easier to study one section at a time.
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To help
you prepare for the hazard perception element of the theory test, the Driving
Standards Agency has produced a book and video pack called "Hazard
Perception - Roadsense". This pack will provide considerable help in
developing your ability to anticipate driving hazards and potentially dangerous
situations.
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Learning
driving theory from books alone is certainly not easy. If you have access to a
multi-media PC and can afford a Theory Training CDROM, you will find this a
much easier, more effective and enjoyable way to learn. Make sure you choose a
package that gives you immediate feedback on your mistakes, otherwise, you will
not learn much from it.
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You should try as many mock tests as you can whilst you are learning
the theory. These will help you identify areas where your knowledge may be
weak. Certain topics in the theory test are given many more questions than
others. These are: Safety Margins, Hazard Awareness, Vulnerable Road Users,
Vehicle Handling, Motorway Rules, Rules of the Road, and Road & Traffic
Signs. So it makes sense to ensure that your knowledge of these topics is
strong. But remember, you have to answer at least 43 out of 50 questions
correctly to pass the test, so you can't afford to skip any topics as you
learn.
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| Keep practising mock tests so that your score improves.
Don't give up when you achieve 43 out of 50. To maximise your chances of
passing on The Day, and to give you lots of confidence, aim to get at least 46
out of 50 on mock tests. |
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YOU NEED TO
KNOW DRIVING THEORY
it's much better than becoming a road death statistic.....
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