How to practice driving theory test

What is the UK driving theory test?

The UK driving theory test was introduced in July 1996 as a written examination and updated to a computer based test in 2000. The test is conducted by the DSA (Driving Standards Agency). Everyone who wants to have a full UK license has to clear the theory test first and then only will be able to appear for the practical driving test. The theory test consists of 2 parts. The first is the written part which consists of 50 multiple-choice questions (selected randomly from a bank of over 1200) about a wide range of 'driving topics', such as car or bike mechanics, the Highway Code and driving law. The second part is the hazard perception test forms a second section of the theory test and must be passed at the same time.

If you are a learner driver you must take and pass your UK theory test online before you book your practical test. If you already have a driving license you might not have to take another theory test if you want to start driving a different vehicle.

To practice the theory test the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) recommends that all candidates study

• Official latest driving theory test questions
• The Highway Code
• Know Your Traffic Signs.

About multiple choice questions part:
The first is the written part which consists of 50 multiple-choice questions (selected randomly from a bank of over 1200) about a wide range of 'driving topics', such as car or bike mechanics, The Highway Code, traffic signs, rules and regulation etc. For cars and motorcycles you'll be asked randomly selected 50 multiple-choice questions in 57 minutes and you need to get at least 43 right to pass. For this part you need to practice theory test from the latest official theory test question bank released by DSA. In the actual DSA exam, you will be asked the same questions, so taking practise test beforehand is a must.

How to practice theory test multiple choice questions:

To practice theory test multiple choice part, it is important to study from the latest DSA official theory test question bank. This official DSA question set usually changes in September, so make sure you are using latest questions.

To practice theory test the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) recommends that all candidates study

1. Official latest driving theory test questions
2. The Highway Code
3. Know Your Traffic Signs

Regardless of driving experience, candidates should make full use of the available study material to practice theory test questions and hazard perception elements of the theory test.

Online Preparation:

You get instant online access to ALL OFFICIAL DSA questions that could be asked in your exam. So no surprises in the actual DSA theory test. Make sure you are accesing latest driving theory test questions.
A good way to prepare for your Theory test is to do it online. There are many sites which provide such services-

1. Log in from anywhere and prepare as per your convenience.
2. Analyze your performance, your strengths, weaknesses and practise test accordingly.
3. You can start accessing http://www.theory-test.co.uk paid account almost instantly.
4. Available online The Highway Code PLUS Practical test guide too.
5. No need to install any software, just LOG IN and start.
6. Infinite mock practise test for that intense preparation.
7. Same format and layout as in actual DSA test.

a. Hazard perception clips
b. Practise hazard perception clips online.
c. Entire latest official DSA theory test question bank

Things to keep in mind -

• Practice theory test questions thoroughly. Theory test questions are not tough, only few questions are a bit difficult to remember. Make sure you
  take at least one practise test daily, especially on speed limits, stopping distances and road signs.
• Take advice from your driving instructor regarding when to sit for your test, he/she could advise you when you are actually ready for the test
  
• You can book your driving test well in advance, so you choose from a convenient time slot at the nearest test centre.
  
• Select the time slot when you could be at your best. A bad day could affect your test at the evening time. Mornings are usually the best as you are more relaxed and focused.
  
• Make sure you have the important documents with you and arrive well in time at the test centre.
  
• Your theory test is computer based, but you need not be an expert at using computers. Make sure you understand how the touch screen works. You can also work through a practice session for up to 15 minutes to get used to the system before actually starting their test. Make good use of this time.
  
• Think positively. Don't be nervous, the questions will be exactly the same as you have practiced
  
• Read each question carefully and note how many answers are required.
  
• Stay calm - Answer the easy questions first, if you are not sure about any of the answers, flag them and you can come back to them later.
  
• When you think you've finished check through all your answers again.
  

Tips to pass hazard perception test

Hazard perception test is an interactive practice session in the driving theory test featuring hazard perception clips to identify the developing potential hazards.

Why the hazard perception test element was introduced?

The government is committed to reducing the numbers killed and seriously injured on Britain's roads by 40 per cent by 2010. The hazard perception element was introduced into the driving test UK in November 2002 as one of the measures that should help achieve this target by encouraging appropriate training in scanning the road, recognizing at the first opportunity from the clues that a potentially dangerous situation might arise and adopting a driving plan to reduce the risk.

During the development of this test, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) worked closely with colleagues from the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) and the road safety division of the Department for Transport, both of whom thought this test suitable for testing the hazard.

When to respond to score in hazard perception test:

As an example, of how to identify and respond to a developing hazard, consider a parked vehicle on the side of the road. When you first see it, it is not doing anything; it is just a parked vehicle. If you were to respond to the vehicle at this point, you would not score any marks, but you would not lose any marks.

However, when you get closer to the vehicle, you notice that the car's right hand indicator starts to flash. The indicator would lead you to believe that the driver of the vehicle has an intention of moving away, therefore the hazard is now developing and a response at this point would score marks. The indicator coming on is a sign that the parked vehicle has changed its status from a potential hazard into a developing hazard. When you get closer to the vehicle, you will probably see the vehicle start to move away from the side of the road; another response should be made at this point. Different clips in the test will have various signs to indicate that the hazard is changing its status and is now starting to develop.

The scoring mechanism in hazard perception test:

Each scoring window is divided into five equal segments and a score of five through to one allocated to each. Those responding in the first segment of the scoring window will score 5 and those in last segment a score of 1. Responses outside the window will score zero.

Driving Theory Test - Preparation

If you are a learner, being taught by a Professional driving instructor is quite important. Today many family members or friends help the learner driver and they have this view that “I can do what a professional instructor can!” But the fact is that many professional drivers have bad driving habits.

For example: a large number of drivers do not use the interior mirror. Also they do not driver hands positioned on the steering wheel correctly.

An expert driving instructor should know the safe driving rules, and should be able to teach you the way to driver safely.
Also some learners become nervous while driving, so these experts should know how to handle these types of learners.

While choosing the driving instructor, don’t go for the cheapest one. Always give priority to those who are recommended to you. Referred driving instructor is the best way to search for a professional instructor. Always discuss with friends before you choose your driving instructor. During these lessons, the learner driver needs to remember what they have been taught by their driving instructor and should put the methods into practice. Compressing as many lessons as possible in a short period of time may not be fruitful for all learners. If time and money allow, the learner should try to book in at least one lesson per week with a driving instructor and preferably two, for 1-2 hours per session. When the driving instructor feels that the learner is ready for the full practical driving test, it is always good to perform a mock test. This entails the driving instructor to act as an examiner and for the learner to take instructions as in a real test and execute a number of procedures that will be given, such as turning the car on the road. This will give the learner a good example of what to expect of the actual test, so that they can be prepared in advance.

The examiner will test the driver on a selection of exercises that have been covered in the lessons, and will assess the ability of the learner to drive competently.

Most convenient way to arrange for your driving lessons is to log on to www.theory-test.co.uk