Friday, October 7, 2011

Motorbike test - Pass motorbike theory test

Motorbike Test:

The motorbike theory test is made up of two parts: multiple choice part and hazard perception part .
The first part in motorbike test is the multiple choice part consisting of 50 questions. This section is designed to test your understanding of the theory behind driving. You need to get 43 questions right out of 50 and the time limit is 57 minutes.

The motorbike test is a computer-based test at various tests centres around the country.
This section is designed to test your understanding of the theory behind driving. Before the motorbike theory 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.

The second part in motorbike driving test is the Hazard perception. This section is designed to test your awareness of potential hazards whilst driving. You will be shown 14 clips of 1 minute each having 15 hazards in all (1 clip will have 2 hazards). The test is for 75 marks (5 marks / hazard) and pass marks are 44. The hazard perception part is also delivered on a computer but you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. The earlier you spot a hazard developing that may require the driver to take some action, the higher the score.

Unlike multiple choice questions, for the hazard perception test there are no separate versions for different vehicles e.g. car, bike, heavy vehicle etc, each vehicle category takes the same test, however the pass mark is different for different categories of tests.

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.

If you pass one part and fail the other you will fail the whole motorbike theory test , and need to take both parts again.

At the end of the hazard perception part of the theory test you'll be invited to answer few customer survey questions.
Once you have passed motorbike test only then you can apply to take the practical driving test.

Motorbike practical test:

The motorbike practical tests was revised from April 2009. The aim of the new test is to improve the standard of the skill and road safety of motorbike and moped riders. This group amongst all users of the road faces the highest risk of injury or death, particularly in the case for young and inexperienced riders.

Monday, September 26, 2011

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.


Wednesday, September 21, 2011

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.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

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

Friday, August 26, 2011

Driving Theory Test Helpful Tips for Driving Test

Driving Standards Agency introduced the driving theory test in 1996. According to this test, new learners and drivers have to pass the theory test before they book their practical test. The test focuses on all aspects of driving theory such as attitude, safety, handling, rules of the road, traffic and road signs etc.

Each year many people have to appear for challenging qualification  process called driving theory test in United Kingdom. The theory test which is composed of two separate parts i.e. theory test and hazard perception test.

The first element is the theory test which consists of a multiple choice test that is sat on a computer at one of a number of locations designated by the Driving Standards Agency. The second part of the test is labeled the Hazard Perception Test which is also sat on a computer and immediately follows the conclusion of the test.

Fifty percent of the people get failed in their first driving test attempt. Even a larger proportion of candidates coming from ethnic minority backgrounds are unsuccessful at their first attempt.

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!".

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.

New drivers are involved in accidents, especially in the first months after passing a online UK theory test. It has been proven that drivers who have taken hazard perception training have much better hazard test skills.

Hazard perception test is a second section of the theory test and must be passed at the same time. Integrating theoretical hazard test training into the practical training sessions will ensure that as competence is achieved in each of the necessary skills, they can be strengthened and applied while you are on the road to increase the road safety benefits.

Students who are not proficient in English and speak one of the languages mentioned above can use various resources in preparing for their test. One option to prepare using the Successful Driver Study programmed which allows the pupil to study in both English and translation side by side in an interactive test.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Are you ready for driving theory test?

Why hazard perception test was introduced?
New drivers are disproportionately involved in accidents, especially in the first months after passing a driving test. It has been proven that drivers who have taken hazard perception training have much better hazard perception skills.
About hazard perception test -
The UK hazard perception test is an online computer-based test, which measures a driver’s ability to anticipate and appropriately respond to potentially dangerous situations while driving.

In hazard perception test, you will see video clips of genuine, traffic scenes filmed from the driver’s perspective. When you watch the clips, you need to imagine that you are the driver.
In each clip there will be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards.

You will need to watch the clip carefully and try to predict the traffic hazard as early as you can. As soon as you predict that a traffic hazard is likely to happen, you need to respond straight away. A traffic hazard is something that would require the driver to take some action, for example: slow down, overtake or change course. The hazard perception test is designed to get the candidate to identify ‘Developing Hazards’ rather the potential hazards.

E.g. School sign is not a developing hazard, but if you see school children about to cross the road, then it becomes a developing hazard and needs to be identified.

While appearing for the hazard perception test, watch out for following hazards, as these are the likely situations where developing hazard may turn in to actual hazard.

1. pedestrians or cyclists crossing the road
2. vehicles emerging from side roads, parking places or driveways
3. large vehicles moving over to your side of the road
4. meeting oncoming vehicles on narrow roads or where other obstructions or slow moving
5. vehicles make the road narrow
6. loose pets and farmyard animals
7. Changes in the traffic movement and volume
8. junctions and roundabouts
9. horse riders
10. weather conditions of the day

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Driving test: theory test pattern

1. Theory test:
There are two parts to the theory test: the multiple-choice test and the hazard perception test. Both is required to be taken and passed in the same session in order to attain a theory test certificate, which can then be used to book the practical driving test within two years of the theory pass.

2. Pattern of the test

Multiple choice test:
1.  This part of the theory test is performed on a touch screen computer system.
2.  The test has 50 multiple choice questions and the examinee must answer at least 43 of them correctly to pass.
3.  Each question may have more than one answer and this will be indicated in the question. All questions are randomly chosen from a bank of thousands on a collection of topics.
4.  The test lasts for 57 minutes even though examinees with certain special needs can apply for more time. All 50 questions ought to be answered.
5.  The test allows 15 minutes practice time at the start of the exam to get used to answering the questions and how to use the system.
6.  To answer a question the examinee simply touches their choice of answer from the listed answers on the computer screen.
7.  If a mistake is made the examinee can deselect a choice and reselect a different option.
8.  To pass the test, 43 of the 50 questions (86%) must be answered correctly.
9. For lorry and bus drivers, 100 questions are asked over a 115-minute period, and 85 out of 100 must be answered correctly to pass.
10. Prior to 3 September 2007, the car and motorcycle multiple-choice tests comprised 35 questions, with a pass mark of 30 within a 40 minute time limit.
  
3. Hazard perception online test:

1.Examinees look at fourteen one-minute clips (nineteen clips for lorry and bus examinees) filmed from the point of view of a car driver and have to point out, usually by clicking a mouse button or touching the screen, when they examine a developing hazard.

2.All of the Hazard clips will include one developing hazard, and one will include two such hazards.
3.The sooner an examinee reacts to a developing hazard, the more points are scored, from five down to one, with no score if the examinee reacts too late.

4.Thus the utmost likely score is 75 (100 for lorry and bus tests). The pass mark is 44 for car drivers and motorcyclists and 57 when qualifying as an Approved Driving Instructor. Lorry and Bus drivers must score 67 out of 100.

5.For the purposes of the test, a “developing hazard“ is defined as something which requires the driver to adjust speed and/or path. Potential hazards are road hazards that no instant action needs to be taken, but are worth observing in case their status changes.

6.Clicking on potential hazards is satisfactory, but the scoring window only opens if that hazard develops, thus examinees have to remember to react if the status of a hazard changes, and not just when the potential hazard is first spotted.