Driving Theory Test

 I passed my Driving Theory Test in my first attempt and I am going to share my experiences from this test so that you can pass it in one go as well.

You will need a driving theory test pass certificate before you can book your practical test. Once done with the theory test you will have two years time frame to pass the practical. To book for the driving theory test, you need to have a provisional driving license first. If you haven’t got one follow the steps mentioned in this blog.

 

How to book the theory test?

Follow this link. https://www.book-theory-test.service.gov.uk

Test costs 23£

 

What’s the test format?

The test comprises of two parts. Multiple choice questions and Hazard Perception Test.

1.  Multiple choice questions:

There are 50 MCQs that needs to be completed in 57 minutes. Out of these 50 questions, 3 will be video-based questions, where a short video clip will be played, followed by 3 MCQs based on the video. Video will show a normal driving situation, such as driving through a town centre or driving on a country road.

The remaining 47 questions will be based on the Highway Code, traffic signs and essential driving skills. Questions will categorically test the knowledge on alertness, attitude, documents, hazard awareness, incidents, accidents and emergencies, other types of vehicles, vehicle handling, motorway rules, rules of the road, safety margins, safety and your vehicle, vulnerable road users and vehicle loading.

 

2.  Hazard perception test:

It is designed to test your response to developing hazards encountered whilst driving. A computer-generated imagery (CGI) clip will be played in the test which will show your view as a driver while driving. The test has 14 clips in total. 13 of these will have one developing hazard and 1 of them will have two developing hazards. You need to click the mouse button when you feel you are encountering a developing hazard. This is something that you as a driver need to take some form of action, such as changing speed or direction. A red flag will be shown at the bottom of the screen to show that your response is registered after you click the mouse. You can score up to 5 points for each developing hazard. Earlier you recognise and click the mouse better is the score. If you click for other things shown in the clip that has not developed into the hazard then you won't loose marks. This doesn’t mean that you may click everything in the clip or click in a pattern as this will lead to a warning message and you will score 0 for that clip. A video tutorial for this test can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdQRkmdhwJs

 

You need to score 43 out of 50 in MCQs and 44 out of 75 in the Hazard perception test in order to pass the theory test.

 

How did I prepare for the test?

I prepared for the test using the “theory test 4-in-1 app”. There are around 800 MCQ questions to practice in the app along with plenty of hazard perception test questions. Most questions will be straightforward except around 150, which you need to flag up in the app for the last-minute revision. I recommend you to allow yourself at least 15 days for preparation as it is always difficult to manage time out of heavy rota. Some advantages of this app are as follows:

-      apart from getting all the DVSA practice material here, you will also get the explanation in the form of video or animated illustrations to make you understand that section

-      there is a pass guarantee scheme in the app, where they will set you practice goals to achieve before your theory test date. If you complete all their goals and still go on to fail the actual test, then you will be refunded the theory test fee of 23£

 

My experience with theory test:

I reached the test centre early. Check-in to the test centre was straightforward. I was first given the locker to keep my belongings and was asked to provide my provisional license. They checked a few details there and took me to the test room. There were cubicles inside with computers. You will be given one such cubicle where you will find a headphone, a computer monitor and a mouse. Check that the name shown on the top of your computer is your correct name and proceed with the test. Though there were 57 minutes to complete 50 questions, I completed it within 20 mins. Most questions were straightforward and came from the same practice material. At least 3 of them were completely new to me and few were worded differently in the real test than the practice questions.

The hazard perception test section was supposed to be started following 3 minutes break but I opted out of it. However, you may take this break if you need to. Clips in this test were mostly new than the one that I practised from. But as I learned to react to hazards quickly from the practice material, it was not that tough.

 

I have some take-home advice from this test.

Multiple choice questions will almost be the same as your practice material. So, practice all the questions from the app and do at least 6 mocks before the exam date.

In the hazard perception test, I have found that clicking 5 times consecutively will void the marking and clicking more than 10 times in the entire clip will void the marking as well. So, make sure you don’t click everywhere unnecessarily.

If you have identified a potential hazard, I recommend making at least 3 clicks as you sometime may click too early and you might end up scoring 0. 3 clicks will always save you from such danger.

If you think you have identified a hazard then don’t loose focus from the clip as this might be the clip with 2 potential hazards as well. 

There will be 10 seconds time gap before a clip begins to play. During this 10 seconds pause, check the type of the road (built-up areas/single carriageway/Dual carriageway/Motorway) and weather condition as this may give you clue. Always check what the warning signs or orders are shown on the road as they may also give a hint of what might come up next as a potential hazard.

 

I wish you all the best for your theory test.