Driving a car seems like all fun and games; but when it comes to learning how to drive there are a lot of processes you have to go through to get the job done, including passing your theory test. If you ask someone who may have passed their drivers test in 1991, their version of a theory test would have been their instructor asking a few questions during their lessons. But now the game has changed. In order to make everyone safer drivers; The Theory Test was established.
A Driving Theory Test is taken on a computer at an official test centre. It consists of two individual tests that need to be taken on the same day. The first is a multiple-choice test based on the highway code and the rules of the road. And the second is a Hazard Perception Test. T
o pass this test, you are shown 10 different simulations, and you have to spot a hazard in that simulation. A theory text sounds easy if you know your stuff but be warned; it can take one less point to take you from a pass to a failure. It is that close. And you have to have good scores on both tests to get you there!
It is a pretty important step because you can’t try and attempt your practical test without your theory done and dusted. But don’t fret. Here are some tips that will help you pass your theory test!
1. Hit the Books
During the theory test, you will be given 50 questions out of a bank of 100; that is a lot of questions to prepare for, but don’t panic. There are so many resources out there now to help; a must is reading the handbook; all of the questions available for the test are in here. It is one of the most important things you will need, so do yourself a favour and don’t skim it, actually read it.
2. Practice hazard perception
Many people go into the theory test unprepared because they have not practiced the Hazard Perception part of the test. Still, again there are so many resources out there on the internet offering practice simulations. Also, applying in real life helps too; while on driving lessons, look out for everyday hazards, and be prepared to react to them, you can apply this in the test.
Also, during the hazard perception, be careful to not click on the hazard repeatedly when you spot it because that simulation will immediately be seen as a wrong answer.
3. Take practice tests
According to Driving Theory Test; “Most driving students assume that they just need to read the book and go straight to the exam, and hopefully pass the test.” However, a better way to achieve a higher score is by undergoing practice theory tests. For example, Driving Theory Test offers different versions of the theory test.
It can help you understand how much information you have retained from studying. It can help you realise what you need to practice. It is a better and cheaper alternative to trying the actual exam two to three times and failing it. The mock exams are basically the real thing; you will see what questions you got wrong and the right answer.
4. Follow the instructions
It sounds like common sense, but sometimes it isn’t. But quite a few students fail the test by not looking at the instructions. It is important to take your time. You get 15 minutes before your test to get used to the questions’ layout, read the instructions thoroughly, multiple times if you need to. If it doesn’t look like something is working properly, raise it before your test starts.
5. Flag Tricky Questions
You will have 57 minutes to answer the multiple-choice questions in the test, and you may be stuck on a tricky one; don’t panic. Just hit the flag button and it will make the question unanswered so you can easily go back to it and the end of the test.
6. Bring your provisional license to the test
Again, common sense; but make sure you bring your provisional licence photocard to the test. If you forget it, you won’t be able to sit the test, and you will still have to pay the test fee.
Following these instructions; you will get through the theory test; but don’t forget what it is for, it is not just there to test you; it is also there to help you identify potential hazards when you are out on the road, and to make you a better driver.
Photo Credit: Cadillac
