HOW TO PASS YOUR THEORY TEST IN UNDER THREE WEEKS Leander Waine Updated October 2012 CONTENTS The theory test explained How to pass your theory test Other materials available How to book, change or cancel your theory test appointment Documents you need to produce at your Theory Test appointment Taking your theory test if you have special needs Your 18 day plan to pass your theory test THE THEORY TEST EXPLAINED The theory test is made up of two parts; the multiple choice part and the hazard perception part. You need to pass both parts to pass the theory test. Once you have passed the theory test you can then apply to take your practical driving test. Taking the theory test The multiple choice part is delivered using a touch screen computer and the hazard perception part records your responses through the use of a computer mouse button. If you pass one part and fail the other you'll fail the whole test, and you'll need to take both parts again. The questions in each multiple choice test vary according to the category of vehicle you're hoping to obtain a licence for, i.e. a motorcycle theory test will contain specific questions that don't appear in any other test. For the hazard perception test there are no separate versions for different vehicles, each vehicle category takes the same test, however the pass mark is different for different categories of tests. Part One – Multiple Choice Before the 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. A question and several answer options will appear onscreen and you have to select the correct answer to the question by touching the screen. Some questions may require more than one answer. For cars you'll be asked 50 questions in 57 minutes and the pass mark is 43 out of 50. You can navigate between questions and 'flag' questions that you want to come back to later in the test. After the multiple choice part you can choose to have a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception part starts. Part Two – Hazard Perception After the break you'll then be shown a short tutorial video clip about how the hazard perception part works. The hazard perception part is also delivered on a computer but you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. You'll be presented with a series of 14 video clips which feature every day road scenes. In each clip there'll be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards. To achieve a high score you'll need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development. The maximum you can score on each hazard is five. 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. The pass mark for the car and motorcycle hazard perception part of the theory test is 44 out of 75. At the end of the test At the end of the hazard perception part of the theory test you'll be invited to answer a number of customer survey questions. You don't have to answer the questions if you don't want to, and any information given is anonymous and confidential. The survey questions don't affect the result of the test. When you have finished the test you may leave the examination room. Once you have left the room, you'll not be allowed to enter it again. You'll then be given your result by the test centre staff. HOW TO PASS YOUR THEORY TEST So you want to pass your theory test? Of course you do and your driving coach wants you to pass too!! That’s why the Go-Drive (Lincs) website has everything you need to pass. Here is a tried and tested way of studying for your theory test that has resulted in many happy Go-Drive (Lincs) clients passing their theory test first time… Register to access both the Go-Drive (Lincs) members area and Theory Test Pro. Your driving coach will have sent you the links to register after your first lesson. Log into The Go-Drive (Lincs) members area www.godrivelincs.co.uk/wp-login.php Once logged in click on ‘Pass Your Theory’ Choose one of the theory tutorials. This will open a pdf document packed with all the information you need on that subject. Read the document as many times as necessary until you understand the information Log into Theory Test Pro www.godrivelincs.theorytestpro.co.uk/session/new From the ‘dashboard’ click on ‘Practice By Topic’ then select the topic you have just done the tutorial on. It’s suggested you do the full topic test rather than the short tests, it shouldn’t take long if you understand the information. A PASS is 85% but you should be aiming for at least 92% Once you’ve completed the test and PASSED IT, go back to the Go-Drive (Lincs) website and do the next topic tutorial followed by topic test on Theory Test Pro, and so on until all topics are completed Once all the topic test have been completed and PASSED you can then start on full mock tests. These can be found on the ‘dashboard’ on Theory Test Pro For the hazard perception test remember to keep focused from start to finish. Do not take your eyes off the screen and remember to keep your eyes moving. Don’t click rhythmically as you will be disqualified for that clip and score zero. Click on approach to any hazards, at any hazards and after any hazards (remember the 3 A’s). This way you stand a better chance of scoring a 5 for each hazard. Your instructor will supply a laptop to discuss this method with you in car before you sit your theory test. It’s not a good idea to try and memorise the clips or use them too often as this will make you less alert on the day. You need to be getting at least 92% on each mock test before taking your theory test that way if you drop a couple of % through nerves etc on the day you are still going to pass as you have to get 85% or more to pass. Remember – fail to prepare, prepare to fail!!! YOUR 18 DAY PLAN TO PASS YOUR THEORY TEST Book your test for at least three weeks away and follow this guide EVERYDAY to keep you on track to passing your theory test Websites: http://godrivesleaford.co.uk/wp-login.php?action=register www.godrivelincs.co.uk/wp-login.php www.godrivelincs.theorytestpro.co.uk/session/new www.direct.gov.uk/drivingtest Category Alertness DAY 1 Hazard Awareness Accidents DAY 2 Motorway Rules Documents DAY 3 Attitude DAY 4 DAY 5 Road and traffic signs Other types of vehicles Vehicle handling Vehicle loading DAY 6 Safety and your vehicle DAY 7 Safety margins DAY 8 Rules of the road DAY 9 DAY 10 DAY 11 Vulnerable road users Hazard Perception Hazard Perception DAY 12 Full Tests DAY 13 Full Tests DAY 14 Full Tests DAY 15 DAY 16 DAY 17 DAY 18 DAY 19 Date read topic tutorial on Go-Drive (Lincs) website Total number of questions Test pass rate 85% GoDrive pass rate 37 32 33 96 83 89 79 68 73 67 58 62 47 41 44 50 43 46 156 135 145 27 24 26 62 54 58 15 13 14 112 97 103 59 51 55 75 65 69 81 70 75 n/a 44 52 n/a 44 52 50 43 46 50 43 46 50 43 46 50 43 46 50 43 46 Re-revise weak topics Re-revise weak topics Full Tests Full Tests TEST DAY!!!! Mock test 1 score Mock test 2 score Mock test 3 score OTHER MATERIALS AVAILABLE Now that you have decided that the time is right to start studying for your theory test you need to make sure that the time you spend studying is used wisely. There are many books, CD’s, DVD’s on the market aimed at studying for the theory test and it can be difficult to know which one’s are best so to help I have listed my top four that I would highly recommend. The materials listed below can be purchased in many high street stores such as WH Smith and also through your driving instructor. The Official Highway Code This book is the road bible. The theory test is aimed at all of the information within this booklet so it is vital that you read it before taking your theory test. Your instructor will also give you rules to read as part of your home learning so it is important that you get a copy. Know Your Traffic Signs Another essential read before taking your theory test. This book shows and explains all the signs used on today’s busy roads. Your instructor will be testing your knowledge and understanding of road signs during your lessons so why not get a head start. Can be downloaded for free from the Go-Drive (Lincs) members area!! The Official DSA Theory Test for Car Drivers (with Highway Code) This book is the entire question bank for the theory test giving you all 900+ possible questions that you could be asked in the palm of your hands. All questions are put in sections to make for easier studying. The book can be purchased with or without the Highway Code at the back. Driving Test Success – All Tests DVD ROM Once you have read the recommended books now’s the time to start testing yourself. This DVD ROM allows you to sit mock tests for the multiple choice test and the hazard perception test. It also tracks your progress as you go. It also has unique ‘Learn on the go’ software so you can study on the move via your i-pod, mp3 player, DS and many more. Once you’ve passed your theory test you can still use this DVD ROM as there is also a full section on the practical test – well worth a tenner!! HOW TO BOOK, CHANGE OR CANCEL YOUR THEORY TEST APPOINTMENT Theory test appointments can be booked, and subject to three clear working days notice, be changed and cancelled using the online booking service or the telephone. You can also download an application form and apply by post. Before you can take your theory test you'll need to make sure you have a valid provisional driving licence. You can apply for a provisional driving licence from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The application form D1 can be obtained from your local Post Office. Once you have a valid provisional driving licence you can book your theory test. Waiting times vary from region to region, but the target is that 95 per cent of theory test candidates receive an appointment date within two weeks of their preferred date. Theory tests can be taken at Lincoln, Boston or Grantham Book your test online To book a theory test online you'll need: • a valid UK driving licence • a valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted) • Visit www.direct.gov.uk/drivingtest to book your test online. Book your test by phone To book a theory test with an operator over the phone you'll need: • a valid UK driving licence • a valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted) You can book a theory test over the phone using the numbers below, from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm except on Bank Holidays. Theory test booking line - 0300 200 1122 Welsh language booking line - 0300 200 1133 Minicom booking line - 0300 200 1166 Fax booking line - 0300 200 1177 Book your test by post To book a theory test by post you'll need an application form. Application forms are available online (www.direct.gov.uk/motoring) or on request from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) booking line. Payment can be made by cheque or postal order, but cash payments aren't accepted. Cancelling or rescheduling your test You can reschedule or cancel a test over the phone via the booking line or you can do it online. Providing you give DSA three clear working days notice you can: • move or change your appointment • cancel your appointment • have a full refund of test fee DOCUMENTS TO TAKE TO YOUR DRIVING THEORY TEST You'll be expected to show both parts of your valid driving licence (the photocard and the paper counterpart) at the test centre. If you have an old-style licence without a photo you must also bring a valid passport. If you don't show the required documents you won't be allowed to test and you'll lose your fee. Old- style licences An old-style licence consists of one paper document which does not display your photograph. If you have an old-style paper licence you must also bring a valid passport with you - no other form of photographic identification will be accepted. At the Test Centre Once you have been registered at reception you'll go through to the test room. You may not take anything into the room with you; all personal items must be stored in the lockers provided. Once you're in the test room you may not talk to or distract other candidates. The computer screen will display your name and the category of test you're taking. If you have any problems during the theory test, you should raise your hand to attract the attention of the test invigilator. TAKING YOUR THEORY TEST IF YOU HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) provides a number of facilities for those people with special requirements, these include foreign language voiceovers, extra time, British Sign Language interpretation and translator assisted tests. The following facilities are available for candidates with special requirements. All of the facilities need to be requested at the time of booking. English not first language If your first language is not English, or you can not read or understand written English well, you can request a voiceover in one of 21 languages. A voiceover allows you to hear the theory test instructions and questions through headphones. The questions will automatically be read out to you, you can hear the answer options by touching the text on the screen. You can hear the questions as many times as you like, you simply need to touch the text of the question onscreen again. Foreign language voiceovers are available in the following languages: Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, Dari, English, Farsi, Gujarati, Hindi, Kashmiri, Kurdish, Mirpuri, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Pushto, Spanish, Tamil, Turkish, Urdu, Welsh Translator assisted tests If there is no voiceover provided in the language you require, you can request to have a translator assisted theory test. The call centre agent should be able to tell you the names and contact details of the relevant DSA approved translators. It is your responsibility to arrange a test date with the translator and to pay any fees involved. Reading difficulties If you have dyslexia or other reading difficulties you can ask for an English or Welsh voiceover. You can also request to have up to double time for the multiple choice part of the theory test. If you require more than the standard time for the multiple choice part you will need to send in evidence of your reading difficulty to the theory test booking customer services. Hearing difficulties If you are deaf or have hearing difficulties you can ask to take the theory test in British sign language (BSL). The BSL interpretation will run alongside the standard test questions and answers. If you do not use BSL, an interpreter can be taken into the test centre, this facility needs to be arranged through the theory test customer services section. There is no extra fee for either facility. Other special requirements If you have a special need that is not met by the facilities above, you can contact the theory test customer services section who can discuss your requirements and the facilities available. You can also find out more information about the theory test at www.direct.gov.uk/drivingtest As always, if you are finding studying difficult and would like some additional help or just an explanation of any aspect of driving theory then don’t struggle, just ask your driving coach! GOOD LUCK!