Book your theory test when or soon after
you start your driving lessons. This makes good sense for a couple of reasons:
theory test preparation will help you get the most out of your practical lessons
an early theory test allows for an early practical test
The practical test can only be booked once
the theory test has been passed. Practical tests are usually subject to waiting
lists of around a month, and theory tests a couple of weeks. You may find that
a delayed theory test forces you to take the practical test later than is
necessary. In such a case you would be advised to continue taking regular
lessons to maintain your driving standard leading up to a practical test.
The theory test is conducted, as is the
practical, by an executive governmental agency called the Driving Standards
Agency (DSA). It is presented in two parts:
multiple
choice (50 questions, pass mark 43)
hazard perception (max. score 75, pass mark 44)
Both parts must be passed in the same
sitting for an overall pass.
How
To Prepare
Typically it will take between one and
three weeks of half-an-hour to an hour a day practise to prepare. You will need:
a
multiple choice test study package (this will often be referred to simply as a
“theory test” package although it may not include hazard perception practise
materials) (disc or book)
a
hazard perception training tool (disc)
the
current official highway code (disc or book)
Our recommendation:
The Official DSA Complete Theory Test Kit
2008/09 Edition – 1CD for
Windows PCs,1DVD
This pack contains all of the elements listed above and is produced
by the Department for Transport. Similar materials are available from
other organisations.
We suggest that you also obtain the following:
a
book of traffic signs
a
driving manual or text book for further reading
Our recommendations: The
Official DSA Guide to Driving: The Essential SkillsandKnow Your Traffic Signs
Both are produced by the Department
for Transport although similar materials are available from other organisations.
It may also be a good idea to obtain a current official highway
code in the standard book form to study when travelling or during a lunch hour.
Practise until you are achieving the
pass mark regularly and with ease. If you think you are not ready to take the
test the DSA will allow you to postpone it without losing the fee so long as
you inform them three clear working days before your test date.
There is a DSA website that
allows you to practice official theory tests (multiple choice only) online. The trial version is free.
