Back in November 2012 a lady made national headlines when she failed her theory test for the 105th time, branding her, ‘the most incompetent driver there ever was’. With the cost of the theory test being £31, what can test candidates do to ensure that they pass their theory test first time?
The theory test is split into two parts now; the multiple choice theory test and the hazard perception test. You need to pass both elements of the test to pass the theory test overall.
There are over 1000 questions in the theory question bank used by the DSA, with many questions being slightly similar to other questions generated, but needing a different answer, and many test candidates fail by simply rushing the test and not reading the question fully and properly. It is highly unlikely that you will run out of time to finish the test so take your time when answering, and if you do have time left then go over your answers and make sure you are satisfied.
As with all exams though the key to success is preparation. Remember the theory knowledge learned will help you with your driving and is not something to be taken half-heartedly. You need to understand the information and understand why it is important to do things in a certain way. You also need to understand the rules and regulations too and understand what the road signs and road markings mean, so get some publications that help you understand and learn more easily.
When you are satisfied with your learning then test yourself with some mock theory test papers. If you are constantly getting the same types of questions wrong then read up about those topics until you understand fully. Only when you are repeatedly getting good scores on your mock tests should you go on to taking the real test.
Many test candidates fail the hazard perception part of the test also, primarily because they don’t understand the concept of the exercise. Again preparation is key. You need to buy some software, such as a PC CD ROM with an introduction of what you’re expected to do for the hazard perception test, how to score well during the exercise and the format the test will take. Then you need to practice some clips and again only when you are getting satisfactory results should you consider taking the real test.
With good preparation you should sail through the theory and hazard perception tests and the knowledge you will have picked up will stay with you throughout your driving, helping you be successful on your driving test day.
