We know how it feels. There is a mountain of information to remember when trying to pass your theory test, so it’s natural to feel a bit nervous. Whether you’ve started having driving lessons or you’re getting ready to start soon, the theory works together with the practical side of things. Our driving school in Birmingham is happy to lend a hand with some advice to help you prepare for your test.
So, here are our top tips for how to pass your theory test.
1. Read the right books
As mentioned on the gov.uk website, the theory test is made up of multiple choice questions as well as a hazard perception test. There will be 50 questions in the multiple choice part of the test, and they’re based on three books: The Highway Code, Know your Traffic Signs and Driving – the Essential Skills.
The best way to learn is to buy a copy of these books, so you can refer to them whenever you need to.
In order to pass your theory test, it’s worth noting that you’ll need to achieve a minimum of 43 correct answers out of 50 multiple choice questions and 44/75 for the hazard perception part of the test.
2. Use the apps to study
Apps like Driving Test Success and the Official DVSA Theory Test Kit will help to break down the topics you need to study in a fun, easy-to-digest way, making all that study to pass your theory test a bit more interesting. That’s why at Brum Driving School, we encourage our pupils to use apps as well as the books, if possible.
Whether you’re a new or existing pupil of our driving school in Birmingham, we recommend Driving Test Success, the UK’s number 1 Theory Test App. This award-winning, 4-in-1 app contains;
- All the latest DVSA Theory Test revision questions
- 85 interactive Hazard Perception clips,
- The Highway Code, and;
- All the UK Road Signs
It allows you to revise for your theory test with full confidence, using a structured Learner Plan. Driving Test Success even offer you your test fee back if you don’t pass your theory test. (Pass Guarantee Terms and Conditions).
The more you practise, the more you increase your chances of passing the theory test the first time around.
3. Practise your hazard perception
The hazard perception test is made up of 14 video clips. There are the apps mentioned above, but a handy ‘in real life’ way of practising hazard perception is when you’re in the passenger seat. So, when your family or friends are driving you somewhere, try spotting the different potential hazards on the road and make sure you’re noticing the road signs. After all, awareness of what’s around you is an important part of being a good driver. As practice makes perfect, having driving lessons with a driving school in Birmingham will also help you learn the information you need to pass your theory test.
4. Take a mock theory test
Once you’ve had a look through the books, the apps and had a drive around, you’ll be starting to feel a bit more prepared. Now is the perfect time to try a mock test. You can practise both parts of the theory test online for free on the UK Government website, as many times as you need.
5. Book your theory test
This may seem very obvious, but the only way you can pass your theory test is by making sure you book your driving theory test, and give yourself a date to study towards.
Keep your provisional licence handy when you book the theory test, as well as your debit or credit card, as you’ll need to pay for it upfront. The current test fee is £23.
6. Leave earlier than needed
On the day of your theory test, make sure you allow plenty of time for the journey, as it’s likely you’ve never visited the test centre before. The best way to pass your theory test is to be calm, so it’s better to be early and relaxed than late and stressed.
7. Remember your provisional licence
Much like when booking the theory test, you also need to take your provisional licence with you when you take the test. You won’t be able to take or pass your theory test without it, and you will still be charged for the test fee too. So, double check you have it before you set off.
8. Utilise the practice time
Before you start, you’ll be given 15 minutes to familiarise yourself with the touchscreens and the question format. Use this time wisely and check that everything is working properly too. If not, raise your hand to let someone know before you start your live test.
9. Flag tricky questions
You have 57 minutes to answer the 50 multiple choice questions. So, if you come across a few questions you’re not sure about, don’t panic. Press the flag button to mark these questions and you can return to them later.
10. Use the resting time
After the multiple choice part of your test, you get a three minute break. Use this time to stretch and take a deep breath to refocus, before starting the hazard perception test.
And there you have it, our top 10 tips to pass your theory test.
Have you considered having lessons to help put the theory into practice? Contact us today to book a free taster lesson.