The theory test is divided in to 2 parts, the multiple choice questions (pass mark 30 out of 35) and the hazard perception (pass mark 44 out of 75). The value of the theory test is still debatable, in my experience, pupils know less about the Highway Code now than they did before the theory test came in. But, if you're learning to drive, you need to pass it, so below you'll find a few hints and tips to help you along the way.
You need to pass both parts together to pass the test.
The Multiple Choice Questions
I recommend that my pupils start with the Highway Code FIRST. It costs around £1.49 and is probably the best buy you'll make in relation to driving. Use it as a reference to cement the knowledge gained on your driving lessons, I wouldn't suggest trying to read it cover to cover, unless you really want to of course!
Whatever I say about training aids, I know most people will simply get a question book or a CD-ROM and plough through the questions until they achieve the pass mark. I would probably have done the same when I was 17! Just remember though, you're learning a life skill, you need to have the knowledge without having 4 possible answers written down in front of you. You don't get A, B, C or D when you're driving down the road, YOU NEED TO KNOW IT!
The Hazard Perception Test
This still causes problems for candidates, the best advice is to practise. Unfortunately it's a computer game and the best way to achieve a pass is to keep playing it until you manage to figure out how it works.
There are 14 clips of about 1 minute each, containing 15 developing hazards. Each clip may contain many hazards, but you need to find the developing ones, that is ones that would cause you, as a driver, to take some sort of evasive action.
Candidates are often worried about clicking too many times, indeed you can receive a score of 0 for this. However, you should aim to click between 10 and 15 times per clip and make sure you "click through" any hazards that continue to develop. "Clicking through" means that you should keep clicking as a hazard develops, don't just click once and assume that that is the end of the hazard.
When a hazard first appears on the screen, the scoring window opens, if you click straight away you get 5 marks, a bit later, 4 and so on down to 0 when the window closes. Clicking through should ensure that you get in the window even if your first click is too early. Your first click after the window opens is your score for that clip, so only 1 of your mouse clicks on each clip will score.
Make sure you click whenever you see a potential hazard, you never know when it's going to develop, some examples of possible hazards are listed below:
1. Pedestrians - Particularly watch for people looking over their shoulder, walking behind vehicles or heading towards pedestrian crossings.
2. Large Vehicles - Lorries, buses, etc. may move over towards your side of the road.
3. Emerging Vehicles - From driveways, side roads or parking places.
4. Meeting Situations - When the gap in front is narrowed and there is oncoming traffic
5. Animals - Wandering around the road
6. Vans - With doors open, indicate that someone is working around there.
There are others, but these are some ideas to get you started, if you think I've missed anything, let me know.
Above all, don't be frightened to click, the computer allows a generous amount of clicks before it gives you a 0 score and make sure you get plenty of practise before the day. Remember, fail to prepare and prepare to fail!
Best of luck,
