Driving test - driving theory test

How To Prepare For Your Driving Theory Test

How To Prepare For Your Practical Test

After You Pass Your Driving Test







How To Prepare For Your Driving Theory Test

Taking your driving theory test can be a daunting experience, but with good preparation and a little practice, you can pass your driving theory test first time.

In our experience, the best way to prepare for your driving theory test is to actually practice driving with your ADI driving instructor on your intensive driving course. The theory will make much more sense once you have had some driving lessons and been driving for a while. The other thing you will need is a good book for the driving theory test and an interactive CD or DVD for the hazard perception test. Your Intensive Driving Courses ADI driving instructor will be able to recommend good books and CD's/DVD's.

You can even practice your driving theory test online for free at the DSA website. On the day of your driving theory test make sure you allow plenty of time to get to the test centre. The driving theory test can be stressful enough without the added stress of being late! You will need to register at reception. You need to bring with you your Provisional Driving Licence and some form of identification showing your name, photograph and signature.

Before the actual test starts, you are allowed fifteen minutes to get used to the touch screen computer system. You get forty minutes to answer thirty-five questions. To pass this part of the driving theory test you need to answer at least 30 questions correctly. After a short break you will take the hazard perception test. You will be tested on 14 film clips chosen at random from a series of two hundred. You get points for how quickly you spot the developing hazard in each clip. One clip has 2 hazards to identify. There are a maximum of 5 points available for each hazard. The sooner you notice the developing hazard, the more points you score. To pass this part of the test you need to score at least 44 points out of a total of 75. You need to pass both parts of the test to pass the theory test as a whole.

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How To Prepare For Your Practical Test

The practical driving test was introduced in 1935 to ensure all new drivers are safe and competent to drive on public roads. The only way to be prepared for your practical driving test is to make sure you have had enough good quality driving lessons to ensure your driving ability is at the standard required to pass your driving test.

Our intensive driving courses are designed to fully prepare you for your driving test. The range of intensive driving courses we have available ensure there is an intensive driving course that is right for you.

Apart from driving up to the required standard, you should be prepared for the set manoeuvres you will be asked to carry out. Once your ADI driving instructor feels you are ready for your driving test, you can take a mock driving test to see how you cope under test conditions. This will give you a clearer idea of how the driving test is carried out, and just as importantly, how you deal with the stress of a test situation.

Your driving test starts in the waiting room. Make sure that you arrive on time, otherwise you might lose your test and the fee. The first thing that happens is the examiner will come out and ask you to sign a form and they will then check your provisional license, driving theory test certificate and identification. You will then be asked to lead the way to your car. Your eyesight test will be carried out at this point, followed by the 'Show Me, Tell Me' session, in which you will be asked to explain and demonstrate some simple vehicle checks. You will both get into your car, where the examiner will briefly explain the test procedure to you. You must follow the examiners instructions, if you do not understand something the examiner says, you can ask them to repeat it.

The driving test will last for around 40 minutes. At the end of your driving test, the examiner will tell you the result and briefly discuss your driving test with you.

The driving test will assess you on the following criteria:

Eyesight test
Show and Tell
Car control
Use of mirrors
Use of signals
Action on signs and markings and signals
Driving at a safe speed
Avoiding hesitation
Correct action at junctions
Dealing with other vehicles safely
Correct road position
Allowing a safe distance from other vehicles
Deal correctly with pedestrian crossings
Choosing safe places to stop
Showing anticipation of others
Using ancillary controls

Two of more or the following manoeuvres:

Reversing to the left or right
Reverse parking
Turn-in-the-road
Reversing into a parking bay

In addition you may have to carry out an Emergency stop

You are permitted to make a maximum of 5 minor errors. If you make a single major error you will fail your driving test.

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After You Pass Your Driving Test

You' ve just passed your driving test, so what happens now? Well, for a start you can drive without supervision. This may seem daunting at first, so if you feel more comfortable take someone with you for support.

When you do start to drive completely alone, you may find it easier to drive on roads that you know until you get more confident with your driving. Remember to drive the way you were taught on your intensive driving course. Driving competently and safely is not just for your driving lessons and test - you should drive competently and safely for life! Remember to stay alert and concentrate.

Try to spot possible problems before they arise. The sooner you can spot trouble ahead, the more chance you have of reacting in time to prevent an accident. Always drive within the law, traffic law is there to protect you, pedestrians and other road users. If you are going to make a long journey you should get a good night's sleep before hand and take plenty of rest breaks on the journey. Listen to the radio for traffic alerts and make sure you have enough fuel.

If you feel you would like to get more confidence before driving on a motorway, Intensive Driving Courses offer motorway driving lessons. As the driver, you are legally responsible for any child under 14 years wearing a seat belt or suitable restraint. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles, especially aggressive drivers. Whenever you need to turn your windscreen wipers on, you need to switch on your driving lights as well. If you are driving on a slippery or loose surface use the pedals in a more gentle way. You should keep a tool kit in your car, including a jack and wheel brace. Have a copy of the 'Owners Manual' for your car and make sure you know where the jacking points are and the correct tyre pressures for your car.

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