How To Prepare For Your Theory Test
When it comes to your theory test, it is really important to prepare yourself for your exam. The theory test comprises of two components: The multiple choice questions, and the hazard perception part of the test. You MUST score the minimum amount on both parts of the test to pass your theory test.
- Multiple Choice = 50 questions (43 minimum to pass)
- Hazard perception clips (44 minimum out of 75)
Multiple Choice Questions
When it comes to preparing for your theory test it is really important to have a study plan to help prepare you for the big day. One of the common mistakes that learners make, is that they go straight into answering mock questions without studying the set elements beforehand. The following subjects make up the syllabus for the theory exam:
- Alertness
- Attitude
- Safety & Your Vehicle
- Safety margins
- Hazard Awareness
- Vulnerable Road Users
- Road Conditions & Vehicle Handling
- Other Types Of Vehicles
- Motorway Driving
- Rules of the Road
- Road & Traffic Signs
- Essential Documents
- Incidents Accidents & Emergencies
- Vehicle Loading
LPOD Academy has a comprehensive theory training course with revision videos that cover the theory test syllabus. You should start with the first topic of alertness. Once you have progressed through the video, you should then embark on the Q&A questions Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3!
Once you have completed 4 videos, then you should progress to the next topic of Attitude! Once you have completed the whole course, be sure to complete the 10 mock exams to see how well you do. Remember, you should gain a minimum of 43 questions correct to gain a pass for this element of your theory exam!
Other resources – of courses there are lots of other resources on the market. There are lots of books, apps, and websites that can help prepare you for your theory test. Here are some useful study books:
- The Highway Code
- Know Your Traffic Signs
- Driving Essential Skills – DVSA
When it comes to studying – you should set aside enough time to help prepare yourself for your exam. Depending on what type of learner you are, will determine when and how much time you allocate to your studies. Some learners prefer to study in short snippets, whereas, other learners prefer to ‘crash’ learn over a couple of days. Whichever way you prefer, it is really important to set this time aside and stick to your study plan!
Another great way of helping you is to get your family on board. With the help of your family, you will be able to make it a family affair, and sometimes discussing elements of the theory exam will help you retain more information as things can be explained in different ways. Here are a few ideas:
- Go out with your parents and look for as many road signs and markings as possible
- Get your parents to discuss topics on the theory exam
- Get help with mock tests.
- Find another learner and become study buddies
Your instructor is also a great place to get some theory practice as they have practised and revised the theory exam lots of times. Did you know, you can still take lessons with an instructor even if you haven’t got your theory? That is correct! If you’re taking an intensive driving course in Kettering, you can revise your theory questions with your instructor whilst learning to drive. But remember, you need to pass your theory in order to sit a practical test.
Hazard Perception Test
Once you are confident with the questions and are scoring above the minimum pass mark, you will need to study for the hazard perception part of the exam. The hazard perception test consists of 14 video clips with a maximum score value of 5 points. One of the video clips has a double hazard with a maximum score value of 10 points. You MUST achieve a minimum of 44 points to pass this part of your theory exam.
The hazard perception test is to help prepare you to identify developing hazards on the road ahead. Using CGI clips, you will watch video clips and will need to look out for ‘developing hazards‘. Remember: Not everything you shall see will be a developing hazard!
For example – pedestrians on the pavement are not identified as developing hazards, as they are safely walking on the road. However; if a pedestrian suddenly turns around and steps into the road in Daventry, then, of course, this would be a developing hazard to which you would have to react to in real life.
This would require you to click the mouse to show you have identified the hazard on the road. You will be awarded a maximum of 5 points if you clicked the mouse at the earliest moment. The later you react, this score is reduced accordingly.
It is really important to not over click – this could result in a score ‘0’ for the clip. You are allowed some discretion for ‘potential hazards’, but try to only click for the developing hazard which makes you either change your speed/direction. Possible things to look out for:
- Motorbikes
- Cyclists
- Children
- Emerging vehicles
- Obstacles on the road
- Weather conditions such as bright sunshine, pools of water
- Crevaces in the road
- Vulnerable road users
- Animals
There are lots of apps on the market to help you when it comes to practising for this part of the exam. Some are free, and some are paid. Be sure to use a few reputable apps to help prepare you for the hazard perception test. Please be aware: try NOT to use the same app, once you become familiar with the hazards in each clip, you will inevitably score higher with each practice session. A few apps will keep your true score more accurate as you will be less familiar with the hazards.
OK – so there you have it! Once you are happy with your score on the multiple choice and your hazard perception clips, you should be ready to sit your exam!
On the day – be sure to follow the advice on your booking email. Arrive at your theory test centre 15 minutes before your appointment. You should also make sure you have your driving licence with you as you will NOT be able to take your exam without this.
To book your theory test, please visit here.
To find your local theory test centre please visit here.
