The learner drivers journey – Part 3 Passing the Learner Drivers Theory Test
Passing the Learner Driver Theory Test
As the leading driving school in the North East we like to think we know a few things about passing the learner driver theory test. In this blog let’s have a look at what the theory test is all about, when and where it came from and what you can do to prepare for it.
Let’s start with-
A Bit of a History Lesson
(Read in the voice of David Attenborough for best effects)
In this section let’s have a little look at the beginnings of the theory test and how it has progressed over the years. Like the beginning of the dinosaurs it all had to start somewhere.
In the beginning there was no separate theory test. As a matter of fact you had to answer questions at the end of the practical driving test on different sections of the Highway Code. This continued through the early nineties until some bright spark came along. Hold on!
After a 40 minute practical driving test its quite likely the candidates brain stew is going to be pulling a warren. With this in mind do we really need a barrage of questions from the 152 page Tyrannosaur of a Highway Code. There has to be a better way! They said.
In order to make things more manageable in 1996 an additional written examination was dropped on us ‘Thanks!’ The theory test was born.
Next came the age of the computer and in the year 2000 the theory test became touch screen which remains the same to this day.
After the theory test was computerised it wasn’t long before there was another change. kaboom like an asteroid striking terra firma 2002 brought us hazard perception.
Coupled with a question bank update in 2007, case studies added in 2009, additional case studies in 2011 and a couple of ice ages thrown in – the journey ends.
So here we are!
(you can stop being Attenborough now or carry on if you like)
When to Pass the Learner Driver Theory Test
Before we answer this question have a look at this – ‘are you wanting to do regular spaced out lessons or rather complete an intensive course?’
Here at Pass Me Faster we like to tailor courses and how to pass the learner driver theory test on what suits you and your needs best. A friendly conversation with a chummy instructor may be all you need to get you on your road to success.
Lets try and break things down and have a look.
Regular Lessons
For the Steady Eddies that are wanting to ramble along on a spaced out lesson plan. Working towards your theory whilst on your practical lessons can be a great idea.
Firstly having study sessions still fresh in your mind can’t be bad. You may find you have a deeper understanding of what’s going on when you do get into the thick of it.
Also any theory questions you don’t understand, you can squeeze out of your instructor on lessons too.
Finally running through your theory might give you that extra drive (pardon the pun) to get through to test.
For the ramblers on regular lesson plans, getting your theory done before starting lessons is also an option. You have 2 years to pass your test practical test before you’ve cooked your goose.
However –
Leaving your theory to the end of your training is not a good idea and is not going to get Cinderella to the ball. Eventually holding you up no end and meaning more lessons to keep you buffed up for test.
‘DON’T LEAVE YOUR THEORY TOO LATE PLEASE’
Ill still keep hassling you on your lessons about this every single day though I bet!
Intensive Courses
For all you Eager Beavers wanting things at a drop of a hat on intensive courses its more beneficial to get your theory completed first. Let’s have a look why?
We begin with having a practical test date to work towards. This allows you to plan your course more effectively. If you don’t do the theory you can’t book a test! End of.
Next lets get the bit between our teeth. With the test date locked in you’ll be well juiced up.
Finally a deeper knowledge of the rules of the road means you understand what your instructors babbling on about. Not that we babble of course.
How to Book the UK Driving Theory Test
The quickest way to book the UK theory test is online. In the UK you must be 17 to book a theory test and must be in possession of a valid provisional licence. I’m afraid the Bruce Lee driving licence you bought at the gift shop in Whitby won’t be valid.
You can apply for the provisional licence at 16. Check out our blog about driving licences for more information.
The car theory test at the moment costs £23 pounds. If you like wasting money there are many agencies that will book the theory test for you and charge you a hefty fee too. So be prudent and use this link to avoid paying over the odds.
Practice to Pass the Learner Driver Theory Test
Over the last 10 years we have noticed a pattern emerging with the theory test so let’s have a look.
There has been a steady decline in the pass rate which now rests at a not so endearing 49.1%. Girls are 6% more likely to pass than boys study’s have revealed. Don’t worry lads your 6% more likely to pass your practical test.
Why have the Pass Rates Dropped
We’re just getting ficker. No hold on there’s more questions. larger amounts of failures in the theory test are probably due to more questions being added. That’s not brain surgery or rocket science for that matter!
Case studies
Just when we start to see the woods for the trees they curl this one at us. Case studies along with questions now there’s something new. You will be asked to answer 5 questions related to the scenario presented in front of you. Now your brains needing surgery isn’t it!
No more cheating
Since 2012 the exact test questions are no longer published. You will require a deeper knowledge by revising similar but not identical questions. Fiddlesticks!
Hazard perception section
Learning to identify typical hazards out on the road is essential. The quicker you spot them the more points you get. Here’s a video to explain it a bit better.
Great Study material to Pass the Learner Driver Theory Test
Included in this section is some of our favourite little gems to help get that brain ticking and acing your theory test first time.
Starting off we have one of our favourites DTS anytime.
A great little app for having fun whilst helping you study. This is the system we use with all our customers. All active students at Pass Me Faster get FREE access to the system.
Similarly another great system is the dvsa theory test system.
As the DVSA set the test this is surely another smart option for the theory test guru.
Why not take a practice test here via direct.gov.uk.
Remember if you ace this test don’t think you’ve cracked it. Many people just do the free online test and then go and fail miserably test day. Its just a few practice questions, remember there are heaps of questions to get your head around.
Get Those Thinking Caps On
Hopefully now with this information you can go and ace the test. Although theory test pass rates have plummeted the ones that get the right information and spend the time are still acing it. Remember its not rocket science but more brain surgery.
For any advice please find a friendly instructor here
Michelle Sanderson
June 14, 2019 @ 7:01 am
The theory test help I obtained was first class with this instructor! If you want to stand a good chance of achieving such high results and flying high then look no further than Peter Wilkinson Turn-n-learn as it really is world class and a little crackers lol 🤗
Michelle Sanderson
June 14, 2019 @ 7:12 am
I would highly recommend this driving instructor as I passed my theory test with flying colours because of the high class training and info! So if you want to do the same, you know who you need to learn to drive eith. Yeah its Turn-n-learn Peter Wilkinson. Go on give it a go and you will not be disappointed even though you might finish with being very crackers 🤣
Gemma
June 20, 2019 @ 10:27 am
👍
Georgia
July 15, 2019 @ 11:05 am
👍🏻👍🏻