Learning to drive is a rite of passage and, for many, the gateway to freedom and independence. But before learners can take their practical test and ditch those L plates, the dreaded theory test comes first.
It can be daunting for some people, especially for those who don't like exams. With that in mind, instructors at Bill Plant Driving School have put together advice on how to prepare and pass it first time.
Get to grips with the Highway Code
Available online for free, the Highway Code forms the basis of most of the multiple-choice section of the test, so be sure to spend a few hours working your way through it. Remember, the rules are updated whenever there are changes in the law, so make sure you’re studying the most recent version.
Spread out your revision
For the multiple-choice section of the test, you will be given 50 questions from a bank of more than 1,000, so dedicating sufficient time revising a wide range of subjects will be crucial for passing first time. The DVSA recommends spending at least 20 hours revising to be fully prepared, so be sure to spread out and pace your revision, instead of cramming at the last minute.
Complete mock tests
Completing online practice tests to see how DVSA theory tests work will give you a good idea of what sort of questions are likely to come up, as well as highlight any particular gaps in your knowledge. There are tests on the Government website and numerous apps which learner drivers can use to help their theory test preparation.
Practice while out driving
Understanding the Highway Code in a real-world context is one of the most effective practices for theory tests. If you have access to an insured vehicle outside your regular driving lessons, ask your family member or supervisor to spot road signs and hazards, or test you on scenarios when hitting the road.
Don’t forget your provisional licence
While preparation is important, if you turn up to the theory test centre without your provisional licence you will not be allowed to sit your test and will forfeit the £23 fee, so be sure to double check you have your licence before heading out.
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Make use of your practice time
You will be allowed 15 minutes of practice time before your test and should utilise this to get used to the layout of the questions and the touch screen. If something isn’t working properly or you are unsure about anything, raise your concerns during this time so they can be dealt with before your test starts.
Stick to one minute per question
With 57 minutes to complete 50 multiple-choice questions, you should allow yourself one minute to answer each question. This will leave you with a good amount of time to check your answers at the end of the test, and revisit any difficult questions, preventing you from spending too long on one answer.
Tom Hixon, head of instructor support at Bill Plant Driving School, said: “Broken down into two sections, you need to score 43 out of 50 for the multiple-choice section, and 44 out of 75 on the hazard perception test to pass your theory test. The driving theory test pass rate is around 50%, meaning knowing how to prepare properly is key to boosting your chances of passing.
"First-timers have a higher chance of passing the multiple choice section if they study smartly. You should spread out your revision, allotting time each week to review your practice materials to ensure you understand all the theories.
"Be sure to utilise all available online resources, which will test your knowledge and highlight any areas you need to improve. The week before the test, it is worth spending around 30 minutes each day working on any areas you have flagged as weaknesses to ensure you are best prepared for your test.
"While theory tests are often viewed separately from the driving test, having a practical understanding of the highway code will help you tackle the hazard perception section of the theory exam. Whether during driving lessons or when out practising with a supervisor, actively try and identify any hazards or recall the names and meanings of different signs. This will not only test your theory knowledge but will also make you feel more confident in test conditions.
"Before the test, try to remain calm and confident in your knowledge. Allow yourself plenty of time to get to the centre, and avoid thinking of yourself and the exam negatively. Remember, you can rearrange your test up to three days before the scheduled date if you feel unconfident, but if you have studied hard and applied your knowledge to practical situations, you should be prepared and more than capable of passing.”
