Driving Theory Test
Before July 1996, learner drivers only had to answer a few questions on the Highway Code at the end of their practical driving test. Now there is a theory test, which you must pass even before you can apply for your practical test.
This section tells you how to go about learning theory and what you have to know.
Why Do You Need To Know Driving Theory?
One answer would be: "It's your first essential step to obtaining a
full driving license."
But there's more to it than that...
If you want to be a safe driver, you need to know what that involves. Because the consequences of bad driving often causes death on our roads, there are many laws and rules of driving that you should not only know, but more importantly, understand. All drivers, indeed all road users, should apply the same rules, otherwise there would be total chaos. You need to make sure that you know what you are doing and what you can expect from other road users.
In 1995, the then Minister for Road Safety said:
"Drivers in the 17-21 age range, which includes most new drivers, represent 10% of license holders but are involved in 20% of all accidents. They account for a quarter of all road fatalities. I am confident the new theory test will make a significant contribution to improving road safety and reducing the accident rate among newly qualified drivers."
Amongst the reasons for so many crashes and deaths on our roads are drivers ignoring the rules or failing to anticipate hazards. A sound knowledge of driving theory will help you and others survive to enjoy Safe Driving For Life.
When To Start Learning Theory
Passing the theory test is the first stage in becoming a safe driver. There's a lot to learn, but don't try to learn it all at once. If you try to learn it all the night before your theory test, you are sure to fail.
Firstly, you will need to buy yourself a Highway Code and read it a bit at a time. Remember, even as a pedestrian you are still a road user, so whilst your out and about make sure you know what all the road signs and markings mean - if you don't know - look it up.
You probably already know quite a lot of the theory of safe driving and some of the theory test questions simply require you to use your common sense. However, there are quite a number of facts and figures you need to know, as well as road signs and markings and so on. It can seem rather strange to try to learn these if you haven't yet started to drive but any knowledge that you are equipped with when first going behind the wheel will stand you in good stead.
All good advice, but I'm sure you'll agree, a time consuming method of learning the theory.
INTENSIVE DRIVING UK, have the areas only driving theory training centre, fully equipped to make passing the theory test quick and easy but more importantly, effective.
The Theory Syllabus
The Theory Test contains 35 questions taken from the theory question bank which contains in excess of 800 questions. In order to pass the Theory Test, you must achieve a score of 30. Each test has questions taken from 14 different categories which are designed to test the candidates overall knowledge of the Highway Code, safe driving practices, etc.
Below you will find the official syllabus with sub-topics:
ALERTNESS
Observation, Anticipation, Concentration, Awareness, Distraction
ATTITUDE
Consideration, Positioning, Courtesy, Priority
SAFETY & YOUR VEHICLE
Fault Detection, Vehicle Defects, Safety, Equipment etc.
SAFETY MARGINS
Stopping Distance, Road Surfaces, Skidding, Weather Conditions
HAZARD AWARENESS
Anticipation, Attention, Speed & Distance, Reactions, Drink & Drugs
VULNERABLE ROAD USERS
Pedestrians, Children, Disabled, Bike Cycle & Horse Riders
OTHER TYPES OF VEHICLE
Motorcyclists, Lorries, Buses
VEHICLE HANDLING
Weather & Road Conditions, Speed, Time Of Day, Traffic Calming
MOTORWAY RULES
Speed Limits, Lane Discipline, Stopping, Lighting, Parking
RULES OF THE ROAD
Speed Limits, Parking, Lighting
ROAD AND TRAFFIC SIGNS
Road Signs, Speed Limits, Road Markings, Regulations
DOCUMENTATION
Licenses, Insurance, MOT Certificates
ACCIDENTS
First Aid, Warning Devices, Reporting Procedures, Safety Regulations
VEHICLE LOADING
Stability, Towing
