How to practice the Theory Test

Link Theory with Practice

New drivers must pass this theory test before they can apply for a practical driving test. It is strongly advised that you start taking lessons before you take your theory test. By having some road driving practice before sitting the test you will be far better able to understand the concepts being tested, particularly in respect to the use of speed, separation and stopping distances.

How to practice the theory test

While your instructor will be able to help, most learners take their own responsibility for learning the theory. The main reference guide to buy is the Highway Code and the 'Driving - Essential Skills' published by the DSA. For practicing the test there are now many resources available both online and in print to help train for both sections of the test. The multiple choice questions used on the actual examination, along with answers and explanations, are published by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA). Several other companies also have a copyright licence to print the DSA reference information so it is worth looking around for a practice resource that suits you. Aside from reference material there are also many digital publication to allow you to practice the theory test online, on your computer and on DVD.

Tips for practicing the UK driving theory test online

When using 'online' resources specifically there are a few things to be aware of.

• When searching for information and resources via search engines ensure you are finding UK driving websites, not ones from other countries.
• Be aware that many practice resources will not be using the official DSA test questions.
• Websites offering simulators to help practice the Hazard Perception Test online are dependent on your internet connection speed. Even with a relatively fast connection it's common for the videos streams to stall while you are practicing. Likewise, as you respond to each hazard, slight delays can affect your score and give you a false impression of the real test.

For best results we would recommend you use a dedicated Theory Test Practice resource rather than a cheap add on to a sight that is essentially trying to sell you other services. Theory Test Pro is the best we have seen online so far and comes with a free 14 day trial if you click through here >

Question Topics

The fifty multiple-choice questions you will be asked are drawn from a bank of some one thousand two hundred test questions. These are divided into fourteen separate topic areas, alertness; attitude; safety and your vehicle; safety margins; hazard awareness; vulnerable road users; other types of vehicle; vehicle handling; motorway rules; rules of the road; road and traffic signs; documents; accidents and vehicle loading.

How to answer the Questions

Many questions will seem similar to each other, so, be sure to read the question and answer it accurately. Familiarity with the questions will ensure that you know what to expect, but avoid trying to learn the questions and answers in a parrot fashion. With each question there is an aspect about good driving to learn.  To help establish these, some questions are now associated with case studies. Each of these shows a scenario that five questions will be based on. The subject of the scenario focuses on real life examples and experiences that drivers could come across when driving.

Theory with Practice, more Theory with more Practice

During your practical driving lessons, it is worth comparing the theory syllabus topic content with the progress record used by your instructor. In this way, learning the theory will help you achieve not only a first time pass, but will also bring about long term benefits, particularly how to stay out of trouble and avoid costly crashes.