I get contacted by many people who have difficulty in passing the theory test.
This is general advice, as I know some people are neurodiverse, dyslexic and have other difficulties.
A few thoughts and advice.
Since the introduction of the theory test it’s had its critics, some justified, but it’s been a round a long time now, and isn’t going away.
It’s amazing, and I think a lot of Driving Instructors will agree that if we ask someone to study and book a theory test, let’s say we have to ask more then once. We kid, cajol, blackmail, make promises, but it’s invariably a mission to get a pupil to book it.
Ask them to book a Driving Test, and it’s booked and I am messaged minutes after we’ve discussed it after dropping them off 😂😂
So, what’s the secret, how do I pass my theory test first time. You’re going to hate this, but study, revision and mock testing.
I have tried many apps over the years and they all seem to encourage you to take a test and any answers you get wrong then they give you the answer. Except one app, and we will come to that in a moment.
If you have ever watched “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” ? It’s very much like a theory test. You get asked a question, there are four answers to chose from, sounds familiar? If you have watched it, how many times has a question come up and before the answers come up your shouting at the TV the answer?
That’s what it should be like taking a theory test (not shouting at the screen though lol) It’s because you have the knowledge to answer the question, you don’t want to be gambling and doing your best guess from four questions.
So how do I gain that knowledge, well the good old fashion way by reading the relevant material, or an appropriate app.
By digesting the information and then topic test (not a full mock test) that is the way to successfully pass that test first time. It will also make you a more aware driver and not slip up when your driving.
If your a reader then three books are a must:
The HighwayCode Book
Driving the Essential Skills - this one’s good but better for actual driving more than theory
Know your Traffic Signs
Combined use with, after many years, the only app I recommend is The Official Theory Test Kit for cars.
Most people tend to decide on using the app only, but you can read those books and test your self on the app.
The app has three sections, STUDY, PRACTICE and MOCKS. There are 14 sections which make up the theory test. Study a specific category, when you have read and digested best you can what you’ve read, then go to the second section, PRACTICE.
This section only asks questions on what you read and revised. Once you have completed the section, studied any areas you got wrong, you then move on to the next.
Lastly MOCK TEST. Having completed the 14 categories, and you’re happy with your progress THEN ATTEMPT THE FULL MOCK TEST, not before.
This is a tried and trusted method in getting it done. You could, like others try and blag it, on the odd occasions the questions you “learnt” come up and you fluke it.
But when you get out on the road driving, you may well get caught out, on lessons, tragically on the actual driving test or by the Police, post test. They won’t take “oh, I never knew that” as an excuse. It could cost you £100 and three points, or, worst case scenario, your licence you worked so hard for.
The Theory is an unavoidable element that you need to drive, remember, you chose to learn to drive, it’s not like School where you have to learn what your told, you wanted to get your licence, if you use the the method I’ve advocated above, you’ll have a great chance of passing.
These are what you need, and hers a free download for “know your traffic signs”
If you have trouble with reading, then the above is not going to help you. However there is a great tool available which will help you learn it and gives advice on the dispensations that are available to you on test day.
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