How much time should I practice my theory? This is a really difficult question and one that perhaps to begin with does not need a number. What's important with any studying is that you find quality time and set this aside. Look at what your goals are and why you want to start learning to drive. This will give you the energy to help find the time and make studying more enjoyable. You could start off with just 2 quality sessions a week and begin to see how much information you are absorbing. If you have started lessons one session could be linked towards what you have covered in that driving session. ie. Pedestrian crossings. Speed Limits. Motorways. You will know if you are gaining enough from the time. I personally find when I'm trying to focus on a task at home there are often too many distractions. So perhaps consider where you are studying also. I like to know I have a nice cup of coffee at hand.
How long should I study for? Often students see passing the Theory Test as an obstacle in the way of gaining their driving licence.
You should start studying your theory as soon as you begin thinking about driving lessons. Ok - maybe not that early, but if you have started to look for an instructor and you have a lesson booked in advance this would be a good time to begin. Your studying should be on going. When you pass your theory test this is not the time to stop learning. In fact it's a great time to expand on what you have learnt and look at wider topics. ie. Rule changes. Future developments in driving. Environments issues around driving. A deeper understanding of the law. Vehicle mechanics. It may mean that if you allowed 2 hourly sessions a week you may want to switch to 1 session per week.
How do I learn best?
This is really a question that should be answered by yourself! I would suggest though that each student should have an understanding of the following books. The Official HighWay Code. The Official DVSA Guide to Driving: The Essential Skills
Know your Traffic Signs
The Official DVSA guide to Better Driving Some popular books are available to purchase via my online shop.
This is a small investment and can be passed on to younger brothers, sisters or friends. There are plenty of fun and exciting ways of learning even if you are practising alone. Perhaps challenge yourself to read 5 rules in the HighWay code per day. Read the road signs and markings on your way to school/college/work and the find out the rules relating to them. Ask friends and family to throw questions at you. Apps like Theory Test Pro/Driving Test Success are useful but they teach you to know the answer which is only triggered by the question. This rote style of learning does no provide a deeper understanding of the fundamentals to driving. Modern technology can help, but we often need different approaches to learning. Try to expand on your knowledge. For example. The majority on students know that the minimum legal tread depth for tyres in 1.6mm. Is it the same for all vehicles? What do the other markings on tyres mean? When can I use a space saver tyre? Whether we spend just 20 minutes a day reading, then a further 20 minutes using the app, then a further 20 minutes asking friends to ask questions. Playing a board game or designing our own games.
If you answer a question incorrectly, try to understand why you gave that answer. Sometimes it's the way the question is written, or it could basically be lack of knowledge. There may just be too much information floating around and you have not digested it all to give the correct answer. This could bring up other thoughts to consider. Are you over studying? Do you need to focus on smaller topics rather than taking in too much? What do I need to study? Whilst there are a number of topics much of it interchanges with each other. These are the key areas you should be focusing:
alertness
attitude
safety and your vehicle
safety margins
hazard awareness
vulnerable road users
other types of vehicle
road conditions and vehicle handling
motorway driving
rules of the road
road and traffic signs
essential documents
incidents, accidents and emergencies
vehicle loading
How do I know I'm ready to sit my Theory Test? Apps can be very useful when it comes to mock tests. I've often suggested to students that they take a mock test first to see what areas they need to improve. This will also broaden your understanding of what needs to be learnt. If you have generally taken quality time during your driver training and leading upto when your instructor suggests taking the theory test then you should be ready. Make sure you are being honest and have passed various mock tests as well. How do I practice for the Hazard Perception Test? I've deliberately not covered this in too much depth and here's why. This is actually something you have been practicing all your life, and without knowing you are probably already at a level that is capable of passing the hazard perception test. If not, you will be if you are already taking driving lessons. Those failing the Hazard Perception Test are often doing so by following the wrong advice.
The aim is to pick up on developing hazards early to score higher. Try these sample clips which you will find explain the test very simply.
Updated 10th November 2020. I have made the business decision to remove any links to Theory Test Pro.
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