Passing the Driving Theory Test
Discussion
Son had first driving lesson last night.
We need to book him in for a theory test but first he needs to read up and learn what is required so; the Book, the DVD, Highway Code, App on phone (apparently)?
What do folk recommend or is it all of the above?
Has the Theory test changed for 2023?
(Remember doing a Theory Test about 20 years ago for either a bike or bus licence but when I took my car test the main thing was "don't run over the bloke in front with the red flag").
We need to book him in for a theory test but first he needs to read up and learn what is required so; the Book, the DVD, Highway Code, App on phone (apparently)?
What do folk recommend or is it all of the above?
Has the Theory test changed for 2023?
(Remember doing a Theory Test about 20 years ago for either a bike or bus licence but when I took my car test the main thing was "don't run over the bloke in front with the red flag").
Skyedriver said:
Son had first driving lesson last night.
We need to book him in for a theory test but first he needs to read up and learn what is required so; the Book, the DVD, Highway Code, App on phone (apparently)?
What do folk recommend or is it all of the above?
Has the Theory test changed for 2023?
(Remember doing a Theory Test about 20 years ago for either a bike or bus licence but when I took my car test the main thing was "don't run over the bloke in front with the red flag").
surely doesn't matter if they all say the same thing We need to book him in for a theory test but first he needs to read up and learn what is required so; the Book, the DVD, Highway Code, App on phone (apparently)?
What do folk recommend or is it all of the above?
Has the Theory test changed for 2023?
(Remember doing a Theory Test about 20 years ago for either a bike or bus licence but when I took my car test the main thing was "don't run over the bloke in front with the red flag").
I passed my test in 1992 before the theory test, but I did one about 20 years ago as I was looking to get my bike licence.
Back then I just bought the suggested CD and went through that continuously until I could pass the test every time in under 5 minutes.
On the day of the test I was absolutely amazed to see that the test was EXACTLY the same as the CD I had purchased, literally the only difference was you touched the screen to select the answer rather than click with a mouse. I was in and out in five minutes.
I never did end up getting that bike licence though.
Back then I just bought the suggested CD and went through that continuously until I could pass the test every time in under 5 minutes.
On the day of the test I was absolutely amazed to see that the test was EXACTLY the same as the CD I had purchased, literally the only difference was you touched the screen to select the answer rather than click with a mouse. I was in and out in five minutes.
I never did end up getting that bike licence though.
2021, 18yr old teenage daughter took 5 attempts to pass, returned to my car on her 5th go with thumbs up, I asked her if she had worn her glasses for the previous 4 tests, her answer "no but I did this time and the screen was a lot clearer" !!!!!
2022, other daughter 17 yrs and 2 days old, booked her test for day after her birthday, took it and passed 1st attempt, hardly any revision apart from the practice apps available. Passed her DT less than 5 months after her 17th birthday!!
Some teenagers get it quickly others seem to struggle, My nieces 28yr old BF has never taken anything to do with driving, lives with his mum and dad and 2 adult siblings, only the mum drives!! Can't get my head around that at all....................
2022, other daughter 17 yrs and 2 days old, booked her test for day after her birthday, took it and passed 1st attempt, hardly any revision apart from the practice apps available. Passed her DT less than 5 months after her 17th birthday!!
Some teenagers get it quickly others seem to struggle, My nieces 28yr old BF has never taken anything to do with driving, lives with his mum and dad and 2 adult siblings, only the mum drives!! Can't get my head around that at all....................
The test is common sense really.
I retook mine in 2020 after passing over a decade earlier. The only thing that changed was the test centre screens were flat and there's a 15 minute long computer generated hazard section rather than the previously low res recorded videos.
The highway code hasn't changed THAT much, so most of the questions you get asked can be practiced for free online. There was a bit more about smart motorways than previously.
I retook mine in 2020 after passing over a decade earlier. The only thing that changed was the test centre screens were flat and there's a 15 minute long computer generated hazard section rather than the previously low res recorded videos.
The highway code hasn't changed THAT much, so most of the questions you get asked can be practiced for free online. There was a bit more about smart motorways than previously.
It was 25 years ago when I did mine, but three tips from my driving instructor got me through at the first attempt and they're probably still valid today.
1. Sounding the horn is not the correct answer to any question.
2. Flashing the lights is not the correct answer to any question.
3. Slowing down or stopping, if offered as an option is often the correct answer.
He also made sure I knew the meanings of all the road signs - some aren't particularly common and it's these ones which inevitably come up in the test.
1. Sounding the horn is not the correct answer to any question.
2. Flashing the lights is not the correct answer to any question.
3. Slowing down or stopping, if offered as an option is often the correct answer.
He also made sure I knew the meanings of all the road signs - some aren't particularly common and it's these ones which inevitably come up in the test.
CTO said:
Easiest thing to do, buy the app.
There is one that does randomised questions and (I think) scenarios where you click the hazard.
I used it when I did my bike theory a few years ago. Practiced in the eve or whenever I was bored, sailed through
Yep, same here. There is one that does randomised questions and (I think) scenarios where you click the hazard.
I used it when I did my bike theory a few years ago. Practiced in the eve or whenever I was bored, sailed through
The questions you are tested on are the same that are on the app so it’s just a case of keep doing practice tests until you begin to ace them.
The hazard perception tests is a little trickier especially if you’re an old fart like me that passed the driving test yonks ago but again keep doing them until they’re second nature and he’ll be fine.
SkodaIan said:
It was 25 years ago when I did mine, but three tips from my driving instructor got me through at the first attempt and they're probably still valid today.
1. Sounding the horn is not the correct answer to any question.
2. Flashing the lights is not the correct answer to any question.
3. Slowing down or stopping, if offered as an option is often the correct answer.
He also made sure I knew the meanings of all the road signs - some aren't particularly common and it's these ones which inevitably come up in the test.
Handy tip, thanks. Can appreciate Pedro above too. 1. Sounding the horn is not the correct answer to any question.
2. Flashing the lights is not the correct answer to any question.
3. Slowing down or stopping, if offered as an option is often the correct answer.
He also made sure I knew the meanings of all the road signs - some aren't particularly common and it's these ones which inevitably come up in the test.
I was desperate to learn and have been car mad ever since (1970) actually I was car mad from about 14. Son: not sure he's that interested in cars, does know good styling from a bad one but when there's Mum & Dad taxis......
Took my son for his theory test this evening, got to the test centre and the lights were on but doors were closed, and with a few people hanging about outside waiting to get in for their test. After 40 mins a lady came out saying "there's nobody else in the building, everyone must have gone home, no tests today".
I realise there's been a little snow around here and I assume folk have gone home early, but all the roads are clear and traffic moving as normal. Regardless, I find it quite strange that an organisation such as this cant correspond with attendees and at least email them to say the tests aren't going ahead. No idea if I'll get a refund, or if I now have to re book the test?
I realise there's been a little snow around here and I assume folk have gone home early, but all the roads are clear and traffic moving as normal. Regardless, I find it quite strange that an organisation such as this cant correspond with attendees and at least email them to say the tests aren't going ahead. No idea if I'll get a refund, or if I now have to re book the test?
Robertb said:
The hazard awareness bit is probably the hardest, because you need to know what they regard as a hazard (which may not be the common sense answer) and when to click without jumping the gun.
Passed mine first time back when I was 17 before the hazard stuff came in.Fast forward a good few years and was amazed I struggled with it when I did one for my bike test, having successfully managed to avoid almost all hazards in well over a decade of actually driving. Having never done it I tried a few free online ones and failed miserable. Ended up buying a practice thing which helped a lot, and yeah did pass ok but wasn't much fun.
Can imagine as new driver it's maybe a bit easier, but still felt more like a 'learn the tricks' than actually thinking. Bit like how getting an A in some subjects in school would be just a matter of memorisation and specific repetition of information, yet others really did require precise thinking and on the spot analysis.
I've sat the mock test a few times to get a feel for what the test will be like for my son. There are some odd questions, such as when topping up a battery with distilled water, what level do you fill to..
Top of the battery
Top of the electric plates
Just below the top of the electric plates etc
I mean in this day and age, who ever tops up a car battery?
Top of the battery
Top of the electric plates
Just below the top of the electric plates etc
I mean in this day and age, who ever tops up a car battery?
I drove all the way back to the DVSA theory test centre today to enquire about there being no staff in the building yesterday when we attended to sit the test, however they are closed Fridays but a receptionist confirmed that all DVSA test staff went home early because of the snow!
I'm kind of left in limbo as to book a new test I have to pay £28 again, with no idea if I'll get a refund for yesterdays test.
In case anyone needs DVSA contact details, I've phoned them on 0300 200 1122 and they advised me to email them at corporatereputation.tt@dvsa.gov.uk
When emailing them they require you to supply 2 of the following..
Driving Licence Number
Test Reference Number
Full Name of Candidate, Address, Postcode and Date of Birth (this is all one ID)
Complaints
https://contact-dvsa.service.gov.uk/topic/
I'm kind of left in limbo as to book a new test I have to pay £28 again, with no idea if I'll get a refund for yesterdays test.
In case anyone needs DVSA contact details, I've phoned them on 0300 200 1122 and they advised me to email them at corporatereputation.tt@dvsa.gov.uk
When emailing them they require you to supply 2 of the following..
Driving Licence Number
Test Reference Number
Full Name of Candidate, Address, Postcode and Date of Birth (this is all one ID)
Complaints
https://contact-dvsa.service.gov.uk/topic/
Edited by The Gauge on Friday 9th February 11:34
Quite strange behaviour from DVSA, no reply from the email I sent them, and no reply from the complaint I submitted either. I phoned head office who say my test centre never notified them they had closed early so as far as they are concerned they were open and there will be no refund.
I returned to the test centre to speak to staff but they wouldn't let me into the building as I wasn't attending for a test and wouldn't discuss it over the intercom. I've since rebooked the test at a different test centre so I've now had to pay twice.
I returned to the test centre to speak to staff but they wouldn't let me into the building as I wasn't attending for a test and wouldn't discuss it over the intercom. I've since rebooked the test at a different test centre so I've now had to pay twice.
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