Driving Theory Test - A Quick Look at the Pass Stats and Facts

Driving Theory Test

Always be best prepared to pass your driving theory test in the UK in 1st attempt. Because according to most of the learner drivers and instructors, driving theory test in the UK is becoming harder and has become a challenge. Here are few facts related to the driving theory test pass rates.
-1/3 people who appear for driving test now fail. Through the pass rate at its lowest ever level, many learners are complaining that the test has become too hard. Tough, because moves are already under way to make it even harder.
- It takes learners 46 hours of tuition on average to pass their test at a cost of approximately £1,000 at current rates. That compares with 32 hours in 1988, according to statistics compiled by the Transport Research Laboratory.
- The signs are the test is about to get even harder. The Driving Instructors Association (DIA) is approaching for a compulsory "driver's record book" with pupils having to complete a "syllabus" and have skills ticked off by their instructor before they are able to take the test.
- The representative statistics reveal that approximately 1.7m people in Britain took the test between April 2004 and May 2005. Merely 707,018 walked away with a license, a 42% pass rate. When the test was introduced in 1935 the pass rate was two-thirds.

- Many learners are now shying away from the driving theory test altogether who have failed two or more times. In 1966, more than 2m people took their test (half passed) and there were almost as many candidates in 1988. Then the numbers started declining, dropping to 1,670,302 in the following financial year.

- This is hardly shocking, because the test is growing in complexity all the time. A theory test was additional in 1996 and manoeuvres such as reverse parking and reversing into a bay were added in 1991 and 1999. A computer hazard perception test was incorporated in 2002, followed by a "show me, tell me" exercise to test drivers' knowledge of basic car maintenance in 2003.
- Most of the learner drivers complain they are being discriminated against compared with earlier generations. Getting your driving license, they say, is a more challenging, lengthy and expensive business than before.
- "The current pass rate is terrible compared to previous years," admits Mike Ambrose, road safety consultant for BSM, the UK's largest driving school with more than 3,000 instructors. Robin Cummins, until last month chief examiner for the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), the government body that administers all driving tests, admits he is "not happy" with the declining pass rate.
- "At the moment we have a circumstance whereby pupils can put themselves forward for the test at any time despite of whether a professional instructor says are they ready or not," says Peter Laub, head of road safety for the DIA, which represents more than 13,000 UK instructors.
So it goes without saying prepare, prepare and just prepare to get the driving license in 1st attempt. Practice entire official DSA driving theory test questions and hazard perception clips. Go through the highway code book for more detailed preparation.

Jane Grath has 10 years experience in guiding the learner drivers to pass driving theory test. Along with writing useful driving test tips, driving test books, driving theory test CD, DVD Her experience and association with different driving websites provide a wealth of resources related to driving test.

Passing the Driving Theory Test

Driving Theory Test

Before you can sit the practical test, you must pass the driving theory test, which consists of two sections.
The first is a multiple choice exam. This comprises 50 randomly selected questions, of which you must answer at least 43 correctly to pass. The test checks your knowledge of the Highway Code and the theory behind driving.
Prior to sitting the driving theory test, there is a 15-minute practice session available - it is advisable that you take advantage of this, as it can benefit you during the actual test.
Once you pass the test, you can take part in the hazard perception examination.
During this test, you will be shown 14 video clips, lasting about a minute each. The video clips show real-life situations that you could come across while driving, in which at least one hazard is developing.
When you spot the hazard you should click the button. The earlier you recognise a hazard developing, the higher you will score.
The hazard perception test is designed to measure your awareness of the road and situations around you.
You have just under an hour to complete both the hazard perception and driving theory tests. Before you can apply to take the theory test, you must have a valid provisional driving licence.
Before sitting the test, you should make sure you are well rested and have eaten a good breakfast - this will help you concentrate and stay calm.
There are plenty of books and DVDs which mirror the theory and hazard perception tests. These are a very useful study aid. Ensure you have an up-to-date copy of the Highway Code when preparing for your test.
By preparing properly, you should be able to pass your hazard perception and driving theory tests without any major difficulties. This will put you on the right footing for passing the practical test, and becoming a confident and safe driver.

Robert Yates is an expert author and a highly experienced motorist. He has written numerous articles about learning to drive, including handy tips for passing the Spa treatments and driving theory test.

Driving Theory Tests - Practical Advice and Top Tips For Passing Your DSA Theory Test

Driving Theory Test

Driving theory tests were introduced in the Uk in 1996. You must take, and pass, the DSA Theory Test (Driving Standards Agency) before you can apply for, and take, your practical driving test. The driver theory test became harder in recent years as, in addition to the multiple choice part of the test, you are now also tested on hazard perception (since November 2002) and both parts need to be passed at the same time. Also, since the 1st September 2007, the pass mark for the multiple choice has been raised to 44 out of 50 questions (30/35).
As a qualified driving instructor, for many years I have seen many pupils struggle with the driver theory test side of learning to drive. Here are my tips and advice for passing your theory test as painlessly and as quickly as possible.
Don't wait until you have had driving lessons before starting your study. Both the theory test studying and practical driving lessons go hand in hand. You will find that the knowledge you have gained from your theory test study will help with your driving lessons and actually driving on the roads will help you learn things for your theory test.
Start learning for your DSA theory test as soon as you can. The last thing you want is to get your driving to driving test standard but you cannot take your practical test as you are still trying to successfully pass your driver theory test. This will also be a waste of money whilst you are continuing with your driving lessons.
You cannot take for your driver theory test before your 17th birthday but you can make a theory test booking beforehand. Use this time to study the learning materials you have.
Apart from simply reading the Highway Code, it is imperative that you also use other training material available. The Highway Code will tell you the rules but will not provide the reasons behind them. If you know the background to why you should, or shouldn't, do something then this will make the whole process easier to understand. If you have access to a computer, you really should get some of the CD ROMs that are available. You will then get a feel for how the Hazard Perception Test will be when you get to the test centre and therefore more prepared for what is ahead.
You have 57 minutes to complete the multiple choice part of the theory test. Use this wisely. Flag questions that you are not sure of and come back to them at the end. You will be surprised at the amount of time you will have left over after completing the questions you definitely know. Do not 'speed read' the questions. It can be very easy to read what you want to read rather than what is actually on the computer screen. Read the questions at least twice and do it slowly.
On the day of your DSA theory test, make sure you have all the required documents to hand. You will need your full driving licence (both parts) and your appointment card. If you have the old style paper licence, you will also need to take an acceptable form of identity.
Remember this, driving theory tests are simple if you have undertaken appropriate preparation and study. If you have skimped on this, you will find any driver theory test hard!

For more information on Driving Theory Tests, a Crash Course or to find a Driving School please feel free to visit the Driving-Schools-Directory.co.uk by clicking the links above.