04 - UK HIGHWAY CODE MOCK THEORY TEST
UK Highway Code Mock Theory Test
The UK DVLA Driving Test
Whether you learn to drive through an official driving school or an individual instructor, you will first need to complete your theory test successfully before passing your driving test. While this theory part might seem easy, it can be a tough exam, particularly if you fail to prepare for it adequately. If you are currently seeking to secure your UK driving licence, you are in the right place. As experts in the industry, we want to provide you with nearly everything you need to know regarding the UK DVLA driving test as well as a few tips on how to pass this crucial examination.
So, what is the UK theory driving test?
The UK theory driving test is a computerized test that anyone living in the UK and is seeking to become a licensed driver must take and subsequently pass. And this is when you take your practical test and become a certified driver. This exam evaluates your knowledge of the driving code and the general driving regulations in the United Kingdom. And the questions in this exam are derived from the official DVSA guide books.
You can book the test online. The theory test is divided into two parts, including the multiple-choice section and the hazard perception section. In the multiple-choice part of the test, candidates are needed to answer fifty questions, which cover various topics such as road signs, safety, attitude, alertness, among others.
This first part of the driving theory test allocates fifty-seven minutes for candidates to complete it. And before you begin doing the test, you are usually allowed to go through a practice session, so you may familiarize yourself with the layout or structure of the test before you actually start the real test, after that, you will sit for your real theory driving exam. Provided you had the right learning materials at your disposal and are prepared well, you will find this section relatively easier to pass. And preparing well means finding and reading the official DVLA theory exam guides and doing numerous practice theory tests.
On the other hand, the hazard perception section is specially designed to examine how fast you can spot a developing hazard. In this regard, a hazard refers to anything that can force you to change either the direction or speed of your vehicle, including bringing the vehicle to a halt. A developing hazard can be anything that ranges from a pedestrian suddenly dashing across the road, stationery cars parked along the road, playing children to an emergency car approaching.
In this test, learners are simply required to click the mouse as soon as they recognize a developing hazard. And for each hazard, there is a window in which you can score points and if you click promptly, you score five points! Click too late and you receive zero points. And don’t be fooled that you can just click randomly and win points. If the system detects that you are guessing your clicks, you’ll be penalized by getting zero points as well.
So, who is eligible for the driving theory exam?
You are free to apply for the UK theory driving exam as soon you attain the age of 17. However, sixteen-year-olds can also take this test if they apply for the enhanced rate of the mobility component of the Independent Personal Payment.
What documents do you need for the theory driving exam?
There are a few essential documents that you must take with you on the day of the exam. You must have your UK photocard licence. And if you have a licence from Northern Ireland, carry your photocard as well as paper counterpart licence with you. It is imperative to note that if you fail to carry the essential documents with you, your exam will be canceled and you also won’t get a refund!
During the test, you’ll not have access to your personal belongings such as earphones, bags, watches as well as mobile phones. Usually, you’ll keep them safely inside a locker. Of course, the DVSA staff at your exam center will check if you are in possession of anything that could be used to promote cheating! So, prepare early to avoid any temptation to cheat. If you didn’t know, an attempt to cheat on your theory driving test can result in a driving ban or even a prison sentence.
So, how do you prepare for the theory driving DVLA test?
It is important that you are adequately prepared before applying for your driving theory test, otherwise, there is a high chance you’ll fail this test and throw your hard-earned cash down the drain! However, with proper planning and preparation, you can take a giant step toward passing this crucial exam.
As earlier mentioned, the first step that you should make is to find the right books and other learning materials. And this means sourcing these materials from the official DVSA’s website. The DVSA not only provides the relevant reading materials but also offers at least seven hundred theory practice questions together with important instructions. Simply put, make an effort to get your hands on the updated copy of the DVLA test handbook and revise intensively.
Practical tips on how to excel in your theory driving test:
- Read widely: Just like any other type of exam, the UK DVLA driving theory test requires thorough research and extensive learning. When taking your real theory exam, you’ll only need to answer fifty questions selected from more than seven hundred possibilities, but you won’t be aware of what will be set until the day of the exam. Thankfully, there are lots of resources from both the DVSA’s official website and online that are full of practice questions, allowing you to boost your knowledge and confidence ahead of your real examination. Also, don’t forget to polish your hazard spotting side, as it also forms an important part of your driving test.
- Take as many UK Highway Code mock theory tests as possible: We have already said that there are numerous books as well as websites that provide mock tests that are strikingly similar to the actual driving theory exam. And doing these types of exams not only exposes you to a range of potential questions you’ll likely face in your real exam but also equips you with the necessary driving knowledge and skills you need to help you drive safely on the UK roads.
- Get help from family and close friends! If there are things you totally don’t understand, your family, driving instructor, and friends are always willing to help.