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How to pass your driving theory test first time

The theory test is an essential step toward freedom and independence. However, with theory test pass rates hovering around 50% each year, for many, the theory test is a hurdle that will delay your ticket to freedom and independence. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you pass your theory test first time – read our tips below.

1. Get your theory test booked far in advance

It’s a good idea to book your theory test in advance so you can properly plan your study time during the lead-up to the test date. Remember: your theory test pass certificate is only valid for two years, so you don’t want to book it too far in advance before your driving test.

It’s a good idea to wait until you feel relatively confident that you’ll pass your driving test too. If you’re in doubt about when this is, it’s best to discuss this with your driving instructor as they’ll know better than anyone else how close you are to being able to book and pass your driving test.

2. Create a study schedule for yourself

Glasses and pen resting on notebook and laptop

If you really want to pass your driving theory test first time, get organised by creating a study schedule for yourself. You might want to split your time between reading up on the Highway Code, traffic signs, and stopping distances and testing your knowledge with mock tests.

In the event you’ve got limited time to complete this, it’s a good idea to first run through the theory and then focus most of your time on practice tests and mocks. This is because the latter not only familiarises you with the theory, but it also gives you a feel for the types of questions and answers you’ll come across in the test.

3. Read the Highway Code

The Highway Code is an important document that will help you understand key information as a driver. This includes information on the rules around:

  • Stopping distances
  • Speed limits
  • Signalling
  • Lane driving
  • Roundabouts
  • Junctions
  • Crossings

4. Don’t neglect the hazard perception test

It’s easy to think of the hazard perception as less important than the multiple choice questions, but you’ll need to pass both the hazard perception and the multiple choice portions of the exam. Read our blog on how to pass the hazard perception test to find out how you can ace the exam first time.

5. Test your knowledge by answering multiple-choice theory test questions

Man looking at his phone

This can’t be overstated: taking lots of practice tests is an excellent way of improving your driving theory knowledge while also getting used to the structure of the tests and the types of questions that are likely to come up.

If you’re using an app featuring official DVSA questions, it’s likely that the questions will be very similar – if not identical – to the ones on the test. This is therefore an excellent way to practice for the real thing.

6. Take timed mock tests too

On top of answering practice questions, it’s a good idea to take timed mock tests too. This will help you manage your time better in the exam while also testing your knowledge. You need to be able to answer each question in about a minute as you have 57 minutes for 50 multiple-choice questions.

The pass mark for the theory test is 86%, so 43 out of 50 for the multiple-choice questions. You’ll also need to pass the hazard perception test – the pass mark is 44 out of 75.

If you get to the stage where you’re consistently getting the pass mark for both tests, it might be time to consider booking your theory test. Note, however, that if you don’t pass your driving test within two years of passing your theory test, you’ll have to take it again, so make sure to time it well. You might want to only take your theory test when you’re almost ready to take and pass your driving test.

7. Get everything ready the night before

Woman holding a coffee and bag

Getting everything ready the night before can help you feel calm in the hours leading up to the test. You won’t need to take much with you; just your provisional licence.

You won’t be able to take any personal belongings into the exam with you, including watches, phones and headphones, so make sure to bear this in mind. A lot of test centres have lockers that you can use. If the one you go to doesn’t, you’ll probably be given a plastic box to put your belongings in, which you’ll then be required to stow under your desk during the test.

Note that your phone will have to be switched off.

8. Make sure to read the questions carefully

On the day of your test, it’s important that you read the questions carefully. You’ve probably had this drummed into you at school, but it’s actually very good advice and will prevent you from making mistakes that you could have easily prevented by reading the question thoroughly.

Take out learner driver insurance with Adrian Flux

It’s a good idea to practise manoeuvres and general driving skills with your supervisor, family or friends as this will help ensure you can pass your driving test first time. If you decide to practise with family or friends, make sure you have learner driver insurance. We offer cover from just 65p a day! Call us on 0800 369 8590 for a quote or book a callback at a time that suits you.

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