An often under appreciated element of the driving test is the theory test. The theory test is an extremely important part of the driving test, and you have to be pass it in order to move forward and progress to taking your practical driving test. The theory test covers all of the rules of the road - the rules that are put in place to ensure you use the roads safely to protect not only yourself, but also the other road users around you, pedestrians and cyclists.
During your practical test, you'll have to show that you remember the knowledge you learned as part of your theoretical studies, and demonstrate that you can apply it to your every-day road use.
1. The test
The test is arranged in a multiple-answer format. You can practice completing the test online on various websites to help you get the hang of using the system and familiarize yourself with the types of questions you are going to be asked. Practicing taking the test is a key part of your revision; knowing what's coming will help you keep your nerves together on the day of the theory test.
The test focuses on the key theoretical elements of driving, including safety, hazard awareness, road conditions, rules of the road, and road and traffic signs.
2. Revising
As part of your test, you will have to remember the various road traffic signs that are in use on the roads, and their meanings, as well as recite the traffic laws. The best way to do this is to familiarizing yourselves road traffic signs by looking them up online, and watching out for them when you're out and about. A good way to remember road signs is to group them together and think of them as either instructions, warnings or points of information. Working out what the aim of each sign is (to instruct, inform, or to warn) by learning the general styles of each kind of sign will help you to deduce the meaning of the signs on your test - even if you aren't 100% sure. For example, warning signs usually indicate danger, and are often triangular shaped; the colors used on them are the typical colors associated with danger, such as reds and yellows. Knowing this and taking a guess at the symbol in the middle could help to gain a point on a question that you wouldn't have otherwise known the answer to. Remember, road traffic signs are designed to be easy to interpret so if you're not sure, take an informed guess.
For vehicle safety information, google some mnemonics that will help you to remember certain information. For example, when it comes to tire safety, remember 'sweet sixteen' - it refers to the legal tyre tread depth (1.6mm).
3. Organize yourself
Organize set revision time - it may feel like you're going back to school but at the end of the day, a test is a test, and you need to revise! Make yourself handy flashcards and set yourself designated nights to revise on. Create questions that your mum, dad, boyfriend, girlfriend, colleague or college friend can ask you to make sure you’re on the right track. There are loads of free online resources that can help you, too, as well as plenty of interactive DVDs and books that can be purchased from your local bookstores and supermarkets.
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