A little history…
The driving theory test was introduced on 1st July 1996, replacing questions about The Highway Code which were asked during the practical driving test. Originally, the candidate had to answer 35 multiple choice questions, with the pass mark being a relatively easy 26 out of 35. On 1st October 1996, the pass mark was increased to 30 out of 35. Amazingly, you could only book your theory test online from 19th December 2001!
In 2002, the ‘hazard perception’ element to the theory test was introduced – designed to test the candidates’ awareness of hazards on the road. It took another 13 years for the hazard perception filmed clips to be replaced by new computer generated imagery (CGI) clips – this happened in January 2015.
On 3rd September 2007, the number of questions in the car theory test changed from 35 to 50 – and the pass rate became 43 out of 50. 86% is a pretty high pass rate for any test!
In November 2018, the hazard perception part of the theory test started to include video clips to test a learner driver’s ability to spot developing hazards in different weather conditions.
So now we know how the theory test came about and how it has evolved. The next thing to consider is how best to prepare yourself for the test.
Revision, revision, revision!
The multiple choice element of the theory test is based on 3 different books:
- The Highway Code
- Know your traffic signs
- Driving – the essential skills
Each of these books is available in most book stores or online. There are lots of ‘apps’ available to download – which lots of learner drivers find the most user friendly for their theory test revision. The current cost of the theory test is £23.00. You can follow this link to book the test online: https://www.gov.uk/book-theory-test
The hazard perception element of the theory test requires the candidate to watch a series of 15 video clips and identify hazards – ‘potential’ hazards and ‘developing’ hazards. The developing hazard (if spotted early enough!) is the one that gets you the points! Each clip has one developing hazard, worth 5 marks per clip. One clip has a ‘double hazard’, therefore worth a maximum of 10 marks. The overall maximum score is 75, but the pass mark is 44. Don’t get too excited when doing this test though – if you click too many times (either systematically or rhythmically), the computer thinks you’re trying to cheat and scores you zero for that particular clip!
Here at Fast Pass Driving Courses, we rather like ‘Theory Test pro’ as a learning tool – https://www.theorytestpro.co.uk. It proudly boasts that ‘learners using Theory Test Pro are twice as likely to pass than the national average’.
Struggling with your theory test?
Fast Pass Driving Courses offer a bespoke theory training course for any learner driver struggling to pass their theory test. You can have 1-2-1 tuition with a fully qualified Approved Driving Instructor – who just so happens to be a theory test expert/genius! You can opt to complete the training in person, or online via a zoom meeting – this link will tell you everything you need to know: https://fastpassdrivingcourses.co.uk/docs/theory.
You’ve passed – hooray! Now what?
Well, firstly, you can book your practical driving test. The theory certificate is valid for 2 years from the date you passed. If you don’t pass your practical test within this time frame, then you must resit the theory test. For a fast alternative to traditional weekly driving lessons, why not book an intensive driving course with us… https://fastpassdrivingcourses.co.uk/courses/
