An important aspect of surviving in UK independently is to be able to drive freely without any restrictions. In order to be able to do so legally you need to be authorized by Driving and License Authority (DVLA). Read on to find out more about how to get closer to getting your driving license.
There are lots of options out there but official and unofficial resources. DVLA recommends that you go through these 3 books in order to to be adequately be prepared
The Highway Code
Know your traffic signs
Driving - the essential skills
Now if reading books is not you forte or you need something more accessible then there are few apps available on both Android and Appstore. Some of the apps that I personally found useful are listed below.
In order to be eligible for a full Driving License you need a Provisional license. Read here How to get your UK Learner's (Provisional) license. Once that's sorted. You can continue working towards your Full license.
Format of the Theory test
Before preparing you need to know the pattern of the test. It is a test conducted on computers on a specific software in special centers equipped with the proper technology. Its divided into two parts. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Hazard Perception.
- MCQs: Total of 50 questions. Each will have 4 to 5 options and you need to choose the correct ones. 45 will be your regular questions. And 5 questions will be based on a case or scenario
- Hazard Perception: Now this is the tricky part of the theory. You will be shown 14 clips. These are simulated scenarios were you will be shown the roads and traffic from a driver's point of view and you need to pick up any hazard that's developing. According to DVLA a developing hazard is one that requires you take an action either changing speed or direction. The earlier you pick up The more points you get. The maximum you can score is 5 and minimum 0. 13 clips will have one hazard each. And one clip will have two hazards.
Pass Marks and Duration
To pass the theory test you will have 57 minutes for 50 MCQs from which you atleast need 43 correct to pass. Hazard Perception 14 clips can be of short variable duration and you cant speed up or slow down these videos. You need 44 out of 75 to clear. Remember you need to pass both components to clear the theory.
Preparing for the Theory Test
The Highway Code
Know your traffic signs
Driving - the essential skills
Now if reading books is not you forte or you need something more accessible then there are few apps available on both Android and Appstore. Some of the apps that I personally found useful are listed below.
This is the official app of DVSA covering everything that you need to be prepared for your theory. Its extensive covers all topic first by preparing you, then gives you questions for practicing and then there are mock tests. Hazard Perception however is very limited and doesn't prepare you enough. You will need more resources to prepare for it.
iOS, Android
This is a 3rd party app but its way more extensive than the official app. It covers content for the all the three books mentioned above along with loads of Hazard Perception clips including the ones in the official app.
iOS, Android
You may find loads other apps out their data may be old or not authentic. Make sure you read reviews before purchasing apps
Another resource that I found very useful for Hazard Perception was this website
This is similar to what you will see on the test day
Its quick and can be done online. Head over to this website Book Your Theory Test. It will ask your details your provisional license number and will ask you preferred location and date to book your test.Once you are satisfied with it proceed further to pay £23. You cancel / reschedule with a full refund provided you do so 3 working days before your scheduled date. If you have any difficulty in reading or need extra assistance you request it now.
Reach at least 15 min before your appointment time. You will be asked to switch off your mobile and keep it along with your belongings in a locker. You need to carry your appointment confirmation and your original Provisional License which will be checked before you allowed to enter a room full of cubicles with computers. You will assigned a cubicle where you will have a headphone and ear plugs by default and any other assistance that you have requested.
The exam starts with an optional tutorial mode on how to use the software which can be skipped. you can skip it its your repeat attempt or even if its your first, the software interface is pretty simple to use. Your test should start with MCQs. Once you finish it. You will be asked to if you want to start the next part Hazard Perception. You can take a break for few minutes or proceed. You will not be allowed to leave the cubicle even if you take a break.
The Hazard Perception part starts with a mandatory introductory video found on the DVSA official app which you cant skip. Next you will have 14 back to back clips with gap of 10 secs between each video. the video will be full screen by default with no options to control any aspect of the clip. There will be no cursor as well all you need to do is click when you see a hazard develop and it will register as small Red flag on the corner of your screen.
Once all that's over you will be asked if you want to do some questions for their research purposes for making new questions which won't be mark so you can skip them if you want. You will get your results as soon as you step out of the room. If passed you will receive a letter containing a certificate confirming that you passed. If unfortunately you don't you will receive a letter that you didn't clear and can re apply after 3 days.
iOS, Android
iOS, Android
You may find loads other apps out their data may be old or not authentic. Make sure you read reviews before purchasing apps
Another resource that I found very useful for Hazard Perception was this website
This is similar to what you will see on the test day
Booking your Theory Test
Test Day
The exam starts with an optional tutorial mode on how to use the software which can be skipped. you can skip it its your repeat attempt or even if its your first, the software interface is pretty simple to use. Your test should start with MCQs. Once you finish it. You will be asked to if you want to start the next part Hazard Perception. You can take a break for few minutes or proceed. You will not be allowed to leave the cubicle even if you take a break.
The Hazard Perception part starts with a mandatory introductory video found on the DVSA official app which you cant skip. Next you will have 14 back to back clips with gap of 10 secs between each video. the video will be full screen by default with no options to control any aspect of the clip. There will be no cursor as well all you need to do is click when you see a hazard develop and it will register as small Red flag on the corner of your screen.
Once all that's over you will be asked if you want to do some questions for their research purposes for making new questions which won't be mark so you can skip them if you want. You will get your results as soon as you step out of the room. If passed you will receive a letter containing a certificate confirming that you passed. If unfortunately you don't you will receive a letter that you didn't clear and can re apply after 3 days.
Helpful Tips
- You need to be quick to spot a Hazard. Look out for any vehicle giving a signal to change direction or slow down
- Click as soon as you spot a hazard developing and click again just in case you are a bit too early
- Don't click too much or in a pattern the software will detect it and disqualify you from that clip
- Keep your eyes glued to the screen till the clip finishes there might be another hazard
- Practice! Practice!
Good luck!!
Hey great work.. I loved this post..Thanks for sharing this information about UK drivers license.
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