Lets look at our knowledge!
This blog isn’t going to be too long (I don’t think!), however I do think that it’s a really important topic to explore, and discover where we can get knowledge from, and what to do if we don’t understand something.
Why do we need ‘knowledge’?
Knowledge is at the heart of what we all do!
If we didn’t have any knowledge, we wouldn’t really be able to drive! Practical experience of driving is fantastic, and clearly really useful. However, if you don’t have the knowledge of the road, rules, signs and markings, you wouldn’t be able to drive effectively, safely, or even legally.
This is why it’s important that we learn new things, and continuously update our knowledge!
It’s also important that we have a good understanding of our knowledge. Again, it’s all well and good knowing that the white sign with a black stripe means ‘national speed limit’ – but what does ‘national speed limit’ mean? What is the national speed limit? When would you drive to the national speed limit? When wouldn’t you drive to the national speed limit?
Understanding our knowledge means we can use this together with our practical experience and become an even better, safer, and more responsible driver.
Some people prefer the practical side of things – they are better at physically driving and controlling the car, but lack knowledge and understanding. Some people are better at the theory side of things – and have the knowledge and understanding, but find the practical side harder.
Why do we have a theory test?
Our theory test is important to show that we have the knowledge and understanding of different topics. By passing the theory test, it demonstrates you have the knowledge which the DVSA require you to know in order to be able to drive safely.
You must pass your theory test before you can book and take your practical driving test, however you don’t need to have passed your theory test to start learning to drive. You will pick up knowledge from your practical experience of learning to drive.
The theory test includes different topics, including two main ‘bands’;
1) Road Procedure
2) Traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge
Overall, this incorporates;
- Accidents
- Alertness
- Attitude
- Documents
- Hazard awareness
- Motorway rules
- Other types of vehicles
- Road and traffic signs
- Rules of the road
- Safety and your vehicle
- Safety margins
- Vehicle handling
- Vehicle loading
- Vulnerable road users
There are two parts to the theory test;
- Multiple choice questions
- Hazard perception
For the multiple choice questions, you must score 43 out of 50 to pass.
You have 57 minutes to answer 50 questions.
For the hazard perception, you must score 44 out of 75 points.
There are 14 video clips with one hazard in each – and in one clip, there are two hazards! You can score a maximum of 5 points per hazard – so the earlier you see the hazard, the more you score. If you miss the hazard, or click too many times, you will score 0 for that clip.
Where can I get my knowledge from?
Lets take a look at where we can get our knowledge from!
The Highway Code
The Highway Code is a valuable resource – this tells us all the legal requirements of driving on the road, as well as other advice and information to help us drive safely and responsibly.
Driving: The Essential Skills
The Driving The Essential Skills book is like our bible for driving! It is a comprehensive guide, and the ‘driving manual’!
We genuinely believe that the Highway Code and Essential Skills are the two most important books,
The DVSA have also published many other materials, documents, eBooks, PDFs, books, and CDs/DVDs.
Know Your Traffic Signs
The perfect companion to the Highway Code
This handy reference title illustrates and explains the vast majority of traffic signs that a road user is likely to encounter. Thorough knowledge of all traffic signs is essential for all road users, not just new drivers or riders.
Roadcraft
Prepared through close consultation with the police, other emergency services, and driving instructors – has been fully revised and updated to give the best evidence-based and authoritative guidance on advanced driving skills.
Roadcraft is recognised internationally as the gold standard for driving.
Driving Test Success
Driving Test Success is simply the best system for practicing for your theory test.
It also includes fantastic videos for the practical side of learning to drive: to our knowledge, none of the competitor’s apps provides this!
We have also partnered with The Colour Academy – who have published a colouring theory book! What a fab idea for those who maybe struggle with reading lots of theory information, those who may have dyslexia, those who may not speak English as a first language (as the theory test can only be done in English, Welsh, or British Sign Language), or those just enjoy colouring and want to learn a slightly different way!
You could also look through some of our blogs and gain information from those – do let us know if you’ve read something and want us to clarify or explain further!
Family and friends may have some good advice and tips, especially if they’ve been driving for some time – they will have experience. Do be aware though that the rules and laws do change – and your family or friends may not have kept their own knowledge up to date!
Do you know what we love doing? We love getting our friends, family members, parents etc, to take a free mock theory test (here)! It’s fascinating to see their scores and see their strengths and weaknesses, and it’s such a good opportunity for them to refresh their knowledge and support you with your own learning and revision for your theory test. How about getting your family and friends to do a theory test? Let us know how you get on!
You can also ask your own driving instructor! Driving instructors are trained to a very high standard, and we’re proud of that! We have a wealth of information and knowledge, as well as the skills to teach you. That’s what we’re here for! There is no such thing as a silly question – so PLEASE do ask us if there’s something you’re not sure about – we’d absolutely LOVE to help you!
