Preparing for your driving theory test : Tips and hints

We recommend you to study following -

The Highway Code -

The Highway Code is essential reading for everyone. Its rules apply to all road users: drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians as well as horse riders. It contains most up to date advice on road safety and the laws, which apply to all road users.

Traffic signs -It is important to know road signs and markings that you are most likely to encounter.

Driving theory test questions -

Is a set of latest questions published by DSA from which the exam questions are taken. DSA may change questions time to time it is important that you study the books where latest questions are published.

Preparing for hazard perception test -

It is best to practice hazard perception skills on the computer if you have access to one. There are many websites and PC-CD ROMs in the market, using which you can practice your hazard perceptions skills.

About car practical test :

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is now able to offer tests outside the normal test times at a number of test centres. This provides customers a wider range of appointments over an extended working day.

Driving practical test are generally available at all permanent test centres. Saturday and weekday evening tests, subject to resources being available, are offered at a premium rate. Non premium rate tests are available at various times between 7.30 am and 3.27 pm Monday to Friday.

The driving part of your test lasts about 40 minutes. Throughout the test, your examiner will be looking for overall safe standards of driving, including when you are carrying out the set exercises. You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test.

About motorcycle practical test:

Minimum test vehicle requirements:

Any vehicle presented for use in a driving test must meet minimum test vehicle standards. These standards are part of European Community legislation on driver licensing. Great Britain as a member of the European Union is obliged to comply with these requirements. Below are the minimum test vehicle requirements for mopeds and motorcycles.

Minimum test vehicle requirements for mopeds:

A moped must have an engine capacity not exceeding 50 cc, and a maximum speed of 50 kilometres per hour (km/h), which is approximately equivalent to 31 miles per hour (mph). If first used before 1 August 1977, it must be equipped with pedals by which it can be propelled.

Minimum test vehicle requirements for motorcycles:

If your motorcycle is less than 75 cc it is not acceptable for the practical motorcycle test. If you pass your practical test on a motorcycle with automatic or semi-automatic transmission, this will be recorded on your licence. Your full licence entitlement will be restricted to motorcycles in this category.

A light motorcycle (category A1) is defined as a solo motorcycle between 75 and 125 cc, with a power output not exceeding 11 kilowatts (kW) (maximum 14.6 brake horse power (bhp)). Please see note 1.

A standard motorcycle (category A) is defined as a solo motorcycle between 121 and 125 cc, capable of exceeding 100 km/h (62.5 mph). Please note that the BMW C1 motorcycle is not a suitable machine for a practical test. Please see note 2.

Vehicles used for the accelerated access and direct access scheme can have an unspecified engine capacity of at least 35 kW (46.6 bhp), with an unspecified speed. Please see note 3.

The minimum test vehicle requirements for a motorcycle and side-car are the same, as the solo machines, but categories A and A1 must not exceed a power to weight ratio of 0.16 kW/kg. Passengers are not allowed to ride in the sidecar during the test. Only candidates with certain disabilities can use a motorcycle and side-car combination for the test. The licence obtained as a result of this test will be restricted to this combination of vehicle.

Notes: A light motorcycle licence (category A1) will give you full licence entitlement to ride machines up to 125 cc with a power output of up to 11 kW.

A standard motorcycle licence (category A) will restrict you for a period of two years to riding machines with a power output not exceeding 25 kW and a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0.16 kW/kg. After the two year period you may ride any motorcycle.

If you are aged 21 or over you can take the test on a motorcycle with a power output of at least 35 kW (46.6 bhp). If successful you can then ride any motorcycle.

The practical motorcycle test is made up of lots of different elements, an eyesight test, vehicle safety questions, a test of driving ability, a test of specific manoeuvre and a question about riding with a passenger.

At the test centre you must present a valid certificate DL196 unless the test is being conducted on one of the exempted islands. A rider who is upgrading a full moped licence obtained by passing a two part test since December 1990 is exempt.

Vehicle safety check questions and eyesight test:

Before you actually start your practical riding test you will be asked to read a number plate to prove you can meet the eyesight requirements. You will also be asked two machine safety check questions before moving away.

The practical test:

After the usual pre-test preliminaries e.g. licence and identification check the examiner will help the candidate with the fitting of the radio and earpiece. While accompanying the candidate to the machine the examiner will explain how the test will be conducted and how the radio equipment works.

The law requires anyone riding a motorcycle, scooter or moped, with or without sidecar, to wear protective headgear securely fastened. The test cannot therefore be conducted unless the candidate is wearing properly secured protective headgear.

Note: An exemption to this requirement exists for followers of the Sikh religion if they are wearing a turban.

At the end of the driving test:

When the practical test is over, the examiner will tell you whether you passed or failed. You can request feedback on your test from the examiner, who will then go through your performance during the test.

If you pass…

If you pass and have a photocard driving licence issued after 1 March 2004, the examiner will ask you,if you want your full driving licence issued to you automatically. If you want to use this service, the examiner will take your old licence off you, scan the details and send them electronically to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You will then be given a pass certificate to prove you passed your test. DVLA will then send you your new full licence by post within three weeks of you passing your practical test.

If you pass your test but do not want to use this automatic service, or have a licence issued before 1 March 2004, you will be given a pass certificate by the examiner. On the back of the pass certificate it tells you what you need to do next. This involves sending your licence to DVLA who will then check your application and issue you with a new full licence.

Once you pass your standard motorcycle test you are restricted to machines of 25 kW (33 bhp) with a power to weight ratio of 0.16 kW/kg for two years.

If you fail…

If you fail the test you should ask the examiner for some feedback to help prepare yourself for your next test. Your driving report form will also show you where you made any mistakes. You must wait 10 clear working days after your practical test before you can book another one.

Highway Code - Rules for cyclists

When learning to drive you must have a full understanding of the Highway Code as it is important not only for the Theory Test and Hazard Perception Test, but also when you are out behind the wheel of a motor vehicle while taking lessons and ultimately your practical test.

Rules for cyclists

These rules are in addition to those in the following sections, which apply to all vehicles (except the motorway section).

Clothing: You should wear

• A cycle helmet which conforms to current regulations, is the correct size and securely fastened
• Appropriate clothes for cycling. Avoid clothes which may get tangled in the chain, or in a wheel or may obscure your lights
• Light-colored or fluorescent clothing which helps other road users to see you in daylight and poor light
• Reflective clothing and/or accessories (belt, arm or ankle bands) in the dark

At night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85). White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen. Flashing lights are permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady front lamp.

Cycle routes and other facilities. Use cycle routes, advanced stop lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings unless at the time it is unsafe to do so. Use of these facilities is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer

Cycle tracks. These are normally located away from the road, but may occasionally be found alongside footpaths or pavements. Cyclists and pedestrians may be segregated or they may share the same space (unsegregated). When using segregated tracks you MUST keep to the side intended for cyclists as the pedestrian side remains a pavement or footpath. Take care when passing pedestrians, especially children, older or disabled people, and allow them plenty of room. Always be prepared to slow down and stop if necessary. Take care near road junctions as you may have difficulty seeing other road users, who might not notice you.

The Highway Code book is essential to help both fully qualified and learner drivers to understand the ‘rules of the road’ while taking driving lessons for your driving practical test.

This book includes guidelines, rules and regulations for pedestrians and cyclists. Visit:

Cycle lanes. These are marked by a white line (which may be broken) along the carriageway (see Rule 140). Keep within the lane when practicable. When leaving a cycle lane check before pulling out that it is safe to do so and signal your intention clearly to other road users. Use of cycle lanes is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer.

Bus Lanes. Most bus lanes may be used by cyclists as indicated on signs. Watch out for people getting on or off a bus. Be very careful when overtaking a bus or leaving a bus lane as you will be entering a busier traffic flow. Do not pass between the kerb and a bus when it is at a stop.

Road junctions

On the left. When approaching a junction on the left, watch out for vehicles turning in front of you, out of or into the side road. Just before you turn, check for undertaking cyclists or motorcyclists. Do not ride on the inside of vehicles signaling or slowing down to turn left.

On the right. If you are turning right, check the traffic to ensure it is safe, then signal and move to the centre of the road. Wait until there is a safe gap in the oncoming traffic and give a final look before completing the turn. It may be safer to wait on the left until there is a safe gap or to dismount and push your cycle across the road.

Dual carriageways. Remember that traffic on most dual carriageways moves quickly. When crossing wait for a safe gap and cross each carriageway in turn. Take extra care when crossing slip roads.

Roundabouts

You may feel safer walking your cycle round on the pavement or verge. If you decide to ride round keeping to the left-hand lane you should

• Be aware that drivers may not easily see you.
• Take extra care when cycling across exits. You may need to signal right to show you are not leaving the roundabout
• Watch out for vehicles crossing your path to leave or join the roundabout

Crossing the road

Do not ride across equestrian crossings, as they are for horse riders only. Do not ride across a pelican, puffin or zebra crossing. Dismount and wheel your cycle across.

Toucan crossings. These are light-controlled crossings which allow cyclists and pedestrians to share crossing space and cross at the same time. They are push-button operated. Pedestrians and cyclists will see the green signal together. Cyclists are permitted to ride across.

Cycle-only crossings. Cycle tracks on opposite sides of the road may be linked by signaled crossings. You may ride across but you MUST NOT cross until the green cycle symbol is showing.

Level crossings/Tramways. Take extra care when crossing the tracks (See Rule 306). You should dismount at level crossings where a ‘Cyclist Dismount’ sign is displayed.

Source: Driving standard agency

Highway Code - Rules for pedestrians

The Highway Code is essential reading for everyone. Its rules apply to all road users: drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians as well as horse riders. Many of the rules in the Code are legal requirements, and if you disobey these rules you are committing a criminal offense. You may be fined, given penalty points on your licence or be disqualified from driving.
  
Rules for pedestrians - General guidance :

1. Pavements (including any path along the side of a road) should be used if provided. Where possible, avoid being next to the kerb with your back to the traffic. If you have to step into the road, look both ways first. Always show due care and consideration for others.

2. If there is no pavement keep to the right-hand side of the road so that you can see oncoming traffic.You should take extra care and
- be prepared to walk in single file, especially on narrow roads or in poor light
- keep close to the side of the road.

It may be safer to cross the road well before a sharp right-hand bend (so that oncoming traffic has a better chance of seeing you). Cross back after the bend.

3. Help other road users to see you. Wear or carry something light coloured, bright or fluorescent in poor daylight conditions. When it is dark, use reflective materials (e.g. armbands, sashes, waistcoats and jackets), which can be seen, by drivers using headlights, up to three times as far away as non-reflective materials.

4. Young children should not be out alone on the pavement or road (see Rule 7). When taking children out, keep between them and the traffic and hold their hands firmly. Strap very young children into push-chairs or use reins. When pushing a young child in a buggy, do not push the buggy into the road when checking to see if it is clear to cross, particularly from between parked vehicles.

5. Organised walks. Large groups of people walking together should use a pavement if available; if one is not, they should keep to the left.
Look-outs should be positioned at the front and back of the group, and they should wear fluorescent clothes in daylight and reflective clothes in the dark. At night, the look-out in front should show a white light and the one at the back a red light. People on the outside of large groups should also carry lights and wear reflective clothing.
6. Motorways. Pedestrians MUST NOT be on motorways or slip roads except in an emergency

To know more about the road/traffic signs & rule and regulations if you are preparing for your driving theory test or practical test.
Visit here : http://www.123driving.co.uk/driving/theory-cd-dvd-highway-code-practical-book.aspx
Crossing the road :

7. The Green Cross Code. The advice given below on crossing the road is for all pedestrians. Children should be taught the Code and should not be allowed out alone until they can understand and use it properly. The age when they can do this is different for each child. Many children cannot judge how fast vehicles are going or how far away they are. Children learn by example, so parents and carers should always use the Code in full when out with their children. They are responsible for deciding at what age children can use it safely by themselves.

a) First find a safe place to cross and where there is space to reach the pavement on the other side. Where there is a crossing nearby, use it. It is safer to cross using a subway, a footbridge, an island, a zebra, pelican, toucan or puffin crossing, or where there is a crossing point controlled by a police officer, a school crossing patrol or a traffic warden. Otherwise choose a place where you can see clearly in all directions. Try to avoid crossing between parked cars, on a blind bend, or close to the brow of a hill.

Move to a space where drivers and riders can see you clearly. Do not cross the road diagonally.

b) Stop just before you get to the kerb, where you can see if anything is coming. Do not get too close to the traffic. If there is no pavement, keep back from the edge of the road but make sure you can still see approaching traffic.

c) Look all around for traffic and listen. Traffic could come from any direction. Listen as well, because you can sometimes hear traffic before you see it.

d)If traffic is coming, let it pass. Look all around again and listen. Do not cross until there is a safe gap in the traffic and you are certain that there is plenty of time. Remember, even if traffic is a long way off, it may be approaching very quickly.

e)When it is safe, go straight across the road - do not run.Keep looking and listening for traffic while you cross, in case there is any traffic you did not see, or in case other traffic appears suddenly. Look out for cyclists and motorcyclists travelling between lanes of traffic. Do not walk diagonally across the road.

8. At a junction. When crossing the road, look out for traffic turning into the road, especially from behind you. If you have started crossing and traffic wants to turn into the road, you have priority and they should give way.

9. Pedestrian Safety Barriers. Where there are barriers, cross the road only at the gaps provided for pedestrians. Do not climb over the barriers or walk between them and the road.

10. Tactile paving. Raised surfaces that can be felt underfoot provide warning and guidance to blind or partially sighted people. The most common surfaces are a series of raised studs, which are used at crossing points with a dropped kerb, or a series of rounded raised bars which are used at level crossings, at the top and bottom of steps and at some other hazards.

11. One-way streets. Check which way the traffic is moving. Do not cross until it is safe to do so without stopping. Bus and cycle lanes may operate in the opposite direction to the rest of the traffic.

12. Bus and cycle lanes. Take care when crossing these lanes as traffic may be moving faster than in the other lanes, or against the flow of traffic.

13. Routes shared with cyclists. Some cycle tracks run alongside footpaths or pavements, using a segregating feature to separate cyclists from people on foot. Segregated routes may also incorporate short lengths of tactile paving to help visually impaired people stay on the correct side. On the pedestrian side this will comprise a series of flat-topped bars running across the direction of travel (ladder pattern). On the cyclist side the same bars are orientated in the direction of travel (tramline pattern). Not all routes which are shared with cyclists are segregated. Take extra care where this is so.

14. Parked vehicles. If you have to cross between parked vehicles, use the outside edges of the vehicles as if they were the kerb. Stop there and make sure you can see all around and that the traffic can see you. Make sure there is a gap between any parked vehicles on the other side, so you can reach the pavement. Never cross the road in front of, or behind, any vehicle with its engine running, especially a large vehicle, as the driver may not be able to see you.

15. Reversing vehicles. Never cross behind a vehicle which is reversing, showing white reversing lights or sounding a warning.

16. Moving vehicles. You MUST NOT get on to or hold on to a moving vehicle.

17. At night. Wear something reflective to make it easier for others to see you (see Rule 3). If there is no pedestrian crossing nearby, cross the road
near a street light so that traffic can see you more easily.

To get The Highway Code book visit here :http://www.123driving.co.uk/driving/theory-cd-dvd-highway-code-practical-book.aspx

Source : Driving standard agency

Driving practical test vehicle requirement

Minimum test vehicle requirements for a car and trailer test

The minimum test vehicle standards for a car also apply to a car and trailer test, with additional requirements for the trailer. Vehicles that do not meet the minimum test vehicle requirements are not suitable for the purpose of taking a driving test, and your test may be cancelled with loss of fee.

Test vehicle requirements for a car practical test and car and trailer test Category B - cars and vans.

Cars or vans presented for test must be:

• A four wheeled vehicle of no more than 3500 kilograms (kg) maximum authorized mass (MAM)
• Capable of a speed of at least 100 kilometers per hour (km/h) or 62.5 miles per hour (mph)

The car or van must also be fitted with:

• A seatbelt for the examiner
• A passenger head restraint, this need not be adjustable but must be fitted as an integral part of the seat - 'slip on' type head restraints are not permitted
  
• An interior mirror for the examiner's use
• L-plates displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle but not interfering with the driver's or examiner's view
• A speedometer that measures speed in miles per hour and kilometers per hour

The vehicle must be legal and roadworthy and have no warning lights showing i.e. the airbag warning light.

Convertible vehicles

The Ford KA convertible and Mini convertible due to the lack of all-round vision for the examiner are not suitable vehicles for a Driving practical test vehicle requirement.

Category B1

A motor powered tricycle or quadricycle must have an unladen weight of not more than 550 kg and be capable of at least 60 km/h (37.25 mph).

Category B + E - car and trailer

Cars or vans presented for test must be a category B vehicle towing a suitably braked, unladen trailer of at least one tonne MAM . The examiner may ask for evidence of the trailer MAM, for example the manufacturer's plate. All vehicle combinations must operate on appropriate brakes and utilize a coupling arrangement suitable for the weight.

Please Note about Driving practical test vehicle requirement:

Irrespective of the date vehicles were first registered, from 1 April 2006 externally mounted, nearside and offside mirrors for use by the examiner or any person supervising the test must be fitted.


In the case of a category B+E vehicle first used on or after the 1 October 2003 the following additional standards will apply:


The cargo compartment of the trailer must consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the towing vehicle; the closed box body may also be slightly less wide than the towing vehicle provided that the view to the rear is only possible by use of the external rear-view mirrors of the towing vehicle.

Source - Driving Standard Agency

Prepare driving practical with DSA driving practical test book

If you are preparing for your DSA practical test, this practical test book is for you.

This driving practical book covers: 

1. Explained with The Highway Code rules
2. Know what will be assessed on exam day
3. Know why learners fail in the test
4. Includes DSA driver record - Check your readiness for the exam
5. Fully illustrated, full colour graphics
6. What is expected and how you should do it?
7. Easy to follow tips and hints

          o Detailed advice and tips on how to improve key competencies necessary for safe driving
          o Know what to expect on your driving test day
          o Know how examiner will assess your performance
          o Areas where you need to demonstrate consistent independent performance
          o Why learners fail?

More information visit: http://www.123driving.co.uk/driving/theory-cd-dvd-highway-code-practical-book.aspx

See how you are progressing and identify the skills that need more attention. Keep track of your progress and encourage you to become skilled in all the key areas. Prepare for your practical test and become a safer driver.

Know the highway code rules with the highway code book

The Highway Code is essential reading for everyone. This is very useful to know road/traffic signs, rule and regulations if you are preparing for your driving theory test or practical test.

The most vulnerable road users are pedestrians, particularly children, older or disabled people, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders. It is important that all road users are aware of the Code and are considerate towards each other. This applies to pedestrians as much as to drivers and riders.

Knowing and applying the rules contained in The Highway Code could significantly reduce road casualties. Cutting the number of deaths and injuries that occur on our roads every day is a responsibility we all share. The Highway Code can help us discharge that responsibility.

Knowing and applying the rules contained in The Highway Code could significantly reduce road accident casualties. Cutting the number of deaths and injuries that occur on our roads every day is a responsibility we all share.

Although failure to comply with the other rules of the Code will not, it itself, cause a person to be prosecuted, The Highway Code may be used in evidence in any court proceedings under Traffic Acts to establish liability.

The Highway Code can help us discharge that responsibility.

For more information visit: http://www.123driving.co.uk/driving/theory-cd-dvd-highway-code-practical-book.aspx

Pass driving test in 1st attempt with driving theory test book

Passing driving test is an important step toward throwing away your L plates. If you are preparing for your driving theory test, it is important that you study all the latest official theory test questions published by DSA.

We are crown copyright licence holder for publishing driving theory test questions from DSA.

Driving test book contains entire 2010/11 official theory test questions and answers from Driving Standards Agency.

Latest driving theory test book covers:

1. This is a complete official latest DSA driving theory test question bank from which actual exam questions are chosen.
2. Set of official car driving theory test questions that could be asked in your actual exam.
3. Multiple choice question bank with new questions released, with answers at the bottom of each page.
4. Know exactly what to expect in exam so no surprises.
5. Includes mock test papers.
6. Includes key information for all learner drivers.

Get ready for your big day!
Try our unique study pattern and you just can't fail.

Visit the site to buy this driving theory test book : http://www.123driving.co.uk/driving/theory-cd-dvd-highway-code-practical-book.aspx