Before you are allowed to take your driving test in the UK you are required to pass the driving theory test. Like all tests and exams there's a lot of theory test preparation to do beforehand. To help study for the test the DSA recommend that you read up on 'The Highway Code', 'Know Your Traffic Signs' and any of the relevant books from the DSA 'Driving Skills' series. (Click on the relevant book above to purchase any, or all, of these publications from The Stationary Office). We, at Antonine, think that the 3 books above are essential reading, not just for the theory test, but for everyone while they are learning to drive, and also afterwards to help maintain and improve driving skills.

But, everybody has a different ways of studying for a test. Some people are keen readers and can get through books, and remember a lot of the information, in no time at all. Others are not so keen to pick up a book or they can have more difficulty understanding the content, even if they do persuade themselves to have a stab at reading it. But, remember that there are theory test preparation materials that don't require you to sit and pore over a book. E.g. the DSA provide 'The Highway Code' on CD-Rom format, as well as book format. Click on the picture to the right to order 'The Highway Code' as a CD-Rom from The Stationary Office. These alternative study materials are often a better option for people who don't like having to read books.

Study materials that have been made available, in various formats, by the DSA include:

For most people, revising for a test can be a bit of a chore. But it has to be done. So it's best to put some time aside for it and do as much theory test preparation as you can, and using as many relevant study materials as you can.

The question and answer section of the theory test is in multiple choice format, which is a bonus, because it only involves reading questions and making a selection from a choice of possible answers. That's got to be a positive aspect of the test, if there are any! It's much better, and easier, than having to prove your knowledge and understanding by writing lots of sentences off the top of your head. But, there's a lot of material to learn for this section, covering all aspects of road signs, road safety and rules of the road.

To increase your chances of passing this section of the test, it's best to invest in some good theory test preparation by selecting the most appropriate learning aids for the way you prefer to study. There are a few different study materials currently available on the market. There are several books that are have everything you need to know about driving and the road. Most are available, at a reasonable cost, from many high street bookshops. If you're not sure which ones to invest in, have a chat with your instructor and ask him/her for advice. At Antonine, we recommend the DSA's 'Theory Test Kit'. We find that it enables good all-round practice in both sections of the driving theory test, but it should be used following, or alongside, study of 'The Highway Code'. (You can click on the relevant picture above to purchase this from The Stationary Office).

The DSA provide a free, online theory test preparation service that allows you to practice multiple choice questions to test your knowledge and understanding of 'The Highway Code', 'Know Your Traffic Signs' and the 'Essential Driving Skills' series. The two practice sessions available only address the multiple choice questions. The DSA do not offer any online practice on the hazard perception test.

Hazard perception practice DVD's (and CD-Roms) are available to buy in order to enable learners to gain some test practice, and to allow them to get used to the process and format that's used in the test. (Click on the picture of the Hazard Perception DVD on the right to purchase this publication from The Stationary Office). Although, as we have said above, at Antonine, we think the DSA's Theory Test Kit offers good value for money and is more comprehensive, covering both the Multiple Choice and Hazard Perception sections of the test.

As the hazard perception test itself was devised to measure response time to a hazardous situation, none of the clips used for practice will ever appear in the actual hazard perception test. This is because response time improves when a clip is practiced again and again. If the same clips were to occur in the actual test, then response times would be far quicker and would give a false reading of a real response time, which would defeat the purpose of the test.

Theory Test Preparation - Hints and tips.

But remember, if you fail you can always sit it again, and when you do pass you'll be a safer driver. But, if you really study, you could very well pass first time. The purpose of the exam is to force you to learn about the rules of the road, road safety and hazard identification, because these are the safety issues that you'll need, and use, everyday when you're a qualified driver.

There aren't many people who would choose to study these issues as a source of enjoyment and relaxation, but they're crucial to driving safely. So the DSA ensure, by making the theory test a prerequisite to the driving test, that all licenced drivers have a knowledge and understanding of these issues. They're working towards having safe drivers on Britain's roads, as we are at Antonine.

We hope this theory test preparation page has had the information you were looking for, and has been of some help to you. Any enquiries, please feel free to contact us . We'd be happy to help.

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