The Theory Test
Preparation
Introduced in July 1996, the theory test has formed an important part of the DSA's goal of reducing serious accidents. The idea was to make sure that each new applicant has a grounding in the basics of good driving theory, in the hope that they use that knowledge to become better drivers.
The DSA recommends about 10 hours reading from the following books to achieve test standard:-
The Highway Code - find on Amazon.co.uk
The official theory test book - find on Amazon.co.uk
The driving manual - find on Amazon.co.uk
and if you're really keen:-
Know your traffic signs - find on Amazon.co.uk.
Whilst you are with James' Driving School I will include theory training as part of your normal lessons.
Mock test
Doing a mock theory test is not only a good way to asses the difficulty of the questions but it is actually quite good fun. You can practise using this online Mock Theory Test on the DSA's web site.
Good luck!!!!!
Location of local nearest theory test centres
Hastings
Phillips House
Drury Lane
Ponswood Industrial Estate
St Leonards, Hastings
East Sussex TN38 9BA
Brighton
Fourth Floor, Victoria House
125 Queens Road
Brighton
East Sussex BN1 3WB
Eastbourne
Senlac House (Ground Floor)
55 Seaside
Eastbourne
East Sussex BN22 7NE
Crawley
Belgrave House (First Floor)
Station Road
Crawley
West Sussex RH10 1HU
Canterbury
St James House (First Floor)
Castle Street
Canterbury
Kent CT1 2QZ
The location of all of the theory test centres can be found on the DSA's web site.
Cost and booking
The current cost of a theory test is £31 which you can pay over the phone using a credit or debit card.
To book a theory test phone 0300 2001122 or you can book online.
If you are planning to take driving lessons with James' Driving School then it would probably be a good idea to wait to book the test until we are both confident that you will pass (and I've given you lots of tips on how to do it first time).
On the day
When you book the theory test the DSA will send you a letter of conformation with all the details of the location of the test centre and how to get to it, along with the time and date of your specific test. You need to arrive 15 minutes early and don't forget to take both parts of your driving license.
To take the stress out getting to and finding the test centre I provide a special lesson where you can drive yourself to the test centre in my car, do the test and then drive yourself home again. I've had a lot of success with this in the past and most pupils enjoy the long drive down to the coast (if not the test itself!!)
The test itself consists of 50 questions on just about any driving topic, from tyre pressure to first aid. You need to get 43 out of 50 to pass and because the test is done on computer (touch screen) you will get the results straight away. If you pass you will receive a certificate giving your score and a code number which you need when booking your driving test. If you fail, check the back of the form where it will tell you where you went wrong.
