Learning to drive is one of life’s most exciting moments, providing the gateway to freedom and the ability to go anywhere you want.
The driving test has been mandatory since the mid-1930s while the theory test has been in force since 1996.
However, with more and more cars on our roads, broken road surfaces, congestion, road works, speed cameras, potholes and the fact we now have clean-air zones like ULEZ – is it harder to learn to drive in the UK?
If you are learning to drive, there are great ways to get behind the wheel with a full licence quickly, safely and calmly.
Here are our top tips and guide into how to pass your driving and theory test for the first time.
Take multiple mock theory tests online or on smartphone apps
The questions are all motoring-related and ask the candidate questions regarding road signs, medical assistance, accidents and how the road network works.
The hazard perception works by giving the user scenario videos of where potential hazards are appearing, with the person clicking the mouse on the computer every time they think a hazard is in sight.
To pass a theory test you need to achieve at least 43 out of 50 to pass and 44 out of 75 to pass the hazard perception.
The best method to pass your theory and hazard perception first time is to just keep practising over and over again.
As with most things, the more you practise the more you’ll remember – so those questions that you might’ve found tricky initially will soon become second nature. The same goes for the hazard perception – it’s all about getting used to it. There are plenty of good online sources of mock tests, or some handy smartphone apps which do the same so you can brush up no matter where you are.
Take your time and have plenty of lessons with a qualified driving instructor
The average amount of driving lessons that is recommended varies from 40 to 45 hours prior to taking your test. Not only does it get you fully clued up on how a car and the road work, but it’ll also allow you to get used to the routes around your area and have more experience with different road situations.
Take the driving test in your instructor’s car
Learn the test routes
Learning all the routes will stand you in better stead when the examiner tells you where to go. There will be less chance of you getting lost and even though this won’t cause you to fail, it can make things more stressful than driving somewhere familiar.
You’ll know what the speed limits are, what junctions you’ll come across and where they might ask you to conduct any manoeuvres like an emergency stop or parallel park.
Learn the basics
These cover a number of key areas, such as an eyesight test – usually done by asking the individual to read a number plate from a car nearby – as well as some typical mechanical queries, including showing where to top up your car’s washer fluid and how the horn is operated.
Learn in different driving conditions
Don’t be afraid to ask the examiner a question or to repeat their instructions
If you mishear the examiner and don’t ask them to repeat what they said, it may make you panic and cause an error in your test which would cause an instant failure.
Practice makes perfect
Make sure you get a good balance of your personal car and your instructor’s car to keep your options open, depending on which vehicle you’re planning to do your test in.
Every car has a different clutch and biting point, as well as different brakes, power and even size differences, which can all cause you to drive in a different manner.
