Tuesday, 22 September 2009

Example Case Study Questions For The Theory Test From 28 September 2009

From the 28th September 2009 you will need to answer a case study-style question as part of your Theory Test.

You will be presented with one case study where you will be required to answer 5 questions that are related to the scenario displayed on screen.

Each question will still be in the multiple choice format as with the other Theory Test questions.

You will still need to answer 50 multiple choice questions that are broken down as follows:
45 multiple choice questions
5 multiple choice questions that relate to the case study

The pass mark for the multiple choice section of the Theory Test remains at 43/50.

Click this link to see some examples of Case Study questions

The case study questions will test the knowledge of road signs, proceedures, laws etc you will have already gained while studying for your Theory Test, so provided you have prepared thoroughly, the case study shouldn't prove any more of a problem that the "standard" multiple choice questions!

For more information on what is involved in the Theory Test, how to prepare for it and suggested study materials, please see:

Theory & Hazard Perception Test

Monday, 21 September 2009

Parallel Parking Tips

Parallel parking (sometimes referred to as "reverse parking") is one of the reversing manoeuvres you may be asked to carry out on your Practical Driving Test. It involves parking the car behind another car or between two vehicles, close to and parallel to the kerb.

Knowing how to parallel park properly is a skill that will also come in very useful after you pass your test too as it will enable you to quickly and easily park outside shops and in tricky car park spaces!


I've written a guide on how to parallel park complete with step by step instructions and video tutorials.


For more details, please see: How To Parallel Park

Thursday, 17 September 2009

Bay Parking - How To Reverse Into A Parking Bay On Your Driving Test

Reversing into a marked parking bay (often referred to as "bay park" or "bay parking") is one of the manoeuvres you may be asked to do on your driving test.

The aim of the bay park manoeuvre is for you to show the examiner that you can reverse the car smoothly and accurately into a restricted space - if you can get this right, this is not only useful in getting you through your driving test but will come in very handy after you pass your test! Lots of people struggle to reverse properly into parking spaces and you can feel very smug if you know how to do it right first time :)


I've written a guide on how to bay park properly, complete with step-by-step instructions and video tutorials - see How To Bay Park for full details!

Tuesday, 15 September 2009

Theory Test Case Studies From 28 September 2009

The DSA have elaborated on what will be involved in the new "case study" which is being introduced to the multiple choice section of the Theory Test from 28th September 2009.

The DirectGov website describes the change as;
The case study will show a scenario that five questions will be based on.
The subject of the scenario focuses on real life examples and experiences that
drivers could come across when driving.

See the Direct Gov website at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/TheoryTest/DG_4022534

Sunday, 6 September 2009

Changes To The Theory Test From 28 September 2009

From 28 September 2009 a "case study" will be incorporated into the Theory Test.


The DSA state that this change has been made in order for "candidates to be tested on understanding as well as knowledge" and to "put learning into context".

The theory test case study will take the form of a scenario, or short story, on which five questions will be based.

As part of the multiple choice section of the test, the case study will assess candidates’ understanding of driving theory, whilst the multiple choice questions will continue to assess knowledge of the subject.

Candidates will answer the questions in the same way as they do now, using either the touch screen or mouse.

For more information please see;
http://dsa.gov.uk/News.asp?id=SX12B7-A7832722

Friday, 21 August 2009

Booking Your Theory Test Online - WARNING - Don't Pay More Than You Need To!

You can book your Theory Test online via the offical website for all government services - DirectGov.

Booking your Theory Test is a very simple and straightforward proceedure which will only take a few minutes and you will pay ONLY for the test itself - there is no extra "booking fee" or "administration fee" added on.

There are a worrying number of official looking "Theory Test booking services" springing up on the internet who will book a test on your behalf - BUT they will charge you a sizeable booking fee on top of the test fee.

To book your Theory Test online via DirectGov you need;

* your driver number (from your driving licence)
* a credit or debit card with which to pay the £31.00 test fee

You can choose the date and time to suit you and if you later find you need to change the date or cancel your Theory Test you do so via DirectGov - you have complete control over your booking.

THERE'S NO NEED TO PAY EXTRA FOR YOUR THEORY TEST - book your test yourself directly with the DSA at the following link;

Online test booking service at the DirectGov website.

Friday, 14 August 2009

How To Do A Turn In The Road - "3 Point Turn"

The turn in the road is one of the manoeuvres that your driving examiner may ask you to demonstrate during your driving test.

It's often referred to as a "three point" turn but this is misleading as you aren't restricted to doing this maneouvre in only 3 turns!

The aim of the turn in the road is to turn the car round to face the other way using forward and reverse gears in a limited space (i.e. the width of the road). You need to show that not only can you do this, but that you are also in full and safe control of the vehicle throughout the manoeuvre and that you show awareness and consideration for other road users.

I have written a detailed guide to how to do a perfect turn in the road, complete with step-by-step instructions and video tutorials.

Please see
How To Do A Turn In The Road for more information!