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The Theory Test The driving theory test is now a well established part of the experience of learning to drive, and it is now done on a touch screen computer with the option of a voice over if required. The test consists of 50 multiple choice questions, and you are required to get 43 correct in order to pass. Most questions have four possible answers where you have to select one correct answer, but some questions have more choices and you may have to select 2 or more correct answers - so always read the question carefully. You are expected to have a good knowledge of the Highway Code (at Phoenix we are happy to give you a free copy of the Highway Code if you would like one), and also other aspects of driving theory which are not in the Highway Code. We recommend that you read the Highway Code and the BSM book 'Pass your driving theory test', and those two books should give you all the information that you need for the test. Don't forget to look at the appendices at the back of the Highway Code - it doesn't end at the road signs section! Your instructor will be happy to go over any of the theory that you are unclear on, and we have various study aids that we can provide you with on loan (a deposit is required). The following are some pointers on some of the bits that often cause problems. Road Signs It is useful when trying to interpret any given road sign to understand the system behind the signs, which is as follows: Circles give orders - red meaning you must not, blue meaning you must! Triangles give warnings. Rectangles give information - again different colours have different meanings - see your Highway Code. The signs that often come up in the theory test are the unusual ones so make sure you are familiar with the signs with the following meanings (they are all in the Highway code): Stop, Give Way, Motor vehicles prohibited, No overtaking, Parking restrictions apply, Clearway, National speed limit applies, and other signs that are not obviously self-explanatory. Also look at Motorway matrix signs.
Road Markings Know the difference between lane divider lines, hazard awareness lines, etc. Also the different types of Give Way and Stop lines at different types of junctions. Different coloured road studs on different parts of the road.
Stopping Distances In order to learn your Stopping distances you can either learn a list of numbers or the following method may help (be aware this method only works for stopping distances in feet - the questions and answers in the test have both metres and feet so it does work! Roughly 3 feet to 1 metre!). At 20mph the overall stopping distance is given as 40 feet (so multiply speed by two) At 30mph the stopping distance is 75 feet (multiply by two and a half) At 40mph, 120 feet (multiply by three) And so on, so start at 20mph and times two, add half to the multiplier for each ten miles per hour! Thinking distance is given as the same as the speed in mph in feet, so at 20mph thinking distance is 20 feet, at 30mph 30 feet, etc. If you need to know braking distance subtract thinking distance from overall stopping. Remember also the 2 second rule for following distances. In the wet multiply these figures by two, on snow and ice by ten!
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