Questions...

[RyanDOT]

I just bought a Vauxhall Corsa just a month ago, and I haven't done my theory or practical exam yet. I'm hoping to take my theory exam next month, followed by practical exams in June (After I finish my college exams so I can focus on this)

I want to revise for the theory exam, however what good websites or software are there which actually help? Also, are there any past papers or something? Finally, if I go to 'A' company to do my theory, can I go to 'B' company to do my practical?

Thanks

[Robbie]

company? you book both your theory and practical on directgov and they're both administered by the dsa..

[RyanDOT]

company? you book both your theory and practical on directgov and they're both administered by the dsa..

Ah right, thanks for that

[Triz]

You'll find that about 90% of the theory questions are common sense, and the others you have a 25% chance in getting right.
Stuff like minimum tyre tread, stopping distances on a good, dry surface travelling at 60/70mph are the ones you actually need to study.

The one question that always baffled me was:
Why should you do before entering a tunnel?

The options were something like:

A. Turn off the radio
B. Remove any sunglasses
C. Switch on dipped headlights
D. Turn side lights on

Now, logically you would have thought that it would be to turn on your dipped headlights, so that you make yourself more visible to oncoming traffic; it's all well in saying that tunnels are well lit, but so are streets at night? Yet we still have to have headlights on.

But NO. The answer is Remove any sunglasses... So now DSA are ASSUMING we are wearing sunglasses lol

[Recursion]

You'll find that about 90% of the theory questions are common sense, and the others you have a 25% chance in getting right.
Stuff like minimum tyre tread, stopping distances on a good, dry surface travelling at 60/70mph are the ones you actually need to study.

The one question that always baffled me was:
Why should you do before entering a tunnel?

The options were something like:

A. Turn off the radio
B. Remove any sunglasses
C. Switch on dipped headlights
D. Turn side lights on

Now, logically you would have thought that it would be to turn on your dipped headlights, so that you make yourself more visible to oncoming traffic; it's all well in saying that tunnels are well lit, but so are streets at night? Yet we still have to have headlights on.

But NO. The answer is Remove any sunglasses... So now DSA are ASSUMING we are wearing sunglasses lol

I got 3 on towing god damn caravans. I'M NEVER GOING TO TOW A CARAVAN. Would have got 100% if it wasn't for those 3. Oh well.

[RockyHorror]

You may be reluctant to pay for any revision software, but I would defiantly advise you to spend the money as the theory test costs £31 and you can get the revision materials for as little as £15 which will certainly help you prepare as the questions featured on the revision discs are comprised from passed theory tests. This means if you revise enough you'll find you'll come across the exact same questions in the test and it will be a lot easier.

The multiple choices questions are easy but it's still best to revise;

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004H5HZWK/ref=asc_df_B004H5HZWK2489640?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&tag=googlecouk06-21&linkCode=asn&creative=22206&creativeASIN=B004H5HZWK

The hazard perception part of the exam I found a little more difficult and I'm sure it would of been worse if I hadn't revised beforehand, because they use a certain type of computer software where you have to interact with a video and click any hazards you think are in the clip;

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Driving-Test-Success-Hazard-Perception/dp/B004H5HZWU/ref=pd_bxgy_d_h__img_b

Good luck!

[Recursion]

Oh also, just for a contrast to RockyHorror, he has some good points, but a lot of people can pass with high marks just by taking a crap ton of practice theory/hazard perception tests on the internet the week running up.

Although I did buy the AA Complete Theory/Practical Test book just in case, which came in helpful at the last minute when I didn't know a few questions on my way to the test center.

[GommeInc]

I got 3 on towing god damn caravans. I'M NEVER GOING TO TOW A CARAVAN. Would have got 100% if it wasn't for those 3. Oh well.
They had those questions? You're not allowed to tow caravans with a normal driving license, you have to take further tests to do that :P Or you do for trailers over a certain size and capacity :P

[Recursion]

They had those questions? You're not allowed to tow caravans with a normal driving license, you have to take further tests to do that :P Or you do for trailers over a certain size and capacity :P

Serious they were about stopping them snaking and stuff :(

[Johno]

Serious they were about stopping them snaking and stuff :(

I remember them popping up in my revision using the official DSA set. Fun stuff!

[Triz]

I recommend you revise as well, but honestly, I wouldn't spend the money on it! I'm sure your friends/family have a DVD for a mock theory?
I'd get the DSA official one as the questions will be the same and worded the same.. I memorised most of them so well that when I actually took my test, for half of them, I just took a glance at the options and then selected the right answer without even reading the question :)

Also would be a good idea to hurry up and pass with the Car waiting for you, with the new law thats coming out soon, you wont be able to legally own a vehicle without it being insured, so even if you don't drive it, if it's under your name and its no insured, then you can get done for no insurance of a motor vehicle!

[tdi]

Also would be a good idea to hurry up and pass with the Car waiting for you, with the new law thats coming out soon, you wont be able to legally own a vehicle without it being insured, so even if you don't drive it, if it's under your name and its no insured, then you can get done for no insurance of a motor vehicle!

I didn't know about this law but I'm sure it would be fine if said car is on private land, it would probably work the same as having no road tax

[myke]

I recommend you revise as well, but honestly, I wouldn't spend the money on it! I'm sure your friends/family have a DVD for a mock theory?
I'd get the DSA official one as the questions will be the same and worded the same.. I memorised most of them so well that when I actually took my test, for half of them, I just took a glance at the options and then selected the right answer without even reading the question :)

Also would be a good idea to hurry up and pass with the Car waiting for you, with the new law thats coming out soon, you wont be able to legally own a vehicle without it being insured, so even if you don't drive it, if it's under your name and its no insured, then you can get done for no insurance of a motor vehicle!

Unless you declare it as SORN.

http://www.salsa.uk.net/member-news/56-proposed-changes-to-motor-insurance-law-january-2011.html

I got a letter about it last year from my insurer, and it said if you're declared SORN then you don't have to worry. It's just for the MID database.

[Triz]

Ah yes SORN, but if you declare that, your car needs to be off the road, i.e in a driveway at all times.

[myke]

Ah yes SORN, but if you declare that, your car needs to be off the road, i.e in a driveway at all times.

probably where it is now :P or in a garage cus i doubt he's paying tax on it for no reason

[Triz]

probably where it is now :P or in a garage cus i doubt he's paying tax on it for no reason

I do :)!

I pay tax, insurance etc.. and I only use my car every 3-4 months, for a few hours lol
I also paid for insurance once even though I had never driven it. For a whole year I got insurance on my dads company van, worked out at £300 a year due to it being a commercial vehicle, and the policy I had. This helped me with my insurance when I went to get my own, as according to the isurance company, I had been driving for a whole year :) - I ended up saving a lot more than £300 a year. So it was worth it