K is for... Knowledge!
Lets look at our knowledge!
This blog isn't going to be too long (I don't think!), however I do think that it's a really important topic to explore, and discover where we can get knowledge from, and what to do if we don't understand something.
Why do we need 'knowledge'?
Knowledge is at the heart of what we all do!
If we didn't have any knowledge, we wouldn't really be able to drive! Practical experience of driving is fantastic, and clearly really useful. However if you don't have the knowledge of the road, rules, signs and markings, you wouldn't be able to drive effectively, safely, or even legally.
This is why it's important that we learn new things, and continuously update our knowledge!
It's also important that we have a good understanding of our knowledge. Again, it's all well and good knowing that the white sign with a black stripe means 'national speed limit' - but what does 'national speed limit' mean? What is the national speed limit? When would you drive to the national speed limit? When wouldn't you drive to the national speed limit?
Understanding our knowledge means we can use this together with our practical experience and become an even better, safer, and more responsible driver.
Some people prefer the practical side of things - they are better at physically driving and controlling the car, but lack knowledge and understanding. Some people are better at the theory side of things - and have the knowledge and understanding, but find the practical side harder.
Why do we have a theory test?
Our theory test is important to show that we have the knowledge and understanding of different topics. By passing the theory test, it demonstrates you have the knowledge which the DVSA require you to know in order to be able to drive safely.
You must pass your theory test before you can book and take your practical driving test, however you don't need to have passed your theory test to start learning to drive. You will pick up knowledge from your practical experience of learning to drive.
The theory test includes different topics, including two main 'bands';
1) Road Procedure
2) Traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge
Overall, this incorporates;
- Accidents
- Alertness
- Attitude
- Documents
- Hazard awareness
- Motorway rules
- Other types of vehicles
- Road and traffic signs
- Rules of the road
- Safety and your vehicle
- Safety margins
- Vehicle handling
- Vehicle loading
- Vulnerable road users
There are two parts to the theory test;
Multiple choice questions
Hazard perception
For the multiple choice questions, you must score 43 out of 50 to pass.
You have 57 minutes to answer 50 questions.
For the hazard perception, you must score 44 out of 75 points.
There are 14 video clips with one hazard in each - and in one clip, there are two hazards! You can score a maximum of 5 points per hazard - so the earlier you see the hazard, the more you score. If you miss the hazard, or click too many times, you will score 0 for that clip.
Where can I get my knowledge from?
Lets take a look at where we can get our knowledge from!
The Highway Code is a valuable resource - this tells us all the legal requirements of driving on the road, as well as other advice and information to help us drive safely and responsibly.
The Driving The Essential Skills book is like our bible for driving! It is a comprehensive guide, and the 'driving manual'!
The Essential Skills book says on the back (in brief);
- Refresh your knowledge
- Information on driving techniques
- Advice on driving safely at night
- Pass your theory test
- Tips on ecosafe driving
- Information on vehicle maintenance and security
It also has expert tips, advice, and explains key skills clearly.
Our instructors at DKM Driving genuinely believe that the Highway Code and Essential Skills are 2 of the most important books, and all of our DKM Driving instructors keep a copy of the Highway Code and Essential Skills in their cars - please do ask to see them! We're always more than happy to use these 2 books to support your learning, knowledge and understanding! :)
The DVSA have also published many other materials, documents, eBooks, PDFs, books, and CDs/DVDs.
Here is a list of some of the other materials that the DVSA publish;
- Basic MOT checks
- Guide to towing
- Accompanying a learner driver
- Ecosafe driving
- Breakdowns and incidents
- Winter driving
- Motorway driving
- Guide to better driving
- Learning to drive
- Theory and hazard perception materials
- Know your traffic signs
You can view & purchase all of the above materials, plus different theory test revision books & CDs/DVDs, as well as the Essential Skills and Highway Code books here;
We have partnered with Driving Test Success - we pay for this, to enable you to receive FREE theory test revision.
Practising your for your theory test means you will pick up on various bits of knowledge and skills which will help you in your driving overall.
You can sign up here for free;
We have also partnered with The Colour Academy - who have published a colouring theory book! What a fab idea for those who maybe struggle with reading lots of theory information, those who may have dyslexia, those who may not speak English as a first language (as the theory test can only be done in English, Welsh, or British Sign Language), or those just enjoy colouring and want to learn a slightly different way!
Here are some example pictures (below) from the books we purchased so we can show you - ask your DKM Driving instructor if you'd like to have a look at one of our example books.
For more information, including your 10% discount code, please visit here;
You can also get lots of answers online - if you have a question or don't understand something - go and search! There are lots of informative websites and information online.
You could also look through some of our blogs and gain information from those - do let us know if you've read something and want us to clarify or explain further!
Family and friends may have some good advice and tips, especially if they've been driving for some time - they will have experience. Do be aware though that the rules and laws do change - and your family or friends may not have kept their own knowledge up to date!
Do you know what we love doing? We love getting our friends, family members, parents etc, to take a free mock theory test (here)! It's fascinating to see their scores and see their strengths and weaknesses, and it's such a good opportunity for them to refresh their knowledge and support you with your own learning and revision for your theory test. How about getting your family and friends to do a theory test? Let us know how you get on!
You could message us through our contact form HERE. We're always happy to respond and answer any questions you have, or point you in the right direction for more support or places where you can get more knowledge.
You can also ask your own driving instructor! Driving instructors are trained to a very high standard, and we're proud of that! We have a wealth of information and knowledge, as well as the skills to teach you. That's what we're here for! There is no such thing as a silly question - so PLEASE do ask us if there's something you're not sure about - we'd absolutely LOVE to help you!
Just to summarise where you can get support and knowledge from!
- Theory test revision - click here for free mock tests from the DVSA
- Driving Test Success (theory test revision) - click here to sign up
- The Highway Code - click here
- Driving The Essential Skills - click here
- Other DVSA materials and publications - click here
- Colour Academy Theory Test colouring book - click here
- Our blogs - click here
- Message us - click here
- Ask your driving instructor
- Ask family or friends