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Original poster

Can't pass driving theory test

48 replies

TeddyForever · 23/08/2023 19:53

Very embarrassed by this but I'm in my 40s and can't drive. Taking practical driving lessons for over a year but can't seem to pass my driving theory test. I've done it once and failed. Can't wrap my head around it especially the hazard perception. Feel very stupid and sad. I do need to learn to drive my kids now as DH is annoyed at having had to do this for such a long time.
Any tips or advice on how to study, or pass the theory test pls?

OP posts:
Balloonhearts · 27/08/2023 20:37

It's simpler than they make it sound. So you're coming up to pass a turning right? And as you approach you see a bike approach the junction through the trees. Click. It's a potential hazard. As he gets to the junction click again as he isn't slowing down. Click again as he pulls into the road and again as he comes out in front of you.

clipclop5 · 27/08/2023 21:43

The Theory 4 in 1 app is amazing. DD used it for 3 days intensive revision and comfortably passed. Keep going until you have 100% on every section and are doing well on the mock exams. She struggled with Hazard Perception so watched YouTube videos on the 3 click method which really helped increase her scores.

clipclop5 · 27/08/2023 21:48

bozzabollix · 23/08/2023 20:00

I’m a trainee driving instructor. Even us trainee driving instructors fail on the hazard perception, and loads don’t pass the theory first time - I was lucky to. So don’t despair.

Re the hazard perception, you should click for each hazard, once when you spot something, another when it develops and again when it’s obvious what action you need to take. Don’t click any more than that for each thing, it’ll penalise you.

The theory questions are far more detailed than any of the practice apps so do look at the Highway Code too, the apps aren’t enough sadly (because they are far more pleasant). The DVSA also has their own apps including the hazard perception, they are worth paying for as those as far more like the actual test.

Hope that helps and don’t give up!

@bozzabollix Maybe it’s different here in NI but DD used the Theory 4 in 1 app and found most of the practice questions identical to the ones on the test itself. Passed first time 49/50 on the multiple choice because of it

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AvengedQuince · 09/10/2023 17:57

Hi, can anyone tell me when it becomes available to rebook after missing a test?

TheInseparables · 09/10/2023 19:10

Immediately.

Hungrycaterpillarsmummy · 09/10/2023 19:13

Hazard perception : click when you see a hazard

AvengedQuince · 09/10/2023 19:16

TheInseparables · 09/10/2023 19:10

Immediately.

It was this morning and it's still only coming up with the motorcycle test

AvengedQuince · 09/10/2023 19:18

We went to the wrong place first so were three minutes late 😔

surreygirl1987 · 09/10/2023 19:36

I failed my driving theory (on hazards) and I have a PhD. I found it WAY harder than the practical.

JustKen · 09/10/2023 20:11

Have never passed. Did 6 tests as a teenager (before the theory test came in!) and failed them all. I don't need a car in my day to day life anyway (city dweller). My brother takes the pee out of me but we're both in our mid-40s & he should really know better. I ignore him. (He has called me a bus w**r and I say, PROUD). He lives in a place where there's no public transport at all so he needs his car. I like being driven around (by public transport workers) because I get some reading done.

Original poster
TeddyForever · 09/10/2023 23:12

surreygirl1987 · 09/10/2023 19:36

I failed my driving theory (on hazards) and I have a PhD. I found it WAY harder than the practical.

Been practicing more this time but finding it hard 😭 causing me great anxiety!

OP posts:
AvengedQuince · 10/10/2023 07:42

I was able to rebook this morning, the day after the test, if anyone else has the same issue.

1smallhamsterfoot · 10/10/2023 07:45

You’ve only done it once! Bloody hell you’ll be fine

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 10/10/2023 07:51

10 years since I passed mine, did 30 mins practice every day for about 2 weeks. I clicked when anything caused me use the pedals/change what I was doing. Passed first time.

NorthernLiner · 10/10/2023 08:00

TeddyForever · 26/08/2023 19:09

Thank you, I'm old and can't pass it. I'm quite embarrassed when I tell people I can't drive. It's usually met with shock or laughter.

Show quote history

Don’t be embarrassed @TeddyForever , they’re idiots for laughing.
Just remember everyone was a learner once.

Good luck with your test! 🍀

margotrose · 10/10/2023 08:01

I think it took me four times to pass my theory - don't worry, you'll be fine.

I passed my practical first go.

Stroopwaffels · 10/10/2023 08:03

You've only tried once! Lots of people have several attempts at the theory. Both my kids have learned to drive in recent years and both failed the first theory test. Just book another one, and practise using the apps.

Vettrianofan · 10/10/2023 08:06

Do you have a library card? You can access free driving theory resources at many local libraries. Don't give up. Keep trying. You can do this.

Fleamaker · 10/10/2023 08:08

Not many people pass the theory first attempt, so don't panic. You've got that bit of experience now so you know what to expect next time.

As you do more actual driving, you will become better at spotting hazards and quicker at responding, so it will all progress.

clappyjay · 10/10/2023 08:18

You could spend a driving lesson doing theory prep with your instructor. My instructor is happy to go and sit in a cafe and spend time going through theory if that’s what the struggle is.

mondaytosunday · 10/10/2023 08:21

My son did both his motorcycle and car theory earlier this year. It took four goes for the car one! I did the app test one and got 29%, and I've been driving for 40 years.
You have to properly revise. Once my son realised he had to do that he passed.

Vettrianofan · 10/10/2023 11:04

I think I passed second or third time OP. Don't give up, keep booking next test and keep going.

Finteq · 10/10/2023 11:08

Like some said.

After you spot the hazard click again a second or 2 later.

I would always spot the hazard too early. And would click again to make I definitely got the marks.

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