[strawberry_princess]

Hi, It's my birthday in a few weeks and I've booked my theory test for a couple of days after my birthday. But I'm now thinking should I wait til I start driving first?? Or is it OK to take the theory test without driving before?

Thanks.

[modini]

Originally Posted by strawberry_princess

Hi, It's my birthday in a few weeks and I've booked my theory test for a couple of days after my birthday. But I'm now thinking should I wait til I start driving first?? Or is it OK to take the theory test without driving before?

Thanks.

You can take the theory whenever you want, but it's only valid for 2 years unless you pass your driving test.

[thetopnotch]

Originally Posted by modini

You can take the theory whenever you want, but it's only valid for 2 years unless you pass your driving test.

plus i haven't taken any lessons but still took my theory test and passed. the theory part of it is easy especially if you use the CD thing that you can buy with all the questions on it. It's just the Hazard Perception part which is hard-ish

[Andylol]

Take it whenever you feel like it.... But preferably before you start driving.

It'll be valid for 2 years which means that if you don't pass your practical test within 2 years of passing your theory then you'll have to take the theory again.

GL

[strawberry_princess]

Ah ok, so it's best to taking it before I start driving? It's just because I'd told a couple of people and they said shouldn't you wait until you start driving.

[modini]

Originally Posted by strawberry_princess

Ah ok, so it's best to taking it before I start driving? It's just because I'd told a couple of people and they said shouldn't you wait until you start driving.

Well, I've started driving and I haven't taken my theory yet. I'm even concidering waiting until after my A levels so that they don't clash, and so that I won't get distracted from my revision with studying for my theory.

It's up to you really.

[Degausser]

I spent an afternoon revising for my theory and passed. It really shouldn't take up too much of your time, just get it out the way as soon as you can, very few people take over 2 years to pass their test.

[Laura373]

i think having lessons prepares you for the hazard perception element of it. I did mine about 4/5 months after starting having lessons.

[mr_cool]

Just do it when your ready, just spend a while revising for it. Get a CD and practice your hazard preception and theory questions.

[Advisor]

There is no hard and fast rule as to when you're ready to take it. It depends what kind of a learner you are and how clued up you are about driving matters in general.

Are you a bookworm or more "hands-on"?

There's nothing to stop you taking your theory test very soon after your birthday and people have passed this way, but ask yourself: Are you fully conversant with all the rules and regulations in the highway code? Have you driven before off road and understand all the controls, features and dashboard symbols of a car? Do you know how to react to vulnerable road users and other types of vehicle in various situations? Do you understand how to cope with accidents, breakdowns and legal matters? Questions will be asked about first-aid, motorway driving and towing trailers too. The hazard perception test will rely on your experience of what's reasonably expected to happen on the road.

Some people are great at reading a book then reeling off facts and figures at length. Some people aren't big readers and prefer to get practical experience, then they can think their way through a situation when a question is asked about it.

Now, whichever path you choose, you don't have to change your test date just yet. Start studying in advance of your birthday. Don't wait, unless you're really a "crammer" and have a mind like a memory stick. Between your birthday and the test, take an intensive course of lessons: as many as you can fit in to give you lots of practical experience.

Your instructor can guide you as to whether you're ready for the test, but loads of self-study materials are available, like the CDs and DVDs previous posters have mentioned. TIP: ask a car owner if you can borrow their vehicle handbook too; it's great for learning controls and car symbols etc before you've driven.