Driving school in Bishopton, Erskine, Inchinnan and Langbank.
Home study packs
For many years, if you were sitting your driving test, the examiner would ask you a few questions on the highway code during the test. It became evident that this method was not sufficient to fully test the candidate’s knowledge on such an important subject and a number of qualified drivers were using the roads without the required level of knowledge on road safety and procedures. On 1 July 1996, the government introduced a separate written theory test and on 14 November 2002, they introduced an additional test called the Hazard Perception Test. Both tests have proved very successful and are now firmly part of the process of obtaining a licence to drive. You sit both of these tests at the same time and you must obtain a pass certificate before you can go on to sit the practical driving test.
So what are these tests?
THE THEORY TEST
This is a test of your knowledge on a whole range of driving matters.
The test consists of 50 questions which must be answered within a time of 57 minutes. The test is carried out on computer and each question has multiple choice answers. Don’t worry if you are not familiar with computers as full instructions are given at the time and it is extremely easy to use. There is no keyboard and you select your answer simply by using a touch screen.
As we say, there are 50 questions and you must answer at least 43 correctly to pass the test.
THE HAZARD PERCEPTION TEST (HPT)
This test is also delivered on computer and again don’t worry, it is extremely easy to use, you will be given full instructions and the chance to watch a demonstration.
The test will consist of you being shown a series of 14 video clips taken from a camera mounted on the dashboard of a motor car. These scenes will feature everyday driving in all types of roads, types of weather and day or night time driving.
You can expect something to happen in each clip which, if you imagine yourself as the driver of that car, you would have to take action to prevent an accident. For example, if you are driving along and you see a child about to run onto the road after a ball, the very moment you perceive that danger you must click on the computer’s mouse button. This is what is known as a developing hazard.
One developing hazard will be featured in every clip but one of the clips will feature two. The highest mark you can achieve for each hazard is 5, However, if your reactions are slow in identifying the danger, the points rapidly decrease to zero.
In order to pass this test you must score at least 44 out of a possible 75.
HOME STUDY PACKS
These tests can often prove to be a stumbling block for many prospective drivers as they can find that when their instructor advises them that they are ready to apply for their practical test, they cannot do so because they do not have their theory & HPT pass certificate.
We find the main reason for candidates failing this test is due to a lack of preparation. The current test fee is £28.50 and this can prove expensive to many students if they continue to fail this test, whether it be on the Theory or Hazard perception.
With this in mind, ‘Right-Track’ has developed a home study pack. It contains everything you need to get through this test and includes a DSA book, two computer programs together with pencil and writing materials. It also comes with full written instructions on how best to study for this test.
There are a limited number of these packs which will be available free of charge to all Right-Track pupils on a loan basis.