Hoorah!! Driving test here I come

Yep I've done it and i can finally say that part is over. I have sat my test and passed. So Glad. I now have the driving test to think about, but for now i will bask in my achievement. Even if it is a minuscule achievement, it is part of something bigger. Getting a new car is closer now than ever. Yeah.

Pointers:

Here is some points that may help. When they say arrive early. You really should.  You given maximum time of 15 minutes practice.  If you arrive 5 minute before your test is scheduled, you are only given 5 minutes of practice.  The practice came in handy. I was in the library for an hour before the test to refresh what I've learnt and did a little times table to get the old cogs working after a sleepless night.

When i booked my test, the customer service asked me if I wanted headphones so the computer can read the question for me. I think it really helped me concentrate. I notice most of the others in the room had it too. Unfortunately it was a noisy little test room with 8 or so quashed in our very own little cubicle. Headphones really helped me focus. I read the question and heard it at the same time. I think that's why I got 49 out 50. Using two senses is better than one, I guess in my case. 

The hazard perception test was a little more tricky. Just make sure you don't go clicking several times when you see a hazard develop. My second clip score was disqualified for doing just that. I only click 4 times in the whole clip but it was fast and right after one another.
Before you start the second part of your theory test, you are given a 3 minutes break. During this time it gives you instruction on how to use the equipment and what you are meant to do. Just make sure you click on the hazards that would make you change your speed and hazard developing and not possible hazard.

Good luck!!

Last night till my test

I'm off to my theory test tomorrow. I'm glad that I'm finally going to sitting it. I will be cramming til the last minute. Done a few mock exam and pass it all. I just hope i can get the same result tomorrow. I hear and read so much about people failing their driving theory test despite of being known as the easiest test ever...mmm... will try not to think like that. Happy thoughts.

After i sit my test fail or not, I can move on to my next task in my list. Preparing for my dissertation and my little essays, exams ut firstly for christmas. I have seen so many brilliant blogs from very creative people that inspire me to do the same. I have decided to make my own centre peice for our dining table and got my son to make decorations out of salt dough. He had so much fun doing, I highly recommend it. Will post all pictures as promised.


Will always be adding some more
Inspirtional blogs:
http://windhula.blogspot.com
http://6thstreetdesignschool.blogspot.com/
http://www.inthefunlane.com/

Christmas school play :(

I had to postpone my theory test till next week as my son school play has been brought forward. I am a little peeve to say the least as I was not told this on any memo. I missed out on the tickets for the show. I can't even go and watch the show. Its a small school. I would have to be sitting twiddling my thumb waiting for a ticket cancellation but i wouldn't want to be anywhere else than be there for my son. Of course if I regularly helped the school I would get the first chance to know about the tickets. This is the perks if you don't help out. :(

DAY 19 - Tick Tock

I've done a little revising. I've got a really awful headaches so this is affecting my tolerance level. i was going over the 'Document section' in part 1 and notice some questions are unfair. It might be my headache talking but it isn't making it any less irritating to answer them. One question was ' What info can be found in your vechicle registration document?' Me thinks bit unfair. You have to have owned a car to know this. It probably in the 'The Highway code' but thats beside the point. I can't find it and i have a pounding headache and I only have 11 days. Not fair... pout...pout...*reluctantly smiling at my pup*

Need to stop self pitying and plod on. 11 days to practice my theory test and hazard perception. Yep still some days left. I've covered all section bar 1. I just need to revise the mistakes i've made and memorise the traffic signs and the overall stoping distance for different condition.

Typical Stopping Distance in Normal Condition

Typical (typical being the operative word) stopping distance in wet condition is double the above and ten times for icy condtion.

I found another site that offer free theory test with case study. Its worth checking out. www.theory-tests.co.uk . Don't confuse this to another site called www.theory-test.co.uk . You will be forgiven if you do as the only difference is the 's' in theory-test's'. The first link provided is from the Northern Ireland Driving Standard Agency (DSA) and the second is a business offering practice theory test and hazard perception and online mock theory test. I do recommend it.

Day - 17 Panic sets in...

I have been very busy this week doing everything else instead of studying. My class is keeping me busy. We are setting a charity and i've decided to join. Don't know my role yet. So far all the roles are used. Brilliant for me at the moment as i have to much on my plate.

I had a few workmen sorting the house and shower room out that disturb my routine. Then the heating packed in. Not a good time with frost and unbelievable amount of rain and flood came our way. (will take some picture of river and lake burst its banks) Not seen anything like it before.

I know what your thinking, any excuse. Unfortunately it has happen but as they say onward and upward.

Driving theory test Part 1

Ok, my 'Driving theory test countdown clock' said I have 12 days. Not so good. I've been using the online http://www.theory-test.co.uk when i can. So far it is the best i have used. It is thorough which what we need for our driving theory test and hazard perception. It advices you to cover each section, total of 14, with 1200 multiple questions for part one. You are to grade each question to either easy, meduim or hard. You also have the option to review the same question if you feel you are not going to remember it or not sure about it. It records the question you made a mistake on.

One of the options i really like about this site theory-test.co.uk is that it gives you the option to review the 'easy', 'medium' or 'hard' section of your choice. Since it records your mistakes it give you the option to focus on those bits instead. If there is anything that i have learned in my psychology class is that, headings and repetition makes easy access to your stored memory. It places it in to your long term memory and heading helps it fish out the appropriate memory. This site allows you to do that. you can choose ie option 5 which heads as 'Hazard Awareness'. Once completed and you wanted to focus on your mistake in this section it allows you to do that and it offers correct answer, if you like. The only thumbs down is that it doesn't give you explanation why that is the right answer. For people like me who don't know much about driving, it can help with higher recall if explanation is offered.

Hazard Perception test Part 2

The second part of the driving theory test is the Hazard perception. My partner was just telling me that he knew someone who just sat his test and pass the first part with flying colours and miserably fail the second part. Yikes. This is not uncommon i have spoken to a few who have done the same. The second part seem to be the problem. ok, so why?

I think in my opinion there is not enough info about it. When i first sat my test. It was only then in the reception that i asked if you have to point at the hazard and click, do you click the mouse just before it happens or do you click at all possible hazard? Heres what he said,

CLICK ANYWHERE in the screen.
Only click on DEVELOPING HAZARD. Not potential hazard or just a milisecond before hazard occur.
Do not go clicker happy. It will exempt any marks you get from that clip.

It is easier said than done at the moment. Tomorrow I have more workmen coming over. Then I have to go to my class but must really revise before i go. I just hope i can get an hour of this done tomorrow, at least.

DAY 9 - Theory test online

Here are some online hazard perception test for free!!

http://www.thedrivingschool.co.uk/theory_test_paper_1.htm
http://www.billplant.co.uk/hazard_perception_test.html
http://www.driving-test-success.com/hazard/hazard_perception_main.html
http://www.theaa.com/aattitude/games/hpt.jsp
http://www.theory-test.co.uk

I've subscribe with theory test.co.uk and bought the 30 days package which includes all dsa questions that they have and all the hazard perception test. So far i think it not bad. The only thing i don't like is the clips are really awful quality. You can't tell if the black dot in the screen is a shadow or a person. It does affect your score. Having said that, there are some clips that are good. I'm pretty sure in the real ' theory test hazard perception the clips are going to be much better quality. This website allows you to practise hazard perception and practice your theory test. So what else can we want?

Day 7 Booked my theory test

Yikes. Its becoming more real now! I tried to book it online via the link I gave you but screen froze after I entered my card details. It was a blessing really. I wanted to book it for the 17th as planned but only had the time i can get to the testing centre on the 8th December available online. It seem that they have more times and dates available if you call them. My new date is on the 16th of December which suits me better than 17th come to think of it. Its all good!!

I found a couple of website that may be handy for you guys. Some have drivingtheory test questions and hazard perception test plus more. The first link seems to best for free hazard perception test and multiple questions.

These site has driving theory test and hazard perception test and some site you have to be a member.

http://www.theory-tests.co.uk/

http://www.driving-test-success.com

http://www.theory-test.co.uk/asp/default.asp

http://www.2pass.co.uk/cardownload.htm (downloadable books.)

Day 6 Driving theory test challege

You can book your driving theory test online or by phone. Here is the link to Northern Ireland theory test booking site.

http://www.dvtani.gov.uk/onlinebooking/dataprotection.asp
Theory test 0845 600 6700 local rate, from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm,

Cost to sit is £30 and £31 for UK mainland. The link for Scotland, Englad and Wales is

https://pt.dsa.gov.uk/tests/tests_E/tt/data_processing.asp

Theory test booking line - 0300 200 1122

Welsh language booking line - 0300 200 1133

You may need to copy and Paste.


Pass mark

Here is the important part. There will be two part in your driving theory test. Part 1 involves the 1 to 14 DSA section. You will be given 50 question and you need 43 correct answer to pass this part of the test. You will be given 57 minutes to do it. I'm not sure if all or some have case study in the multiple questions. Will add more infor when I know more.

The second part is the Hazard perception test. You will be shown 14 clips with 15 developing hazard. You need 44 out of 75. You will only be shown each clip once. If you click to many times, any mark you got from that clip will be disregarded. So be careful.

GOOD LUCK to everyone sitting your test!!!
Make sure you watch the youtube clip made by the DSA!!

Day 5 Challenge

Not done much studying since Wednesday. Tried to make up for it today. I was using my son's confiscated dsi. (Confiscated because of other reason not because i want to use it.) I did feel a bit guilty. Since I told him, me using his precious dsi means he is helping me pass my test which leads to getting a car and him getting ridden to the soft play area whenever we can. I think that did the work and he doesn't mind me using his ds.
I had been using the DSA option and getting really into it. I manage to go as far as the 4th 'Safety Margins' . It seem to me that the questions repeating itself even when i have turned that option off. I think there doesn't to enough question for each section so far. Its worth getting different types of study aid.

A few of the question was about the different types of crossing. Here is what i made in my previous blog:

Pelican crossing


This type of crossing is an old and common type of crossing that you will find in most places around UK. Its pretty basic with a button to activate the crossing process. Green or red man will lit up to indicate either to walk or to stop.

• Flashing amber in a pelican crossing means you can pass if it is safe to do so. Give way to pedesterian already crossing.

Toucan crossing


This is for pedestrians aswell as cyclist. Same rules as Pelican crossing but this allows cyclist to cycle across and now you don't have to look above and across to see the little man.

Puffin Crossing
This is modern of the traffic lights. It has a sensor which intelligent enough to know that there is a person waiting to cross. I read somewhere that these are going to be replacing the soon to be extinct pelican crossing.

Pegasus or Equestrian crossing

This crossing is for horse riders and pedestrians. As you can see there is a different pole with push button unit for horse riders. Situated well behind the pedestrian push button unit.

Dummies guide to traffic lights

If your reading this then you more likely not a driver. You probably don't pay much attention to the sequence lights shown in a traffic light. It not a simple as red-> amber-> green as i thought.
Apparently its

RED,
RED and AMBER together
then GREEN

Then from green its GREEN, AMBER and RED

Day 2 Challenge

Apart from lusting over cars, I did some revision for my theory test. I borrowed my son's dsi played with Pass your driving theory test. It has four test mode; Quick test, DSA, Custom Test and Mock Theory. Each area has a choice of 10, 20, 30 or 40 question. You can have it timed per question or per test or no time at all. You also have the option to include question you answered correctly.

I personally like the DSA Test Mode it has the option to revise all 14 area. These are:

1. Alertness
   
2. Attitude
   
3. Safety and your vehicle
   
4. Safety margins
   
5. Hazard awareness
   
6. Vulnerable road users
   
7. Other types of vehicle
   
8. Vehicle handling
   
9. Motorway rules
   
10. Rules of the road
    
11. Road and Traffic signs
    
12. Documents
    
13. Accidents
    
14. Vehicles loading
    

For more details

http://www.roadsafetyni.gov.uk/index/highwaycode.htm

I'm focusing on the first one, Alertness option. I turned off the 'repeat questioned answered correctly' option.

When you do a mock test, it records your progress in a graph. It displays your graph as soon as you first turn on your machine.

So here's my verdict: It cost £20 pounds in Asda and it isn't bad but for the same price you can get the hazard perception test in cd. You can take it everywhere with you which is a plus.

In my next blog I'll try go in more detail about 'alertness' part of the dsa.

One of the things I did today...

Today I visited Nissan car dealer to see what I can get if I pass my test. I was looking for the Nissan Qashqai, Acenta 1.5dci. Instead I was shown the Nissan Qashqai Tekna, 2 litre diesel. It was the only one they had. It wasn't what I thought it was. It was very tight inside but well spec. It had Sat nav, it beeps when you reverse (don't know the technical name); cruise control and it had the panoramic sunroof window. It was fantastic. It had all the visia spec and all the rest. My partner couldn't come with me but he was not impressed with the car in the first place anyway. So you can imagine how relieve he was when I came back with my report. It was claustrophobic in the driver seat but spacious at the back and lots of room in the boot. You won't be able to find any cheap Nissanqashqai as apparently it holds its price and Top gear gave it an overall 14/20. So it can't be too bad. Second inspection is required, me thinks.

The sales man thought I could drive as most people do who do check out the cars but I didn't have the heart to tell him. I felt bad but I thought I'm not really wasting his time as I am looking for a car I can drive after I pass, which is hopefully on the 17^th December. He asked me to come back on Friday again so he can show me all the cars that he thinks is suitable. He mentioned Volkswagen. I'll try and take a picture next time and add it here. I'd like to know what kind of car was your first car. Tell me all about it.

Provisional driving licence application

Where to start:

Applying for a UK and NI provisional driving licence

First of all you have to be 15 years and 9 months, if you are considered as disabled, to apply for a provisional licence and can drive a car by the age of 16. If not considered then hard luck you have to wait another year to apply for a provisional licence at the age of 16 and 9 months, and can drive at age of 17.

Get your dvla provisional driving licence if you are from England, Scotland or Wales but if you're in Northern Ireland you need to apply for 'dva' provisional driving licence. Two separate place to obtain it.

In Northern Ireland: Driver Licensing,
DVA,
County Hall,
Castlerock Road,
Coleraine,
BT51 3TB,

You can get DL1 application form from the post office, Local Vehicle Licensing Offices or from DVA by calling 0845 402 4000. Waiting period when I applied again was nearly 2 months. Be prepared to wait for a while. I guess this is the best time to study for your theory test and hazard test. Waiting period could be lesser now.

You need to include in your DL1 application form:

1. Cheque for £45 (cost of provisional driving licence)
   
2. ID photograph which has to be certified by the following people if you are not intending to hand your passport in.
   
   1. An MP
      
   2. A Magistrate
      
   3. A Minister of Religion
      
   4. A professionally qualified person (e.g. engineer, lawyer, teacher etc)
      
   5. A local councillor
      
   6. A bank official
      
   7. An established civil servant
      
   8. Local business person
      
   9. Shopkeeper
      
   10. Librarian
       
   11. A police officer; or
       
   12. Someone of similar standing.
       

None of the above should be a relative or friend but must know of you for last two years. If you are going to hand your passport in to verify your existence, you don't need to have your photograph certified. If you don't have a passport you can send your original birth certificate.

I took my application to my local Vehicle Licensing Offices and they were great. It took them a few minutes to sort everything out. I showed them my passport and gave it straight back to me. I recommend doing it this way as the first I applied they sent the form back because I forgot something. If you apply for it in the office they can check everything for you and they can take your payment there to. If you would like more info here is DVA website.

If you live in England, Scotland and Wales you can go direct online to obtain your application or just apply online and pay with your credit/ debit card. All you need is:

• a valid debit or credit card
  
• UK passport
  
• details of previous addresses
  

Provisional driving licence cost £50. According to DVLA online, it would take 10 days to receive your provisional driving licences once you've submitted it. It was much easier when I applied for mine.

Here's DVLA website application . Post your comment below if you have any questions.

DAY 1 : Theory test count down

Ok, this will be my second attempt to post a blog. In my first attempt I wanted to blog about my attempt to learn and sit my theory test. I was going to add info everyday about how my theory test revision is going. Unfortunately after my post and l somehow lost my password and apparently I have a nonexistent email. I did try to see if such website exists but no such luck. So here i am, this is my second attempt and this time it seems to have real email add so I think I can log in again.

Reason for my blog is to attempt to motivate myself to sit my theory test as I planned. I have before sat it, passed it but failed by driving test for being too cautious when turning. Apparently that constitute to being 'extreme hazardous driving'. You can probably detect my utter frustration and annoyance. I thought i was doing brilliant. He took me to a steep hill junction and had to stop in the line. Then restart without stalling or coasting down like other in my position. He even told my instructor I was a great driver but apprehensive when turning in the beginning of the test. My provisional licences expired the same month so I could re-sit my driving test. You can only apply again after a month.

Any way part of me felt it wasn't that important. I didn't feel the need at that time to have it. Now, I have to travel 85miles to study and sometime end up coming home really late. I have to pass dark alley and small dark woodland area to get to the bus station. I have had enough so i need learn to drive!

I hope to help those who want to sit their driving theory hazard perception test. I will tell you what kind of things i have to do to get to sit my driving theory test from start to finish. I'll post info on kind of driving theory test book or driving theory test dvd I use and which is the most helpful to me. As a student with a growing family, I want to see if I can find any driving theory practise test and free hazard perception test online. I was told that 'practice' is American word which i have been using and should really be using 'practise'. Not sure if that's right. Anyway...

Here is my target I have till 17^th of December to know everything I need to know and see if I pass my test. Bear in mind that my last theory test was 2002. So anything I knew then I don't know now. I have placed a countdown clock to let me and you know how long I've got. Can I learn my driving theory hazard perception test by the 17th of December?

Today I am going to try the DS ' Pass your driving theory test'. Will give you feedback tomorrow.