The time spent learning to drive is an investment that will last you the rest of your life, the skills you learn will make you a good driver and keep you safe for years to come. It is not just the practical side of driving the car you need to master, the theory side is just as important and an essential part of the test.
Your instructor will tell what you will need to know to pass the test, from checking tyre pressures to stopping distances, you must be able to demonstrate you have the knowledge to be a good driver. Any number of questions could come up, so you need to be thoroughly prepared for anything you are asked.
Show Me Questions
These are the questions that ask you to demonstrate how to carry out safety tasks while driving. They are designed to test your confidence in the operation of certain controls needed for day to day motoring. You could be asked to show how to demist the rear window or how to switch on the headlights, basic tasks that you should be familiar with by the time it comes to your test.
As all makes and models of car differ slightly, it is a good idea to make sure that you know what every switch, button and knob does, you don’t want to be opening the windows every time you try to wash the windscreen.
Tell Me Questions
Rather than actually showing how you would do something, tell me questions need you to explain how you would carry out a safety task. You may be asked how to check if the brakes are working or how to check all tyres are at the correct pressure, you don’t need to physically do it, just demonstrate you know how the task should be done.
Another question that could crop up is how to check oil or engine coolant levels. As it is a tell me question you don’t have to get out and open the bonnet, just satisfy the instructor that you know what to do if needed.
Theory Questions
As you learn and gain confidence in your driving skills, your driving instructor will also want to check that you have been just as diligent in learning the theory. Although theory is a separate test you need to have passed before you can take the driving test, your driving lessons will include some form of theory practice.
It could be stopping distances or something more obscure, like what to do if you are passing sheep on the road. Your instructor will be asking you questions while you are driving that relate to what you can see, ‘what does that road sign mean?’ or ‘what hazards can you see?’ are both questions that will crop up as you approach the test date.
If you are just starting out on the road and are looking for driving lessons in Gillingham and beyond, then we are here to help. We can prepare you for both theory and practical, giving you the best chance of success when the time comes for the tests.