Preparing theory tests: I'm finding it very hard

NEW AND WANNABE DRIVERS (INTERACTIVE)
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So there’s three parts: Theory, Hazard Perception and CPC Case Studies. I’m preparing with CDs and books that my trainer lent me.

The Theory I’m finding it easy and I’m confident that I can pass.

The Hazard Perception I’m finding it very hard. It expects you to click so early, when there’s barely a trace of a cyclist or a pedestrian in front of you. And if you click too many times, it’ll disqualify you. It seems so reliant on luck.

The CPC Case Studies I’m finding the hardest. I’ve read the books my trainer lent me and some of the questions are not even there. Some questions are really technical, and I don’t remember ever covering them when doing my revision with the books or even the CD. It’s no straightforward, as in “memorise all this and you’re laughing”. Some questions I feel like “Where did you get this from?”

Does anybody else find these tests very hard? Am I missing a trick?

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Multiple choice can be learned parrot fashion from books.
Hazard perception: the trick is to wait for a developing hazard. When you first see it click. Count 1,2 then click again.
Case studies: most of the information you need is contained within the multiple choice. This is where folks fall down who have learned answers to questions rather than learn the subject.

Best advice is to find a better trainer who will actually teach you the subject rather than just lend books.

All the best, Pete :laughing: :laughing:

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There are mod 2 theory and mod 4 practical links contained with the link in my signature below

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JackMacyntire:
So there’s three parts: Theory, Hazard Perception and CPC Case Studies. I’m preparing with CDs and books that my trainer lent me.

The Theory I’m finding it easy and I’m confident that I can pass.

The Hazard Perception I’m finding it very hard. It expects you to click so early, when there’s barely a trace of a cyclist or a pedestrian in front of you. And if you click too many times, it’ll disqualify you. It seems so reliant on luck.

The CPC Case Studies I’m finding the hardest. I’ve read the books my trainer lent me and some of the questions are not even there. Some questions are really technical, and I don’t remember ever covering them when doing my revision with the books or even the CD. It’s no straightforward, as in “memorise all this and you’re laughing”. Some questions I feel like “Where did you get this from?”

Does anybody else find these tests very hard? Am I missing a trick?

I was a bit similar to yourself. I had no problem with the theory as that was all practice and repeat. Peter is correct with the module 2, you want to treat it like the theory questions that are wrapped up in a scenario.

If you went into the module 2 case studies test without the theory knowledge think you’d struggle as you’d have big gaps in your knowledge by just using learning material for the module 2 case studies

With regards to the hazard perception I think people can be a bit fearful of clicking. When i did it in the test centre I clicked when I went past junctions, people walking on the path etc and as Peter Smythe says it’s best to click once when you first see the hazard and then a second later.

The trouble is with the practice ones is that I think they are made by different companies and I would guess it’d down to the IT bod who decides when the click needs to take place so when you get to the test centre it can mislead you a bit. They are all, baring a few videos in the old format as well and you only get to practice on a few cgi clips

So in short - get up to speed with the theory.
Practice the case studies (after you’ve got the theory knowledge)
Ignore the hazard perception practice and just do what peter smythe says.

a few sites out there to practice on http://lgvtheory.co.uk probably has the most case studies questions that I know of but you’ve also got http://drivingtheory4all.co.uk and a few apps about as well

good luck

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I’m also struggling with the Hazard Perception.

I keep clicking too early.

I’m trying to keep in mind that I’m trying to spot a developing hazard, but it’s stuff like seeing a car with L-plates approaching a junction. Click, that’s a hazard. When actually the click point is when the learner does what you have predicted - miss-time their pulling out infront of you.

The click-one-two-click seems to be improving my scores a bit, but it’s bloody unnatural. This is exactly the same problem I struggled with when I was 17 doing my hazard perception for my car licence.

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slowlane:
I’m also struggling with the Hazard Perception.

I keep clicking too early.

Honestly, do not sweat the hazard perception. I think the more you worry about clicking too much the more problems you have. just click at junctions, when you see people, when you see a car on the side of the road.

They are all potential hazards after all and remember you don’t need to score 100% on each one so do a click when the hazard is obvious as well.

Take the thought of clicking too much out of your mind.

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Something’s just clicked.

They aren’t interested in your ability to anticipate.

The game is “spot the moron” - who is going to do something that will force “your” vehicle to react.

Runner on the pavement = not a hazard.
Van parked with it’s rear door open = not a hazard.
Suicyclist = hazard.
Any vehicle that approaches a side turning = hazard.

If I click at the point where I’d panic as a passenger that the driver hasn’t noticed the developing scenario, I’m scoring highly on the practice clips.

What ■■■■■■■ moron thought up this test?! Training drivers to not look further than 10 foot from their nose. :unamused:

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I agree with your points on hazard perception test. Seems very arbitrary. You could spot every hazard early and still fail. I’m sure there is a better way of testing for this without such a daft test. It has supposed to have got a bit easier though with the better quality videos. When I did mine I pressed a few times and got message saying I’d cheated. Just about passed though.

On a better note just finished my CPC theory. Got 1 wrong. I wouldn’t worry too much about this test as I would say that maybe 80% of questions are similar to MC test. The other 20% a bit tougher. I only studied the official driving manual (as Pete advised - thanks Pete) and everything is in there. Just be aware that they could test you on ANYTHING in that book no matter how technical it may be.

My advice is work through the test doing all the obvious and easy ones. This may be enough to get you a pass anyway. Ignore the ones that look a bit more involved or that you are not sure on then work your way through the ones you missed. If you are still struggling with any, leave them and keep repeating the cycle until it’s all done. Should be plenty of time.

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I used the official dsa app £3 ish .superb with mock tests etc

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Well done, LE, smashed it! :sunglasses:

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slowlane:
The game is “spot the moron”

I’ve not even commented? :open_mouth:

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Well done, LE, smashed it! :sunglasses:

Thanks mate. With hazard I ignored everything that wasn’t a hazard. People walking down the street for example would not be relevant. If they started walking towards the road then obviously click. Most parked cars not worth clicking unless you see feet under vehicle or exaust smoke.

Its a tough balance because you don’t want to click too much as you could end up scoring zero but you need to click enough to make sure you hit at least a couple of scoring windows preferably the 5 point one.

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Although this is my first post, I’ve lurking for a while.

I’ve found with the Hazard Perception that it works better (for me) if I press the mouse button all the time, and just lift my finger off the button when I see the hazard. The click doesn’t register when you press the button, only when you release it. It improved my score because I was always scoring 3 and 4 for being too late spotting it. It does make your finger ache though :confused: .

Also, don’t forget that there is normally only one hazard per clip that they are actually looking, and it’s usually obvious.

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Might be a bit pricey but I’ve just stumbled onto the following, not sure if I am allowed to publicize it. Not my product :slight_smile:

gradesixsupplies.com/learner … rs/testing