Do you remember flash cards from your student days - maybe your parents bought you some to encourage you to study, or perhaps you made some yourself to help with exam revision?
Surely something so simple and inexpensive can't still be relevant today - right?
Wrong - and let me tell you why!
An essential part of learning to drive
As Driving Instructors we know the importance of 'driving theory' - even a basic understanding makes those first few lessons with a new learner so much more productive, for example:
recognising and understanding the meaning of the most common road signs
recognising and understanding the meaning of basic road markings
knowing the sequence of traffic lights and what each colour means
knowing how to tell what the speed limit is if there isn't a sign
even knowing and understanding what the different coloured lights on the back of vehicles mean!
Then there's the driving theory test
The 2 part driving theory and hazard perception test is an established part of learning to drive these days, and learners are not able to book a practical driving test until they have passed the theory test.
During the theory test each learner will be given:
50 multiple choice questions to answer -
the pass mark for this part of the test is: 43 out of 50
followed by 14 video clips containing at least one 'developing hazard' to watch and respond to -
the pass mark for this part of the test is 44 out of 75.
Learners have to achieve the pass mark for both parts of the test during the same test session, otherwise they will need to re-sit the whole test.
Essential, but not very exciting
The official DVSA driving theory books, like The Highway Code, contain all the information that the theory test questions are based on.
All the theory knowledge our teens need, packaged up in a few books - sounds good but ....
.... on their own they aren't the most exciting things ever created, and the information isn't really presented in a way to make even the most committed teen want to sit down and study!
So how can we encourage and support our teens to actively start thinking about, and learning, the driving theory they need to know?
This is where more accessible, creative, interactive - and interesting - theory resources, like road sign flash cards, come into their own!
Accessible, creative, interactive
ACCESSIBLE: the information about road signs is delivered in bite-size chunks, so it's easier to understand and to take in - even for those who might find it more of struggle to remember what the different signs mean.
CREATIVE: the information is presented in a format that means it can be used in many different ways - giving you options to engage even the most reluctant teen, and get them learning without even realising it!
What teen could resist using the flash cards to test Mum or Dad - looking through them to try and find one to catch you out, and not realising how much they are learning in the process ....
INTERACTIVE: the information doesn't come with a screen so passive scrolling just isn't possible - they are tactile and colourful, and they naturally encourage the learner to turn the cards over and discover more!
So, fancy making some? Or ....
Blank cards, or even paper, could be used to make your own selection of flash cards - perhaps focusing on the less obvious and / or more obscure signs.
Encouraging your teen to look through the Know Your Traffic Signs book, and then to draw and colour the signs they are less confident about remembering - could be a really good way of helping them take in and retain the information!
Or, if you would prefer to have a look at what road sign flash cards are available online - Theory Test Experts* offer a pack of flash cards containing images of 128 road signs, with the descriptions on the reverse.
The packs of flash cards are available on their own, or in combination with a copy of The Highway Code and Know Your Traffic Signs books, and / or magnetic 'L' plates - AND we've negotiated a special discount for our readers, use this link and it'll automatically be applied at the checkout!
*other card packs are available - when we've had a look at those we'll add details about them too!
There are more to come!
This is the first in our new series of short articles about theory resources, plus tips and suggestions for how to use them.
If you'd like to get an update when we add more: send us a message - we'll make sure you don't miss out, and follow our Facebook page!
KC Under 17 Driving
Driving events in Nuneaton and Rugby:
for learners from age 14, with no upper age limit
including those with anxiety, autism, ADHD, dyspraxia etc
with DVSA registered Driving Instructors
in dual-controlled manual and automatic cars
at private venues, well away from public roads
See our Book Here page for event dates and remaining start times.
NEW: Driving theory resources and sessions for schools and colleges:
access to online driving theory resources for schools and colleges
lesson plans and lesson delivery guides
driving theory resource pack options for students
delivery of sessions available in certain areas
practical driving sessions in certain areas - where on-site space is available
Get in touch to discuss your requirements.
We look forward to seeing you soon!