Six out of Nine isn’t Bad

Theory Test time for the International Nurses

For anyone who is not aware of the UK theory test, for driving, the test is made up of two parts the multiple choice theory questions and a hazard perception test.

In the hazard perception test a candidate has to watch 15 video clips which will have ’emerging hazards’ to spot. Fourteen of the clips have one hazard to spot and one clip has two hazards to spot. Out of a possible 75 marks the candidate must get 44 to pass.

On the multiple choice the candidate must score at least 43 marks out of a possible 50. Both tests have to be passed at the same time.

I can honestly say that during the 18 years that I have been a driving instructor I have not worked so hard or had so much fun at the same time.

Working with the International nurses is a challenge and a pleasure, all of them, without exception, is eager to learn and not one of them finds the process easy. So it is always a reward for me helping them understand new subjects, concepts or practice.

Picture having never been to the UK, having never seen anyone driving on roads like we have in the UK. Now add in the problem of not having English as you native or ‘common use’ language.

Then add in an additional thought that you are required to get through this test asap, because your job requires it. We also cannot book a practical test until the theory is completed.

Pressure.

To try to help with their understanding, I set up some online theory sessions, and with the help of my theory app, ‘Theory Test Pro’ and ‘Microsoft Teams’ we worked through to gain an understanding of how the hazard perception test works and gain a greater understanding of the multiple choice content.

I will be honest and admit I got a couple of questions wrong myself. Not because of the question necessarily but because of how the question was worded. So this adds another dimension to how much of a task it was for the nurses faced with the test.

I am pleased to say six out of the nine nurses passed.

All of them passed their hazard perception and of the three that didn’t manage to get through, they were only short by, 1,2 and 3 marks respectively.

I am extremely proud of all of them.

If we can get similar results for the practical tests it will be a fantastic achievement. Theory test resits have been booked and practical tests booked for the successful six. Due to the hideous waiting times for practical tests this will not be until late January and early February, but that just gives us a little bit more time to make it nine out of nine!