Theory Test

Would any of you who have gone through the process of getting your UK license recommend taking the Theory test before taking lessons or do you think it doesn't really matter? I've been driving here for 5 months already and have been here for 7 months. After reading how many hours of driving lessons it has taken people I am starting to get concerned and hope I can pass my driving test before my year is up. To get the ball rolling, I'm thinking of booking myself for the Theory test soon, possibly without having taken any lessons.

To sign up to take the actual driving test, I have heard that you have to book in advance as there is often a long waiting period. How far in advance should I book if I need to take and pass the test within the next 5 months?!

Any suggestions/opinions appreciated.

In my opinion, aside from helping make sure you understand the rules of the road, it doesn't matter when you take the theory test.  I had a few lessons, and the subject of the theory test never came up; instead we focussed on learning the maneuvers you have to perform on the practical test.

So my advice is get one of the theory test study kits that includes practice tests you can do on your computer.  The practice test questions are the same ones you'll see on the actual test, so you'll be well prepared.

To get the ball rolling, I'm thinking of booking myself for the Theory test soon, possibly without having taken any lessons.

No reason not to!

To sign up to take the actual driving test, I have heard that you have to book in advance as there is often a long waiting period. How far in advance should I book if I need to take and pass the test within the next 5 months?!

Varies depending on your area, time of year/season, etc.  Here the wait was about 4-5 weeks for driving test slots.

I did my theory test first--wanted it out of the way. I do recommend the study guides though- and the practice hazzard perception dvd.

As long as you have some way to practice that bonkers hazard perception and access to the Highway Code, I'd say book whenever. I ended up taking my test about two lessons in, but it wouldn't have mattered if it had been beforehand. I had a DVD from BSM (got it on sale) that had the questions and the hazard perception practice, and I had no trouble with the test.
Good luck!

I have read on here that some instructors won't bother booking lessons until you have the test taken.  At least you will know the rules.

I say go for it - Try as your experience may be different.
I am starting to really study for it but then again I drive on my US license ;-)

I have read on here that some instructors won't bother booking lessons until you have the test taken.  At least you will know the rules.

I've never heard of that before... the majority of new drivers in the UK (age 17) will not have taken their theory test before starting lessons and some may wait until they are almost ready to take the practical test before they take the theory. I had my first driving lesson just after my 17th birthday in early June and after 6 months of weekly lessons, I took my theory test in December, just a few weeks before I booked my practical test.

Well I know mirrajay took a lesson and I believe her guy said pass your test and call me...
My friend here is an instructor and she recommends 1-3 lessons to see how much you know but then thinks it is important to study for the test and get the rules of the road done before getting the practical part of driving done and being comfortable on the road.  
I think it depends on who you ask and I am sure everyone has a different experience.
I was putting the positive spin on it as it cant hurt to have the test done b/c from my experience knowing how to drive wasnt the problem - it was the signs and "rules"

Not trying to be difficult but giving my opinion but as always check with an instructor first.

Added: My friends says teaching a new person at 17 is different then someone who has   driving experience - New New drivers need more lessons then someone else.

To the OP: Do you have driving experience?

I have read on here that some instructors won't bother booking lessons until you have the test taken.  At least you will know the rules.

This was my experience, but it will differ from instructor to instructor of course.  He told me that I wouldnt need very many lessons and to call him when my driving test was about 6 weeks away and he would help me polish my skills.   Good on him for basically telling me it would be a waste of money to drive around with him for months when I didnt need the help.

To the OP: my advice would be to take the theory test as soon as you think you are ready and then immediately book a practical test since you are right  that they often need to be booked months in advance.   My test centre has a 9 week wait currently!  The theory test really is very simple as most of it is common sense.  The DVDs are great for help with the hazard preception.  If you've already been driving for 5 months, you will have no trouble with it at all.

This was my experience, but it will differ from instructor to instructor of course.  He told me that I wouldnt need very many lessons and to call him when my driving test was about 6 weeks away and he would help me polish my skills.   Good on him for basically telling me it would be a waste of money to drive around with him for months when I didnt need the help.

Maybe it also depends on the experience of the driver... maybe they recommend taking the theory first if you are a foreign driver rather than a brand new teenage driver?

I had a look at the websites for a couple of the big driving schools (BSM, AA, Britannia) and they seem to recommend taking the test after you have started lessons (BSM likes to teach both the theory and the practical at the same time, AA recommends you find an instructor who can help you to pass the theory test as well as the practical test, and Britannia recommends taking at least 10 lessons before attempting the theory test).

ksand you may be correct as every instructor may differ once they drive with you once to see how long/far you are ahead of the learning curve.  I was going from my personal experience as a US driver..

Either way everyone still has to take the theory test haha I wish it weren't true 

Thanks all. I am going to go ahead and book my Theory Test as I know it doesn't hurt to just take it and get it out of the way. I heard there is a 3 week wait currently to take the test in my area. Also, I have had a hard time finding someone that does automatic driving lessons. I have called several places in my area and am now on a waiting list of up to one month. Just an FYI for those of you thinking about taking lessons.

Automatic lessons are always harder to come by, thats for sure.  If you were in Surrey, I would recommend my guy as I think hes wonderful and does automatic lessons.  Good luck!

The Driving Test Success CD-Rom is the one my driving instructor recommended and the one I used. It was great and really prepared me for the test through doing the practice theory tests, etc. You shouldn't have any trouble with it. It took me about 3 weeks to get my slot for the theory test, but it may be different in your area. As you have already been driving on your own, you may not need too many lessons. You could take the theory test before taking lessons or just after you begin, whichever you prefer. I booked my theory test just after my first driving lesson, so I took it about 3 weeks into my lessons, then my intstructor had me go ahead and book the practical test for a date in the future. Good luck!