Why you need theory

Without a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge of the rules, getting your driving licence is hard. You might also ask whether you'll really be safe on the road. This is often underestimated. The generation learning to drive now doesn't want to read any more. Everything has to be fast, preferably today rather than tomorrow.

Learners take one-day courses and no longer follow a real course. Only answers, tips and tricks are handed out. There's no room for sharing knowledge or asking questions. As a result the knowledge isn't embedded, but quickly crammed into the head. There's no beginning or end to it. The how and why aren't covered, so the knowledge gained never reaches long-term memory — where it belongs.

Time and again it turns out that learners who already passed the theory certificate before their driving lessons don't have the theoretical knowledge needed to drive safely. We regularly notice that learners who come to us for the practical part have remembered little or nothing about road signs or traffic situations. We respond to this by paying a lot of attention to practical theory during the driving lessons. Because getting your licence consists of much more than just being handy with a car and, say, being good at changing gear.

Theory exam at the CBR

Recent research has shown that fewer and fewer learners are passing. Is the CBR theory exam still relevant? Is the knowledge tested in the right way? Are learners still safe on the road?

Our role is primarily to teach learners traffic insight and driving skills so they can take part in traffic safely. To explain to learners why something must, or must not, be done. By bringing this up again and again, the knowledge is embedded and sticks; otherwise it slips away. The learner must then be able to translate what they've learned into practice.