The theory and hazard perception test have to be passed before any practical driving
test can be taken.
The test as a whole is made up of two parts (a) Highway Code and (b) Hazard Perception, The Highway Code part is a 50 question test with multiple choice answers, the Hazard Perception part uses video clips to see how quick you respond to hazards. Both parts will be taken one after the other at the same test appointment and both need to be to passed. Once you have passed these you can then apply to take your practical driving test. Do you need to take the theory test? Some learners do not need to take the theory test check here
Tips Although questions are straight forward some learners fail because they are not ready for the test. Be sure you are well prepared when you book the theory test.
Think ahead, most theory test centres are fully booked 2 - 4 weeks in advance so don't wait until the last minute to book.
Use this link to Book your theory test or call 0300 200 1122. Standard Theory Test is £31.00 all days
The Theory Test
The theory test covers:
Driver attitude and awareness
Traffic signs and regulations
Effects of alcohol, drugs and tiredness on driving
Theory test candidates will use a computer monitor
system to take their test.
Questions are shown on the monitor one at a time.
Multi answers to the questions are shown. Choose the answers you give from these multi answers by the use of a mouse. The system has
been designed to make it easy for the candidate to use. A practice
session to get used to the system is available before
starting the test.
How the Theory Test is scored
Each correctly answerd question will be give a positive mark. Only one question will be on the screen at any time. The questions are easy to read. You can move backwards as well as forwards through the test questions. Questions you want to go back to and look at again can be 'flaged' so you will also be able to change any of the answers you may feel need to be changed. Some questions will ask you to select more than one answer. The system will alert you if you have not completely answered these questions.
You will have 57 minutes to answer the 50 test questions. The
pass mark is 43 correct answers. If you have special needs you
will be able to apply to have longer than the standard time
of 57 minutes to take the test.
After a short break the hazard perception test will start. Video clips of various types of hazards will be used. You
can watch a tutorial video before the test begins This video will explain how the test will take place. You will
then be shown 14 video clips each about one minute long 13 clips
will have 1 hazard and 1 clip will have 2 hazards.
How the Hazard Perception Test is scored
The clips will show various hazards which may be vehicle,
pedestrian or other road condition related. As soon as you see a hazard developing that may result in you as a driver
having to take some form of action you will need to click the
mouse button. The maximum you can score per hazard is five points. When you respond to the hazard and a score is given you will always score the highest number of points, ie if you react when five are available then again when three or two points are available you will be awarded five points.
Reacting inappropriately during the video clip by clicking continuously or in a pattern of responses will score you zero for that clip. At the end of the clip a pop-up box will appear informing you that you have scored zero for that particular clip.
A review of your answers to the hazard perception test will not be available to you, as on the road, you will only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard, so you will need to concentrate throughout each clip.
The test will show 15 hazards each with a value
of 1 to 5 marks. This will give a maximum of 75 marks. To pass
you will need to score 44 out of 75 or more. You will receive
your results for both tests before you leave the test centre.
Special needs facilities available:
Being able to listen to the test being read in English through
a headset. This will help those with dyslexia and other reading
difficulties.
Being able to listen through a headset to the test being read
out in one of fifteen other languages. This will help those
candidates who do not understand or read English, or who wish
to take the test in their first language.
A video of the test in sign language is available for candidates
who are deaf or have other hearing difficulties.
We
have found a DVD package from Focus is a help with the tests. Called Driving Test ALL TESTS. It can be found in WH Smiths, PC World and all good book shops, or go to www.focus.co.uk
Other books to help
The Highway Code
The DSA Theory Test Question Book
The car Driving Manual
Know Your Traffic Signs
Learn to drive in one week of the year
NOT........Learn to drive every week for one year
To see our next available courses click on the car below for DIARY PAGE
Although questions are straight forward some learners fail because they are not ready for the test. Be sure you are well prepared when you book the theory test.
We
have found a DVD package from Focus is a help with the tests. Called Driving Test ALL TESTS. It can be found in WH Smiths, PC World and all good book shops, or go to www.focus.co.uk