The theory test is made up of sections; the multiple choice section and the hazard perception section. You need to pass both sections to pass the theory test. Once you have passed the theory test you can then apply to take your practical driving test.

 

 

Taking Your Theory Test

 

The multiple choice section is taken using a touch screen computer while the hazard perception section records your responses through a computer. You need to pass both sections to pass the theory test. If you only pass one section but fail the other, you will fail the whole test and you will need to take both sections again.

 

The questions in each multiple choice test vary according to the category of vehicle you are hoping to obtain a driving licence for, i.e. a motorcycle theory test will contain specific questions that do not appear in any other test.

 

For the hazard perception test there are no separate versions for different vehicles, each vehicle category takes the same test, however the pass mark is different for each category of vehicle.

 

 

Part 1: Multiple Choice

 

Before you begin, you will be given instructions on how the test works. You can also choose

to go through a practice session of the multiple choice questions to get used to the layout. At the end of the practice session the real test will begin.

 

A question and several answer options will appear on-screen and you have to select the correct answer to the question by touching the screen. Some questions may require more than one answer so make sure to read the question thoroughly before answering.

 

You will be asked 50 questions in total and have up to 57 minutes to answer them all.

You can navigate between questions and ‘flag’ questions that you want to come back to later. The pass mark for the multiple choice part of the theory test is 43 out of 50. After the multiple choice part you can choose to have a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception part starts.

 

 

Part 2: Hazard Perception

 

After the break you will then be shown a short tutorial video clip about how the hazard perception part works. The hazard perception part is also delivered on a computer but you respond by clicking a button on the mouse.

 

You will be presented with a series of 14 video clips which feature every day road scenes.

In each clip there will be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature

two developing hazards. To achieve a high score you will need to respond to the developing

hazard during the early part of its development.

 

The maximum you can score on each hazard is five points. You will not be able to review

your answers to the hazard perception test; as on the road, you will only have one chance

to respond to the developing hazard.

 

The pass mark for the car and motorcycle hazard perception theory test is 44 out of 75.

For Lorries and buses the pass mark is 50 out of 75.

 

 

At The End Of The Test

 

At the end of the hazard perception test you will be invited to answer a customer survey.

You do nothave to answer the questions if you do not want to, and any information given

is anonymous and confidential. The survey questions do not affect the result of the test.

 

When you have finished the test you may leave the examination room. Once you have left the room, you will not be allowed to enter it again. You will then be given your result by the test centre staff.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Instructor will assess your progress and recommend booking your Practical test to coincide with you being a safe driver and reaching the required standard to have a good chance of successfully completing the test requirements.

 

The Practical driving test lasts for approximately 40 minutes and your instructor will normally pick you up 1 hour before the test time and let you practice the set routines and drive to the test centre. They will then accompany you to the waiting room when at the appointed time the examiner will ask you to show them your documents (both parts of your licence and your Theory pass certificate.

 

We also recommend you take your appointment letter, then sign a test report form declaration to say the vehicle is insured.

 

We can assure you all our vehicles are insured as well as thoroughly maintained.

 

 

Vision

 

You must be able to read a vehicle number plate at 20.5 metres (67 feet) or the new style from 20 metres (66 feet). This is done just outside the centre.

 

 

Show Me Tell Me

 

You will be required to show or demonstrate safety checks regarding the vehicle. Your instructor will provide you with the questions and answers before the test date.

 

You’ll be asked:

 

• ‘tell me’ question (where you explain how you’d carry out a safety task) at the start of your test, before you start driving.
•  ‘show me’ question (where you show how you’d carry out a safety task) while you’re driving – for example, showing how to wash the windscreen using the car controls and wipers.

 

 

The Drive

 

The drive is conducted over varying road and traffic conditions. Good control and awareness is essential and you will be asked to undertake 1 reversing maneuver. An emergency stop is required in 1 out of 3 tests. You can commit a maximum of 15 minor driving faults and still pass but over 15 or one serious or dangerous fault will result in a fail.

 

During the independent driving part of the test, most candidates will be asked to follow directions from a sat nav. The examiner will provide the sat nav and set it up. You won’t need to set the route – the examiner will do this for you. So, it doesn’t matter what make or model of sat nav you practise with.

 

You can’t follow directions from your own sat nav during the test – you have to use the one supplied by the examiner. You’ll be able to ask the examiner for confirmation of where you’re going if you’re not sure. It won’t matter if you go the wrong way unless you make a fault while doing it.

 

One in 5 driving tests won’t use a sat nav. You’ll need to follow traffic signs instead.

 

Manoeuvre part......   You’ll be asked to do one of 3 possible reversing manoeuvres:

 

• parallel park at the side of the road.
• park in a bay – either driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out (the examiner will tell you which you have to do).
• pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for 2 car lengths and rejoin the traffic.

 

 

The Result

 

At the end of the test the examiner will give you the result. Hopefully you will have passed but if not he will explain any serious faults you may have.

 

It is helpful to have your instructor present for this debrief, they will be able to explain anything you may not understand at a convenient time.