Theory Test
IT'S IMPORTANT WHO TEACHES YOU
After you have received your provisional driving licence, you can apply for your theory test. You must successfully pass this theory test before you can take your practical driving test.
What is the theory test?
The theory test is made up of two parts: the multiple choice part and the hazard perception part. The multiple choice part is carried out using a touch-screen computer and the hazard perception element records your responses through the use of a computer mouse button.
You will need to pass both parts to pass the theory test. If you pass one part and fail the other you will fail the whole test, and therefore will need to take both parts again.
The questions in each multiple choice test vary according to the category of vehicle you are aiming to obtain a 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 different categories of tests
Multiple Choice
Before the test starts you will be given instructions on how the test works.
The multiple choice section.
If you wish, you can also choose to go through a practice session of the multiple choice questions to get used to the test’s layout. At the end of the practice session the proper test will begin.
One question and several answer options will appear on the screen and you must select the correct answer to the question by touching the screen or using the mouse. Some questions may require more than one answer.
You will be asked 50 questions in 1 hour. The easy-to-follow system means you can navigate between questions easily and ‘flag’ any questions that you might want to come back to later in the test. The questions cover up to 12 topics including driver attitude, traffic signs, the effects of alcohol, drugs and fatigue and environmental aspects of vehicles. A timer on the computer screen shows how much time you have remaining and will flash when you have 5 minutes left.
The pass mark for the multiple choice part of the theory test is 44 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.
Hazard Perception
After the break you will then be shown a short tutorial video clip about how the hazard perception part of the test works.
The hazard perception section.
The hazard perception part is also delivered on a computer but you instead of touching a screen, you respond by simply clicking a button on the mouse. You will be presented with a series of 14 video clips which feature everyday 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 5 points.
You are unable to review your answers to the hazard perception test. Just as when you are out 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 part of the theory test is 44 out of 75.
At the end of the test
At the end of the hazard perception part of the theory test you will be invited to answer a number of customer survey questions.
You do not have 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.
How much does it cost?
The theory test fee is currently £30.00. This fee remains the same for all categories of theory test, and is also the same regardless of the time or day on which the test takes place.
How do I apply for the theory test?
You can book your theory test in a number of ways:-
- On-line via the Internet by visiting www.dsa.gov.uk or by clicking here.
- By Phone – 0870 01 01 372
- By Post (using form TT26, available from theory driving test centres, from your driving instructor, or by calling the national test booking line on 0870 01 01 372)
The Postal Address to send the completed form with your payment of £30.00 either by cheque or postal order (do not send cash) is:
Theory Test Operations
P. O. Box 148
Salford
M5 3SY
