Theory Test

 You must have a provisional driving licence before you can take your theory test which is taken at a designated test centre at the same time as the hazard perception test. Both tests must be passed, at the same time, before you can apply for your practical test.

Location of Theory Test Centres

   In this area three local test centres are available. If you don't mind travelling or work further away there is a full list of available centres on the DSA web site.

Booking Your Theory Test

    You can book your theory test online, by phone or by post, the cost of this is, at present, £30

   To book online go to the DSA website

            Before booking you will need:- a valid UK driving licence and a valid debit or credit card for payment 

 

   To book by phone call 0300 200 1122

       The call centres are open for booking and enquiries Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm (except public and bank holidays).
       Before booking you will need:- a valid UK driving licence and a valid debit or credit card for payment 

 

   To book a theory test by post you will need an application form.

       Application forms are available online or on request from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) booking line.

       Payment can be made by cheque or postal order, but cash payments are not accepted.

           

Taking Your Theory Test

 When arriving for your test ensure you have all the following with you

• Your appointment card

• Both parts of your provisional photo card licence.

    Failing to produce any of these items at the test will result in failure and you will not be eligible for a refund.

    At the test You will have to answer 50 multiple-choice questions based on the Highway Code and road safety matters.

    The test will be conducted under examination conditions, with one person supervising several candidates taking the test at the same time. Using a computer screen. all you have to do is select the answers by simply touching the screen. The 'touchscreen' system has been carefully designed to make sure it is easy to use.

 

    You will have a practise session lasting up to 15 minutes to get used to the system before starting the actual theory test. Staff will be on hand to help you if you have any difficulties in using the new system. The screens are easy to read. Only one question will appear on the screen at a time and you will be able to move backwards and forwards through the questions. You will also be able to go back to any questions which you want to look at again, and you should be able to change any answers.

 

    Most questions will require one option to be selected from a choice of four, some will ask for two, three or four correct options to be selected from a range of up to six possibilities. The selected answer(s) are to be indicated by touching the box(es) alongside on a computer screen.
    The test will last 57 minutes and will cover up to 12 topics including driver attitude, traffic signs, the effects of alcohol, drugs and fatigue and environmental aspects of vehicles.  

 

    The questions all come from a data bank of 1600 questions, all these questions and answers are readily available in books, dvds and on the net, so with the correct study it will not be difficult to answer the questions correctly.

    You will have 57 minutes to answer 50 questions. The pass mark is 43 correct answers.

  

Advice to help you pass the theory test

• Do your Homework!

• Read each question carefully and note how many answers are required.

• Answer the easy ones first and come back to any you find more difficult.

• When you think you've finished check through all your answers again, just in case!

 

Hazard Perception

    The hazard perception test is taken at the same time as the theory test.

    After the multiple-choice theory test, you may have a break of up to 3 minutes before the hazard perception element starts. The hazard perception element will consist of 14 video clips, which will feature real road scenes and developing hazards of various types such as vehicles and pedestrians. There are a total of 15 scoreable hazards in the test. Thirteen clips will contain one scoreable hazard and one clip will contain two scoreable hazards.

    Their is a wide choice of dvd's readily available and many mock tests available on the net so with the correct study it will not be difficult to pass this part of the test.

    The pass mark for the hazard perception part of the theory test is 44 out of 75

In order to pass the theory & hazard perception test

    Theory: You will have 57 minutes to answer 50 questions. The pass mark is 43 correct answers.

    Hazard Perception: The pass mark for the hazard perception part of the theory test is 44 out of 75.

    You must pass both parts of the test at the same time.