How the theory test works

 

The theory test is made up of a multiple-choice part and a hazard perception part. Your required to pass both parts to pass the theory test.

If you pass one part but fail the other you’ll fail the whole test, and you’ll need to take both parts again.

The questions in the multiple-choice test will depend on the category of vehicle you are hoping to get a licence for. A motorcycle test will contain questions that do not appear in any other test.

For the hazard perception test there is no separate versions for different vehicles, but the pass mark is different for them.

At the theory test centre

 

You aren’t allowed to take any personal items into the test room . All your personal baggage must be stored in the secure lockers provided.

 

If you’re found with prohibited items in the testing room your test will be stopped, you’ll be asked to leave and you’ll lose your test fee.

Once you’re in the test room your required not to talk to or distract other candidates.

The multiple-choice part

 

You’ll be given instructions on the test .Before the test starts 

You can choose to do a practice session of multiple-choice questions to get used to the requirerments of the test. At the end of the practice session the test will begin.

A question and several possible answers will appear on a computer screen - you have to select the correct answer. Some questions require more than one answer.

You can move between questions and ‘flag’ questions that you want to come back to later in the test.

On some questions you will be given them as a case study.

The case study will:

• show a short story which 5 questions will be based on

• focus on real life examples and situations you could come across when you’re driving

 

The car  multiple-choice part lastsa maximin for 57 minutes and the pass mark is 43 out of 50.

When the multiple-choice part ends,you can choose to have a break of up to 3 minutes prior to the hazard perception part starts.

The hazard perception part

 

prior to you starting the hazard perception part, you’ll be shown a short video clip about how it works.

You’ll then see the 14 video clips on a computer screen.

The clips:

• feature everyday road scenes

• contain at least one ‘developing hazard’ - but one of the clips will feature 2 ‘developing hazards’

 

A developing hazard is something that could/may result in you having to take avoiding action, such as changing speed or direction.

Hazard perception test scoring

 

The quicker you notice a developing hazard and make a response, the higher you will score.

The highest you can score for each developing hazard is 5 points.

To get a good score you need to respond to the developing hazard as soon as you see it starting.

If you click continuously or in a pattern during a clip a message will show at the end. It will tell you that you have scored nothing for that particular clip.

You won’t be able to review the answers you submitted.

 

The pass mark : 44 points or above out of a possible 75 points.

Your test result

 

You will recieve the results of your theory tests at the test centre after taking it.

If you pass your theory test, you’ll get a pass certificate. which you will require when you book and take your practical test.

 

Your theory test pass certificate lasts for 2 years after taking your test. If you do not pass your practical test by then, you’ll need to resit and pass the theory test again.

 

Sitting your theory test if you have special needs

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) provides a number of facilities for those people with special requirements, including foreign language voiceovers, extra time, British Sign Language interpretation and translator assisted tests.
A list of these special needs facilities can be found at the: Direct Gov website. 

 

  If you require more information on the theory test click Direct Gov

   Have a practise of some of the questions asked click Direct Gov