The Tests
Learner drivers are required to successfully pass a theory and a hazard perception test before they can apply for the practical test.
The Theory Test
The first part is the theory test, a 35 question multiple choice test to measure your knowledge of the highway code and other motoring related matters. To pass, you must simply answer 30 or more questions correctly out of 35 within 40 minutes.
Questions are chosen at random from a bank of over 1,000 that cover all driving topics. Please note that your theory test pass is valid for only two years, after which it will need to be retaken if you have not completed your practical test.
The Hazard Perception Test
Part two of your theory test involves watching a series of 14 one-minute video clips, each showing potential hazards involving road conditions, pedestrians or road users. All you need to do is identify the hazards in the shortest possible time to score the highest number of points. You need to score at least 44 out of 75 to pass this test.
The Driving test
The driving test is straightforward and has been designed to see if you:
- can drive safely
- know The Highway Code and can demonstrate this through your driving
Before the test is able to begin you must show both parts of your driving licence, the photocard and the paper counter part and also the theory pass certificate.
NO PHOTO IDENTITY.......NO LICENCE.....NO TEST
What will the test include?
The test will include an eyesight test if you fail this, your test will not continue!.
The examiner will ask you to read a number plate at a distance of at least 20.5metres, or 67 feet.
Before getting into the car at the start of your test, the examiner will ask you two Show Me: Tell me questions. Please see Show me: Tell me questions page for all questions and answers and any other information.
After both the eyesight test and the show me:tell me questions, you will be examined on your general driving and on two reversing exercises. The reversing exercises will be chosen from:
- reversing around a corner
- turning in the road
- reverse parking
- bay park
You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise.
A standard driving test takes about 40 minutes.
What happens during the test?
During the driving test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. Test routes are designed to be as uniform as possible and will include a range of typical road and traffic conditions. During the test, the examiner will ask you to carry out set exercises.
Throughout the test you should drive in the way your instructor has taught you. If you make a mistake, don't worry about it, it might be a less serious driving fault and may not affect your result. The examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving.
You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. If at any time your examiner considers you to be a danger to other road users your test will be stopped.
You are allowed to take someone with you on the test, this person must be over 16 years old and cannot take any part in the test.
The car you take your lessons in, is the car you take your driving test in. You are not assigned an unfamiliar car for your test.
Driving test standards
All examiners are trained to carry out the test to the same standard, they do not have pass or fail quotas. So as long as you demonstrate the standard required you will pass your driving test.
All tests can be booked by telephoning the DSA on 0870 0101 372.
Alternatively you can book online on www.dsa.gov.uk or by post.
When booking the Theory and Hazard Perception Test, and the Practical Driving Test you will need to provide a valid Debit or Credit Card, and your Driving Licence Number.
You will find all the current test prices on the DSA Website.
Other useful websites for finding out about and studying for the Theory, Hazard Perception and Practical Tests are as follows:
