Theory Test
Theory Test
To take your theory test you need to have your provisional driving licence.
The driving theory test is comes in two parts:
- the multiple choice
- the hazard perception part
The two elements are taken on the same day and you need to pass both parts before you pass the theory test, and move on to the driving test. Failing one but passing the other results in an overall fail and will need to be re-taken.
The multiple choice questions and hazard perception are designed to test you on the type of vehicle you are driving.
How much does the theory test cost?
The theory test costs £23. You can book the theory test using online services. If you fail the theory test, you will have to pay the full amount again.
How should I prepare for the theory test?
The theory test will assess your knowledge of the following three books:
- Driving, The Essential Skills
- The Highway Code
- Know your traffic sign
This source material can be purchased online or from any popular high street store.
The best preparation is to combine theory work with hands on experience. Everyone learns differently, but understanding of concepts are cemented more quickly when book work is undertaken with practical experience.
Interactive DVDs allow students to practice the theory and hazard perception tests.
What do you I need to bring with me on the day of my theory test?
You will need to bring your provisional licence on the day of the test.
If you only have an old paper licence, you must bring a valid passport along with your paper licence.
If you cannot produce the correct paperwork, you will not be able to take the test, nor will not be refunded.
What happens at the test centre?
At the test centre test conditions apply. You must not distract or talk to others and you are not permitted to have personal items such as tablets or phones with you whilst taking the test. Failure to comply with the above will result in the test being stopped.
The Multiple-choice section of the theory test
Before the test starts students are presented with instructions on how the test is structured. Prior to taking the actual test, students have the option of taking a practice test. Once the practice test is over the real test will commence.
As with any multiple-choice question, the question is presented with many possible answers. You will need to pick the number of answers required for each question.
They system allows you to move from one question to the next if you are unsure about the current answer. Simply ‘flag’ a question before moving on - you can always come back to questions at a later time.
There are 50 questions in the multiple-choice test and you will need 43 to pass. The test is 57 minutes.
The hazard perception test
The hazard perception test follows the multiple choice questions.
The test is comprised of:
- 14 short clips of everyday road scenes
- 13 of these clips have one developing hazard and one clip has two developing hazards
What is a developing hazard?
A ‘developing hazard’ is something that would cause you to alter speed or change direction.
How does the system score the hazards perception test?
You can score five points for each developing hazard, but as you come closer to the hazard, the will score will be less. You will see a red flag appear on the screen when your click is registered. Although you won’t lose points for clicking when something does not develop into a hazard, you will lose points if you click erratically.You need to score 44 or more from 75 points available to pass the hazard perception test.
When will I receive the theory test result?
Results are presented after taking the test. You will receive a pass certificate if you pass the theory test. You need the pass certificate when you book your practical test.
What is the next step after the theory test?
You must pass your practical driving test within two years of passing your theory test. If you do not pass the practical test in this time, you have to retake the theory test.