Learner drivers can apply to take the theory and hazard perception test as soon as they’ve received their provisional driving license. It is worth keeping in mind however, that the test does require more than just theory knowledge to pass, and some driving experience is needed in order to understand some of the scenarios included in the questions.
The theory and hazard perception tests are computer based, and applicants will be required to complete both parts of the test in one sitting. The multiple choice theory test comprises of 50 multiple-choice questions that are displayed on the computer screen, you simply touch the screen to select the correct answer(s) for the given question.
In order to pass this part of the theory test you’ll need to score a minimum of 43 correct answers out of a possible 50 within the 57 minute time frame.
Once you have completed the multiple choice part of the theory test you will be offered a short break before beginning the hazard perception part of the test. In this section of the test you will be shown 14 short video clips showing various different road hazards from the perspective of another road user.
Each clip will last for around a minute a you’ll be required to click a mouse button whenever you see a potential hazard developing. Up to 5 points can be scored for each clip, and the more quickly you respond to the developing hazard the more points you score.
In order to pass the hazard perception part of the test you will need to score 44 out of a possible 75 marks.
If you successfully pass both parts of the theory test you will be awarded your driving theory test certificate which is valid for 2 years. You will be required to pass the practical driving test within the 2 year period otherwise you will need to re-take the theory test.
What Does The Theory Test Include?
During the test applicants will be asked a series of 50 multiple choice questions taken from a bank of over 1,000 DSA theory test questions. All the questions and scenarios are based on the Highway Code and road safety situations.
In most cases the questions will include a short case study, a scenario or short story on to which the questions will be based.
The theory test will involve answering questions selected from 14 different categories relating to road safety and the drivers legal responsibilities.
Here’s a rundown of the 14 categories from which the questions will be chosen, and a brief explanation of what each subject will cover.
- Accidents – What should you do if you witness or are involved in an accident whilst out on the road.
- Alertness – Why it’s important to be observant and aware of your surroundings whilst driving.
- Attitude – Why it’s important to be in the right frame of mind when driving, and to be courteous and polite to other road users.
- Documents – The laws regarding valid documents, vehicle insurance, MOT test certificates and road tax.
- Hazard Awareness – Why it’s important to plan ahead on the road, and being able to spot unfolding hazards.
- Motorway Rules – The various rules that apply to driving on the motorway.
- Other types of vehicle – The differences between other types of vehicles on the road, their ability to handle and their limitations.
- Road and traffic signs – What the various road signs and road markings mean to road users and pedestrians.
- Rules of the road – The various rules and regulations as outlined in The Highway Code
- Safety and your vehicle – Your vehicles safety equipment, how it operates, and how to spot vehicle faults and the consequences driving a defective vehicle can have.
- Safety margins – How various conditions and surfaces can affect vehicle stopping distances, and how to handle losing control of your vehicle.
- Vehicle Handling – How different weather and lighting conditions can affect your driving ability and how to deal with these situations.
- Vehicle Loading – The various rules and regulations in regards to vehicle loading and towing, and how a heavy load can affect vehicle handling.
- Vulnerable road users – Your responsibility as a driver to other road users, along with pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, children, the elderly, and animals.
Booking Your Theory Test
You can book your theory test appointment either online, by phone, or by post. If you have special needs or require a different language or difficulty reading, then you’ll need to inform the booking office when making your test appointment.
Taking Your Theory Test
When you arrive at the theory test centre you will need to have with you both parts of your valid driving license (this includes the photocard and the paper counterpart). If you have the old-style paper license then you will be required to bring a valid passport as a form of identification – no other form of photographic identification will be accepted.
If you don’t have acceptable forms of identification then you will not be permitted to take your test and your appointment will be cancelled.
Once you have been correctly registered at the reception desk you will be led directly into the test room. You are not permitted to take anything into the test room with you – all personal items must be stored in the secure lockers provided.
You are not allowed to distract or talk to any other candidates inside the test room.
If you have any problems during the theory test, you should raise your hand to attract the attention of the test invigilator.
The first section of the theory test will use touch-screen technology. Once you’ve been seated at your area you will be given time to practice using the touch-screen monitor, and will have up to 15 minutes to answer various test questions until you are comfortable using the computer.
Once you feel happy to continue, you can simply follow the on screen instructions to begin the start of your theory test.
Overall there are 50 questions in the theory element of the test. The majority of these questions will be posed as multiple choice questions in which you are required to select one answer from four displayed.
There will also be some questions that require multiple answers be selected, whilst others will display diagrams or photographs on which the questions are based.
The computer will show you the question, the number of answers that are required to be ‘marked’ on the screen, along with a choice of possible answers. There will also be a clock timer on the screen showing you how long is remaining to complete the test.
If you are unsure about a question and would like to revisit it later, there is an option to ‘flag’ questions. This will enable you to go back to the question later in the test. You are free to navigate back and forth through the questions as you please.
You will also find a ‘review’ button displayed on the screen. If you touch the button, the following options will appear:
Display a summary showing the number of questions you have answered so far, how many are incomplete and how many you’ve flagged.
- Go back through all of the questions again.
- Revisit the questions you’ve flagged.
- Revisit the incomplete questions.
- End the test
In order to successfully pass the theory test you must score at least 43 correct answers out of the 50 displayed within a time limit of 57 minutes.
After completing the multiple choice section of the theory test you will be offered a short break before moving on to the second part of the test – the hazard perception test.
