Theory Test
The Driving Licence you need
Before you can take your theory test you’ll need to make sure you have a valid provisional driving licence. If you don’t have one then you can apply online for a provisional driving licence from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), or alternatively the application form D1 can be obtained from your local Post Office. Application Online
Documents to bring to your driving theory test
You’ll be expected to show both parts of your valid driving licence (the photocard and the paper counterpart) at the test centre. If you have an old-style licence without a photo you must also bring a valid passport. If you don’t show the required documents you won’t be allowed to test and you’ll lose your fee.
Do I have to pass my Theory test to start driving lessons
No, as long as you have your provisional driving license you can start driving lessons on your 17th birthday. you may apply for the licence up to three months prior to your 17th birthday.
Preparing for the theory test
The driving theory test has two parts, part one is a multiple choice test and part two is a hazard perception test (HPT).
To prepare for both parts of the theory test we recommend that all candidates, regardless of driving experience, use the resource material available. The resource material is available from most high street book shops and from the DSA official online bookstore – the link below will take you to the DSA bookstore website. Link
With your first theory test booking confirmation letter, the DSA will send you a DVD called “Are you ready?” which you should watch as this explains the process of taking the theory test.
At the test centre
Once you have been registered at reception you’ll go through to the test room. You may not take anything into the room with you; all personal items must be stored in the lockers provided.
Once you’re in the test room you may not talk to or distract other candidates. The computer screen will display your name and the category of test you’re taking.
If you have any problems during the theory test, you should raise your hand to attract the attention of the test invigilator.
Taking your theory test
The multiple choice part is delivered using a touch screen computer and the hazard perception part records your responses through the use of a computer mouse button.
If you pass one part and fail the other you’ll fail the whole test, and you’ll need to take both parts again.
Part one – multiple choice
Before the test starts you’ll be given instructions on how the test works.
You can also choose to go through a practice session of the multiple choice questions to get used to the layout of the test. At the end of the practice session the real test will begin.
A question and several answer options will appear onscreen and you have to select the correct answer to the question by touching the screen. Some questions may require more than one answer.
You’ll be asked 50 questions in 57 minutes and the pass mark is 43 out of 50.
From 28 September 2009 some multiple choice questions will be given as a case study. The case study will show a scenario that five questions will be based on. The subject of the scenario focuses on real life examples and experiences that drivers could come across when driving..
You can navigate between questions and ‘flag’ questions that you want to come back to later in the test. After the multiple choice part you can choose to have a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception part starts.
Part two – hazard perception
After the break you’ll then be shown a short tutorial video clip about how the hazard perception part works.
The hazard perception part is also delivered on a computer but you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. You’ll be presented with a series of 14 video clips which feature every day road scenes. In each clip there’ll be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards.
To achieve a high score you’ll need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development. The maximum you can score on each hazard is five.
You won’t be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test; as on the road, you’ll only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard.
The pass mark for the car and motorcycle hazard perception part of the theory test is 44 out of 75.
When will I get my result
When you have finished the test you may leave the examination room. Once you have left the room, you’ll not be allowed to enter it again. You’ll then be given your result by the test centre staff.
Booking your Theory Test
Online: The quickest and easiest way to book your theory test is to use the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) online booking service. Online Booking
By Phone: You can book your Theory Test with an operator over the phone Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm (except public and bank holidays). Theory Test booking line – T: 0300 200 1122
Booking by Post: To book a Theory Test by post you’ll need an application form. The application form is available to download here. Application
Theory Test Fee’s – £31.00
