About theory test

Book your Driving Theory online at the DSA's website www.dsa.gov.uk

To get your full driving licence you need to pass two tests, one theory and one practical.

Theory Test
DSA driving theory test consists of two elements

A. Multiple choice element

• You need to pass the theory test before you can book and take a practical tests.
• The theory test is a computer-based tests at various tests centres around the country.
• This section is designed to tests your understanding of the theory behind driving.
• You have 57 minutes to complete the tests. There is a 15-minute practice session you can work through before starting the tests.
• There are 50 randomly selected, multiple-choice questions and you need to get at least 43 right to pass.
• The cost of the theory test is £28.50

B. Hazard Perception Test

• This forms a second section of the theory test and must be passed at the same time.
• There are 14 videos, each about a minute long.
• This section is designed to tests your awareness of potential hazards whilst driving.
• The videos feature various types of hazard, such as road conditions, vehicles and pedestrians.
• The earlier you spot a hazard developing that may require the driver to take some action, the higher the score.
• There are 15 scoreable hazards in the tests and candidates can score up to 5 points on each hazard.
• The pass mark is 44 out of 75.

Practical Test

• You can only apply for your practical tests once you have passed the theory test.
• You won’t be testsed on all the manoeuvres and there is random testsing of the emergency stop.
• 16 or more minor faults will result in tests failure.
• Weekday tests currently cost £39
• Saturday or weekday evening tests currently cost £48
• If you pass your theory test but fail your practical tests, you only need to take your practical tests again.
• A 'Show and Tell' element (demonstrating knowledge of safety aspects) has been added to the practical tests.

How to Book

• You will need to book the theory and practical tests separately through the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) on:
• Telephone: 0870 010 1372
• Fax: 0870 010 2372
• Welsh speakers line: 0870 010 0372
• Minicom line: 0870 010 7372
• Website: www.dsa.gov.uk

Free Hazard Perception Test at www.theory-test.co.uk

The hazard perception part is delivered on a computer and you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. You will be presented with a series of 14 video clips which feature every day road scenes, in each clip there will be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards.

To achieve a high score you will need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development. The maximum you can score on each hazard is five.

Recognition of available clues and perception of danger are skills that are necessary in all drivers and riders, irrespective of the vehicle used. For this reason, the same version of the hazard perception test is used for all categories of test.

An example of when to respond

As an example, of how to identify and respond to a developing hazard, consider a parked vehicle on the side of the road. When you first see it, it is not doing anything; it is just a parked vehicle. If you were to respond to the vehicle at this point, you would not score any marks, but you would not lose any marks.

However, when you get closer to the vehicle, you notice that the car's right hand indicator starts to flash. The indicator would lead you to believe that the driver of the vehicle has an intention of moving away, therefore the hazard is now developing and a response at this point would score marks. The indicator coming on is a sign that the parked vehicle has changed its status from a potential hazard into a developing hazard.

When you get closer to the vehicle, you will probably see the vehicle start to move away from the side of the road; another response should be made at this point. Different clips in the test will have various signs to indicate that the hazard is changing its status and is now starting to develop.

How hazard perception test is scored

The maximum you can score for each developing hazard is five points. If you respond throughout the developing hazard and score different points you will always score the highest number of points i.e. if you react and score five then three then two points you will be awarded five points.

You will not be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test as on the road, you will only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard, so you will need to concentrate throughout each clip.

If you react inappropriately during the video clip by clicking continuously or in a pattern of responses you will score zero for that clip. At the end of the clip a pop-up box will appear informing you that you have scored zero for that particular clip.

Hazard Perception Test