Things you need to know

about taking your

Theory and Hazard Perception Tests

The theory test is made up of two parts... the multiple choice part and the hazard perception part.

You take the multiple choice part using a touch screen computer and mouse and for the hazard perception part you use a computer mouse button.

You need to pass both parts to pass the theory test. If you pass one part and fail the other you will fail the whole test, and you will need to take both parts again.

If you wish you can choose a practice session of the multiple choice questions so you can get used to the layout of the test before you start.

You can take up to a 3 minute break between the two parts of the test.

For the multiple choice part you will be asked to answer 50 questions in 57 minutes. You can navigate between questions and ‘flag’ questions that you want to come back to later in the test.

You need to score 43 out of 50 to pass the multiple choice part of the theory test.

You need to score 44 out of 75 to pass the hazard perception part of the theory test.

You can't take your practical car test until you've passed your theory test.

Your Theory Test

You can take your Theory Test as soon as you reach seventeen...as long as you have your provisional licence.

The big benefit for you to taking the Theory Test is that it gives you a good grounding in the 'rules of the road' before you take your driving test.

I will give you lots of...tips and techniques...to get you prepared for your Theory Test.

The Driving Standards Agency set the Theory Test and has a really good website where you can practise until you're perfect.

To help you prepare for the multiple choice part of the theory test you need three books... known as the source material.

These include:

The Highway Code, 'FREE if you take your lessons with drive2'. 

Know Your Traffic Signs,

and the Offical DSA Guide to Driving - Vehicle Driving Skills book.

And, for the hazard perception test the DSA has a DVD called 'The official guide to hazard perception' you should watch.

Your Hazard Perception Test

The main benefit for you in taking your Hazard Perception test is it helps you to spot hazards quickly so you don't end up involved in an accident.

When you take this test you will watch 14 video clips each containing one developing hazard for you to identify by clicking your computer mouse. One of the video clips contains 2 hazards.

To get a high score you will need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development.

Five is the maximum you can score on each hazard.   

Booking  your Theory Test 
 
I'll be pleased to book your theory test for you...or you can do it yourself.

If you book it yourself make sure you have your provisional licence and a credit/debit card with you. 
 
You can apply by phone by calling 0300 200 1122 from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, Monday to Friday except on Bank Holidays.
   

By using the phone you'll be able to find out there and then when the next available test is and have it confirmed for you. 
   
The Theory Test costs £31.00

You can apply online using the DSA website.

Click on Online Booking / theory test / book a test and follow the instructions.
   
You can also apply by post. Application forms are available from Shrewsbury test centre or from me.

The DSA will send a DVD to you with your first theory test booking confirmation letter to help you understand the theory test process. 

After the Theory Test

You'll be given your result letter by the test centre staff when you finish your test.

The letter tells you if you passed or failed, and it gives you feedback on your test.

It tells you where you answered questions incorrectly, so you know which topics to look at again, and it tells you how many 5's, 4's, 3's you scored throughout the hazard perception part.

If you scored 0’s, 1’s and 2’s you are reacting slowly to the hazard that is developing onscreen, whereas if you scored mainly 5’s and 4’s you are identifying the developing hazards in good time.

If you've passed you'll receive your theory test certificate and theory test number. You'll need this number when you book your practical test.

Your theory test certificate is valid for two years from the date of your test. If you do not take your practical test within this two year period you will have to take another theory test. There are no exceptions to this rule.

If you fail the theory test you can book another theory test straight away, but you cannot take the test for another three clear working days.  

Call me now if you'd like to make a booking: