Theory Test
Case Studies
The Theory Test now includes a case study as part of the multiple choice section.
This is a new addition to the theory test designed to get the candidate to think about real life scenarios.
Currently, the DSA is only including 1 case study section in the car and motorbike theory tests. This will increase over time as candidates become used to
the concept.
Theory Test
I've lost my certificate!
Many theory test candidates contact us because they've lost an item they need for the theory test. We've heard them all!
Whether it's a lost theory test certificate,
you've lost the provisional licence counterpart or
lost the theory test booking number etc. The list is endless.
Please see our lost theory test help page for advice...
Hazard Perception
What if I Click too early
One of the main concerns we hear from our pupils is clicking the mouse on the hazard perception test. Probably because, for a lot of candidates, the
Hazard Perception section is the 'unknown'.
On our hazard perception help page we've answered all our pupils questions and concerns.
Please go to our hazard perception help page for advice...
Theory Test
What is it?
In a nutshell, it's a test on the rules, regulations and laws governing the roads and how to deal with them as a driver. Based on the highway code, it requires
common sense and some studying to pass the Theory Test. However, there are many Theory Test DVDs and books available to help make this process easier.
More Info: Theory Test DVD Theory Test Book
Provisional licence
You need a Provisional licence to be able to take the Theory Test for a car or motorbike, you are allowed to apply for a provisional licence from the age of
16 year and 9 months old. The Provisional licence is valid for 10 years from date of issue. If you have a full licence and are thinking about taking a test in a
different category of vehicle e.g. you have a car licence (category B) but want a motorbike licence (category A), you will need to take another theory test.
More Info: Apply for a Provisional Licence
Book Your Theory Test
Remember that you can start your driving lessons before you book your theory test - your lessons will help with your theory test because you will
be dealing with situations, signposts and laws of the road which are all part of the theory test questions. There are a few ways to book your theory test - most
candidates book over the phone or online these days. However, you can still fill out an application form, which you can print out from the directgov website or get
from the post office, and send it off to the DSA. The standard fee for the car and motorcycle theory test is currently £31.00, for other categories of vehicle it
differs.
More Info: Theory test prices Book your theory test
Theory test application form
Taking The Theory Test
There are 2 parts to the Theory Test, both of these are done at the same time, on a computer, at the theory test centre. Don't worry if you're worried about
using the computer, before the theory test starts, there's a simple tutorial on how to use it. During the test, if your computer
malfunctions or you aren't sure
how to use it, raise you hand and a member of staff will come over to help you sort out the issue.
You will need to reach the pass mark in both parts to receive a pass - if you only receive a pass mark in one part, it's a fail. You will
then need to book another test date to retake the whole test again. You can retake the theory test as many times as you want and also, after a fail, you
can rebook it as soon as you want. How quickly you get a new theory test date will depend on how busy the test centre is that you are booking at.
More Info:
General questions about taking the Theory Test
Part 1 - Multiple Choice
During the 1st part of the theory test you will be required to answer 50 multiple choice questions. You will need to read the questions carefully and select
the appropriate answer or answers. You are able to move on from questions you aren't sure about and navigate back to them later. You have 57 minutes to complete
part 1 of the car and motorcycle theory tests. To pass part 1 of the theory test you are required to reach a score of at least 43 out of 50.
5 of the theory test questions will be in the form of a case study, for these questions you will need to think about what would be the safest way to complete the
scenario given. theory test case study example.
At the end of the multiple choice section there's 3 minute break, although you are may choose to start part 2 straight away.
Multiple Choice Summary
- You are required to answer 50 questions in 57 minutes
- 5 of the questions refer to a case study scenario
- You must score at least 43 out of 50 to pass
Part 2 - Hazard Perception
The 2nd part of the theory test is called hazard perception - during hazard perception you will be required to watch 14 video clips on the computer screen. Filmed
from a driver's point of view, your job is to pretend that you're driving, scan the road and anticipate
developing hazards. When you think a hazard is about to make you change the speed and/or direction of
your vehicle, you click the computer mouse. For each hazard you spot in good time you will score 5 points. The scoring total drops quickly down to 0 as the vehicle
reaches the hazard, slows down and/or changes direction. In the 14 video clips there are 15 developing hazard for you to score marks - this means that 1 of the clips
has 2 developing hazards in it.
More Info: Hazard Perception visual explanation
Hazard Perception help
Hazard Perception Summary
- You will be shown 14 video clips
- 13 clips have 1 developing hazard
- 1 clip has 2 developing hazard
- To score points, click the mouse
- You score more points if spot the developing hazard early
- You must score at least 44 out of 75 to pass
After the Theory Test
Leave the theory test room quietly as there will probably be other candidates concentrating on their tests. You won't be allowed back into the room
after you've left. Once out of the test room, a member of the test centre staff will give you a printout of your theory test result.
