Although you have to pass your theory test before you can take your
practical test, it's recommended that you start studying for your
theory test, but don't actually take it until you have some
practical experience of driving
To prepare for the multiple choice part of the theory test, it's
strongly recommend that you study the books from which the questions are
sourced as well as the questions themselves. These books are:
The Highway Code – this is essential reading for all drivers.
Even if you studied it when you took your car test, it's worth
getting an up-to-date copy to ensure that you have the most recent
advice on road safety and the laws which apply to all road users.
The Official TheoryTest for Car Drivers and The Official Theory
Test for Motorcyclists - contain all the questions in the multiple
choice part of the theory test, together with the answers and explanations.
Know Your Traffic Signs – this contains most of the signs and road markings
that you are likely to come across.
Driving – the essential skills – this is the official reference, giving practical
advice and best driving practice for all drivers.
These books will help you to answer the questions correctly and will also
help you when studying for your practical test. The information in them
will be relevant throughout your driving life so make sure you always
have an up-to-date copy that you can refer |
| The current cost for the theory is £20.50 |
This part consists of 35 multiple choice questions covering a wide range of driving topics. By touching the screen, you select an answer, or answers, from the selection shown. To pass you must answer 30 or more questions correctly in 40 minutes.
You have the option of working through a practice session lasting up to 15 minutes to get used to the system before starting the actual test. |
After a break of up to three minutes, the hazard perception part will start. You will be shown a tutorial video first. This uses sample footage with a sound track (headphones supplied), which will explain how to complete this part of the test. You may repeat the tutorial once more if you wish.
The test consists of 14 video clips, each lasting about one minute. The clips feature various types of hazards, such as vehicles, pedestrians and road conditions. You should respond by pressing a mouse button as soon as you see a hazard developing that may result in the driver having to take some action, such as changing speed or direction. The earlier the developing hazard is spotted, and a response made, the higher the score.
Candidates can score up to five marks on each hazard and the test contains 15 scoreable hazards.
The pass mark for this part of the test is 44 out of 75 for car drivers and motorcycle |
| Q. What happens if I fail one part of the test but pass the other? |
| You must pass both parts to pass your test. If you fail either the existing multiple-choice section or the |
| new hazard perception element you will fail the whole test. |
| Q. If I do fail, can I just re-sit the bit that I have failed? |
| No. You must sit both parts of the test again. You need to prove that you have sufficient knowledge of |
| the full theory test syllabus at the same point in time to pass the overall test. We strongly advise full preparation for both parts of the test. |
| Q. How long is my theory test Pass certificate valid for? |
| The Theory Test Pass certificate is valid for two years. If you haven't passed your practical test within two years you will have to retake your theory test. |
| Q. Can other candidates see my answers on the screen? |
| No. Candidates sit in a private booth. In any case, there are so many different forms of the test that candidates in adjacent booths are probably sitting different tests. |
| Q. What happens if the computer system breaks down? |
If there is a short interruption to the test, you are likely to be able to continue with the test. The answers that have been given up to that point will not normally be lost. If there is a longer interruption, you will be offered a new test free of charge. |
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