Driving Test Information

The Theory Test
The theory test consists of two parts, the multiple choice questions and the hazard perception test. You must pass both parts to pass your theory test.

Multiple Choice
The multiple choice section consists of 50 questions which you will be required to answer in 57 minutes. This part of the test requires you to answer the questions by touching the correct box on the actual computer screen. The system is very easy to use and before you actually start the test you have the option of a 15 minute practice session before the real test begins.

Throughout the test you will have the option to flag any questions that you would like to come back to later. So when you've reached question 50 you can go back to the ones that you've flagged. Make sure you use all the time available to go over all the questions again just in case you've made any obvious mistakes. The pass mark for this section is 43 out of 50. For a variety of free practice theory tests go here.

When you have finished the multiple choice section you can have a 3 minute break before the hazard perception section starts.

Test Yourself With Our Mock Theory Test

Hazard Perception
Prior to the beginning of the real hazard perception test you can watch a tutorial which shows what you need to do for the test, and after if required you can repeat this tutorial one more time only.

The hazard perception test consists of 14 movie clips which are approximately 1 minute long. One of the clips has 2 developing hazards that you are required to spot. So for this section you are required to spot 15 developing hazards in 14 movie clips. The test requires you to spot the hazards in the clips by clicking on the mouse button as soon as you see a hazard developing. The earlier you spot the hazard developing the higher your score will be. If you click the mouse as soon as you see the hazard developing you will get the maximum of 5 points for that hazard. A hazard is anything that could cause you as the driver, to change your speed or direction. The pass mark for this section is 44 out of 75.

An example of a developing hazard could be that: Imagine you see a cyclist riding ahead of you and going in the same direction, your immediate response would be to click your button because quite rightly it’s a hazard, however you then suddenly see the cyclist look round over their right shoulder, then this is the time that the hazard has developed further so you should immediately respond by clicking your button again. If you were driving a real car you would be quite concerned about the cyclist looking round as its usually followed by the cyclist moving to the right and into your direction, therefore as a real driver you would be checking your mirrors and considering changing your speed or direction.

Your Driving Test
The driving test is all about making sure that people who pass are competent and basically safe to drive on the roads by themselves.

Please Note: This does not mean that there is nothing new to learn!!!!!

The test starts with an eyesight test. The examiner will ask you to read a number plate of a vehicle at a distance of about 20.5 metres (If you’re unable to read the plate you will fail the test).

During your test the examiner will ask you one ‘tell me’ question at the start of the test and also one ‘show me’ question whilst you are driving, these are known as ‘show-me tell-me questions‘. If you incorrectly answer one or both of the questions you will get one minor fault.

During the driving part of the test you will be expected to drive safely in various road situations, some of them will be at higher speed limits. You will also be asked to perform one of the reversing manoeuvres and you may also be asked to perform an emergency stop.

Independent Driving
For about 20 minutes during your test you'll have to drive by either following a series of directions and traffic signs either direct from the examiner or from a satellite navigation device. The examiner will explain this fully to you during your test.

The purpose of this is to assess your ability to drive safely whilst at the same time having to make your own decisions in order to reach your target destination. Whilst following these directions your driving will still be being monitored by your examiner.

Message from Shabana:
Don’t worry if it all sounds a bit daunting because I’ll be there helping you all the way through training. I will do my utmost to get you up to the standard as quickly as possible. Just take my advice as to when to go in for it and you’ll stand an excellent chance of passing 1st time.