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You cannot apply for the practical driving test until you have passed the theory test. The theory test is taken at a different centre to the practical test. This section tells you about the theory test and getting your results.
THE NEW THEORY TEST
Since 3rd. September 2007, the theory test changed.
There are now 50 multiple choice questions to answer in 57 minutes, and you are also tested for hazard perception skills. You will need to pass both parts of the test at the same sitting to pass your theory test.
Why has the test changed?
Each year around 3,400 people are killed on Britain's roads. New drivers take much longer to recognise hazardous situations than more experienced drivers, and many driving test candidates have poor scanning and
anticipation skills.
These skills are vital for safe driving. By introducing the new hazard
perception part to the test, we hope to encourage more drivers to develop hazard perception skills while they are still learning to drive.
What is the multiple choice part of the test?
This part consists of 50 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 43 or more questions correctly.
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.
How does the hazard perception part work?
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 46 out of 75 for car drivers and motorcycle riders.
Candidates are given their results when they have finished both parts of the test and have returned to the waiting room.
How do candidates with special needs sit the test?
Candidates who have special needs, which are not met by any of the
facilities listed below, may apply to have longer than the standard time of
40 minutes to take the multiple-choice part. Such requests should be made when booking the test.
Facilities for candidates with special needs include:
· for car and motorcycle candidates, using a headset to listen to the test being read in one of 20 other languages. This will help candidates who do not understand or read English, or who wish to take the test in their first language. [These languages are Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, Dari, Farsi, Gujarati, Hindi, Kashmiri, Kurdish, Mirpuri, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Pushto, Spanish, Tamil, Turkish, Urdu and Welsh].
· large goods vehicle drivers and passenger carrying vehicle drivers can use a headset to listen to the test being read in English and Welsh.
· for all candidates, using a headset to listen to the test being read in
English. This helps those with dyslexia and other reading difficulties.
· an on-screen video of the test being signed in British Sign Language
for car and motorcycle candidates who are deaf or have other hearing
difficulties.
Preparing for the new theory test
To help prepare for the theory test, we recommend the The Highway Code, relevant books from our Essential Skills series and Know Your Traffic Signs. The official theory test books and CD-Roms contain the multiple choice questions. The CD-Roms show screens similar to those used in the multiple choice part of the test.
Being a safe driver with good hazard perception skills means being able to use speed correctly, keeping the correct distance between yourself and other road users, scanning the road effectively, anticipating and planning for potential hazards.
All these skills can be taught effectively. You should prepare with a
professional instructor as part of a structured programme of on-road tuition, covering the recommended syllabus.
PRACTICAL TEST
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