Driving Theory Test
The driving theory test is made up of two parts;multiple choice and hazard perception. You need to pass both parts to pass the driving theory test. Once you have passed the driving theory test you can then apply to take your practical driving test.
Taking your drving theory test:
The multiple choice part is delivered using a touch screen computer and the hazard perception part records your responses through the use of a computer mouse button. If you pass one part and fail the other you'll fail the whole test, and you'll need to take both parts again.
The theory test questions in each multiple choice test vary according to the category of vehicle you're hoping to obtain a licence for, ie a motorcycle theory test will contain specific questions that don't appear in any other test.
Part One - Multiple Choice:
Before the theory test starts you'll be given instructions on how the test works. You can also choose to go through a practice session of the multiple choice questions to get used to the layout of the test. At the end of the practice session the real test will begin. A question and several answer options will appear onscreen and you have to select the correct answer to the question by touching the screen. Some questions may require more than one answer. For cars and motorcycles you'll be asked 50 questions in 57 minutes and the pass mark is 43 out of 50.
To prepare for the multiple choice part of the driving theory test, there are three books known as the source material, these include The Highway Code, Know Your Traffic Signs, and the relevant vehicle Driving Skills series. The complete set of theory test questions and answers is also available in book and CD-ROM format.
Part Two - Hazard Perception:
Before you start the hazard perception part, you'll be shown a short video clip about how it works. You'll then be shown a series of video clips on a computer screen. The clips feature:
- every day road scenes
- contain at least one developing hazard - but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards
A developing hazard is something that may result in you having to take some action, such as changing speed or direction. The earlier you notice a developing hazard and make a response, the higher you will score. The most you can score for each developing hazard is five points. To get a high score you need to:
- respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development
- press the mouse button as soon as you see a hazard developing
You won't be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test. If you click continuously or in a pattern during a clip a message will appear at the end. It will tell you that you have scored zero for that particular clip.
The pass mark for the car hazard perception part of the theory test is 44 out of 75.
Further hazard perception test information...
Preparing for your driving theory test:
With your first theory test booking confirmation letter, DSA send you a DVD called "Are you ready?" which you should watch as this explains the process of taking the theory test. Alternatively you can download the interactive version using the link below.
Useful links:
The official DSA theory test for car drivers interactive download
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