Taking Your Theory Test

The driving test is made up of two parts, firstly you must pass a theory test, secondly you will have the practical driving test. Both parts of the test are equally important and both require revision and practice.

Your Theory test can be taken anytime after your 17^th Birthday and you will need a valid provisional driving licence to book your test. The next stage is to book your theory test, this can be done online or by telephoning 0870 0101372. The cost of applying for your theory test is currently £30.

The actual theory test is simply a way of ensuring that you will be safe on the road and is designed to ensure that whilst you are on the road you understand items such as Signs, Breaking Distances, hazard perception and general road safety.

You will be asked a total of 50 multiple choice questions which you will complete in a designated test centre, these questions will be on a range of different driving subjects and all are equally important. In total you must answer a minimum of 43 questions correctly, you will be given a maximum of 57 minutes to conduct the exam. You are able to move between questions, so if you are unsure of any, you can flag them and return to them at the end of the test, this will give you that extra time to answer all of the questions you know without being stuck on the first question.

Once you have completed the multiple choice questions you must then undertake a Hazard Perception Test. This will involve watching short video clips and to observe any hazards that may appear, you will be judged on how quickly you respond and how accurate you have been in identifying the hazards. The maximum mark you can be given is 75, and you will require a minimum score of 45 to successfully pass.

Once you have competed both parts of the test you are free to leave the examination room and you can now relax. Upon leaving the room, a test supervisor will run through some general information and your answers will be reviewed and a printed result will be handed to you, you can therefore instantly see if you have passed the exam. If you have been successful you now have a period of 2 years to pass your practical test, otherwise you will need to re-sit the theory test.

If you have unfortunately not hit the required pass mark, don’t worry, you can simply book a new appointment and take the test again, this time you will know what to expect and shouldn’t have some of the worries and concerns you had the first time around.