Driving Tests

Theory Test

The Theory Test is made up of a multiple-choice part and a hazard perception part. You need to pass both parts to pass the theory test. 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 multiple-choice part

Before the test starts you'll be given instructions on how it works. You can choose to do a practice session of multiple-choice questions to get used to the layout of the test. At the end of the practice session the real test will begin.

How the multiple-choice part works

A question and several possible answers will appear on a computer screen - you have to select the correct answer. Some questions may need more than one answer. You can move between questions and 'flag' questions that you want to come back to later in the test. Some questions will be given as a case study.

The hazard perception part

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 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.

How the hazard perception scoring works

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 and 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.

An example of when to respond to a hazard

Think of a parked car on the side of the road. When you first see it, it isn't doing anything - it's just a parked car. If you respond at this point, you wouldn't score any marks, but you wouldn't lose any marks.

The difference between a potential and developing hazard

When you get closer to the car, you notice that its right-hand indicator starts to flash. This would make you think that the driver of the car is going to move away. The hazard is now developing and a response at this point would score marks. The indicator coming on is a sign that the car has changed from a potential hazard into a developing hazard. When you get closer to the car, you'll probably see it start to move away from the side of the road. You should make another response at this point.

The Hazard Perception part of the test consists of 14 video clips which contain 15 developing hazards (i.e. one clip has 2 hazards in it but you will not know which one). The Pass Mark is 44 out of 75.

At the end of your Theory Test

When you have finished the test you can leave the test room - but you won't be able to go back in. You'll then be given your result by the test centre staff.

Your theory test pass certificate

If you pass your theory test, you'll get a pass certificate. You'll need this when you book and
take your practical test, so it's important that you keep it safe. Your theory test pass certificate runs out after two years of passing your test. If you have not passed your practical test by then, you'll need to take and pass the theory test again.

The Car Practical Driving Test

The driving test is straightforward and has been designed to see if you can drive safely in different road and traffic conditions and that you know The Highway Code and can show this through your driving ability. So long as you show the standard required, you'll pass your driving test. There are no pass or fail quotas.

What you need to take to your driving test

You need to take the following documents with you. If you do not take the right documents the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) may refuse to carry out the test and you may lose your fee.

You must take your theory test pass certificate (or confirmation) if you are not exempt. You must also take both parts of your driving licence - the photocard and the paper counterpart. If you have an old-style paper licence, you must take your signed driving licence and you must also take a valid passport. No other form of photographic identification will be accepted.

Before you start the driving ability part of your test

Before you start the driving ability part of your test, you'll have an eyesight check and be asked two vehicle safety questions.

The eyesight check

The examiner will ask you to read the number plate on a parked vehicle to test your eyesight. If you fail the check, your driving test won't continue.  

Vehicle safety questions: 'show me, tell me'

You'll be asked two vehicle safety questions. These are also known as the 'show me, tell me' questions. The examiner will ask you one 'show me' question, where you'll have to show them how you'd carry out a vehicle safety check. You'll also be asked one 'tell me' question, where you'll have to explain to the examiner how you'd carry out the check. For example, the examiner might ask you to identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell them how you'd check the windscreen washer level. If you give the wrong answer for one or both questions, you'll be marked with one driving fault.

The Driving Ability part of your test

The driving part of your test will last about 40 minutes. Throughout the test your examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving.

Your general driving ability

During your test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. You'll drive in various road and traffic conditions. You should drive in the way your instructor has trained you. You might also be asked to carry out an emergency stop.

Your ability to reverse your vehicle safely

You'll be asked to complete an exercise to show how well you can reverse your vehicle. The examiner will choose one exercise from: reversing around a corner; turning in the road; reverse parking - either into a parking bay, or parallel parking at the side of the road.

Independent driving section of the driving test

Your driving test will include around ten minutes of independent driving. This is designed to assess your ability to drive safely while making decisions independently.

If you make a mistake during your test

If you make a mistake, don't worry about it as it might be a less serious driving fault and might not affect your result. However, if at any time your examiner considers your driving to be a danger to other road users they will stop your test.

Your driving test result

When the driving test has ended, you can call your instructor over if they didn't go with you on your test. This is so they can listen to the result and feedback with you. The examiner will tell you whether you passed or not and explain how you did during the test.

The different types of faults that can be marked

There are three types of faults that can be marked: a dangerous fault - involves actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property; a serious fault - could potentially be dangerous; a driving fault - not potentially dangerous, but if you make the same fault throughout your test it could become a serious fault.

The pass mark for the driving test

You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test. If you make 16 or more driving faults, you won't pass your test. If you make one serious or dangerous fault, you won't pass your test.

If you pass your test

If you pass your test the examiner will give you a pass certificate. They will also ask you if you want your full licence to be sent to you automatically. Once you have passed you test you can start driving straight away - you don't need to wait for your full licence to arrive.

Taking another test if you don't pass

If you don't pass your test, you can take another after ten working days. Working days include Saturdays.