Driving theory test

This section is designed to provide you with all the information you need to know about the Driving Theory Test and Hazard Perception tests.

The Theory Test Explained

The theory test is made up of two parts; the multiple choice part and the hazard perception part. You need to pass both parts to pass the theory test. Once you have passed the theory test you can then apply to take your practical driving test.

Taking your 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 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.

For the hazard perception test there are no separate versions for different vehicles, each vehicle category takes the same test, however the pass mark is different for different categories of tests.

Part one - multiple choice

Before the 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

You can navigate between questions and 'flag' questions that you want to come back to later in the test. After the multiple choice part you can choose to have a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception part starts.

Part two - hazard perception

After the break you'll then be shown a short tutorial video clip about how the hazard perception part works.

The hazard perception part is also delivered on a computer but you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. You'll be presented with a series of 14 video clips which feature every day road scenes. In each clip there'll be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards.

To achieve a high score you'll need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development. The maximum you can score on each hazard is five.

You won't be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test; as on the road, you'll only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard.

The pass mark for the car and motorcycle hazard perception part of the theory test is 44 out of 75.

At the end of the test

At the end of the hazard perception part of the theory test you'll be invited to answer a number of customer survey questions.

You don't have to answer the questions if you don't want to, and any information given is anonymous and confidential. The survey questions don't affect the result of the test.

When you have finished the test you may leave the examination room. Once you have left the room, you'll not be allowed to enter it again. You'll then be given your result by the test centre staff.

ALERTNESS
Observation
Anticipation
Concentration
Awareness
Distraction

ATTITUDE
Consideration
Positioning
Courtesy
Priority

SAFETY AND YOUR VEHICLE
Fault detection
Vehicle defects
Safety equipment
Emissions
Noise

ACCIDENTS
First Aid
Warning devices
Reporting procedures
Safety regulations

VEHICLE LOADING
Stability
Towing

SAFETY MARGINS
Stopping distances
Road surfaces
Skidding
Weather conditions

HAZARD AWARENESS
Anticipation
Hazard awareness
Attention
Speed and distance
Reaction time
Alcohol and drugs
Tiredness

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS
Pedestrians
Children
People with disabilities
Motorcyclists
Cyclists
Horse riders

OTHER TYPES OF VEHICLE
Motorcycles
Lorries
Buses

VEHICLE HANDLING
Weather conditions
Road conditions
Time of day
Speed
Traffic calming

MOTORWAY RULES
Speed limits
Lane discipline
Stopping
Lighting
Parking

RULES OF THE ROAD
Speed limits
Parking
Lighting

ROAD AND TRAFFIC SIGNS
Road signs
Speed limits
Road markings
Regulations

DOCUMENTS
Licences
Insurance
MOT certificate

Please click here for a list of our driving theory test Training Aids

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The hazard perception element of the Driving Theory Test was introduced by the The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) on 14th November 2002. This new test will be taken at the same time as the theory test and will take about an extra 20 minutes. The object is to identify up to 15 hazards as quickly as possible from 14 video clips (out of a possible 200 video clips available to the D.S.A), and you will have to pass this before being let loose on the practical test.

Before the real Hazard perception test begins you have 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 test requires you to spot the hazards in the clips by clicking on the mouse button as soon as you see the hazard develop. The earlier you spot the hazard the higher your score will be.A Hazard is anything that could cause you, the driver to change speed or direction. The Pass Mark for this section is 44 out of 75.

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