All about the Theory test
The theory test consists of two parts; a Hazard perception test and a Theory test.
Before you can apply for your Practical driving test, you must pass the Hazard perception and Theory test. Once you have passed the theory test, you have up to two years to pass the Practical driving test.
You can apply for the Theory test here, or you can call the DVSA booking support on: 0300 200 11 22 between 8 am and 4 pm.
The day of the test
Try to arrive at least 15 minutes early as you will have to check in and store any valuable in a locker.
At the allotted time, you will be shown to a cubicle which has a computer screen and mouse.
The Theory test
Before you start the tests, you will be givena series of simple questions unrelated to driving to help you relax, this can last up to 15 minutes.
When it starts, you will be given 50 questions with multiple answers of which 43 must be correct to pass. You have a maximum of 57 minutes to complete the test. If you’re not sure of an answer, you can ‘flag it’ so you can go back to it if you have time. You should make sure that you understand the question before you answer it, as some questions can have ‘what SHOULD or NOT do’ in the question. Also take note, that there may be more than one answer to a question.
The Hazard Perception test (HPT)
As you will know, a hazard is some kind of danger that the driver may have to take some action to deal with it, such as slowing down or changing your position.
The purpose of this test, is to show that you have the skills to identify the hazard and when you take action, in real life that you can respond to them in good time.
The HPT test consists of 14 video clips of various driving scenes. For example, driving along a busy shopping centre road; driving along a dual-carriageway or country road. The clips may also be at night.
Each video clip has a ‘scoring window’. you are marked on how soon you identify the hazard by clicking the mouse. Each clip has a maximum of 5 points. Which means , the sooner you can identify the developing hazard the higher your score. although you you can click as many times as you want, you will score zero points if its too fast – like playing a video game.
As mentioned earlier, a clip may have more than one hazard to identify.This double hazard is random. It could be the first clip, the last one or anywhere in between.
The pass mark is 44 from a maximum of 75 points
