The Tests

The Theory Test

The Theory Test has two parts;

multiple choice

hazard perception

You have to pass both parts at the same time to pass the theory test. You need to pass the theory test before you can apply for The Practical Driving Test.

Multiple Choice

For this part of the test a touch screen computer is used and you have to select the correct answer. Some questions may require more than one answer.  You'll be asked 50 questions and have 57 minutes to answer all the questions. You must correctly answer 43 or more to pass.

You can flag questions you are not sure of and come back to them later on if you need to

After this part of the test you can take a break for 3 minutes before starting the Hazard Perception Section.

Hazard Perception

First there is a short Tutorial showing how the Hazard Perception test works.

You then have 14 video clips presented to you which feature everyday situations and you'll have to respond to the developing hazard in the clip. One of the clips will have two developing hazards.

You must achieve 44 out of a possible 55 marks to pass.

The maximum you can score on each hazard is 5 (10 on the clip with 2 hazards), you will have to respond to the developing hazard in the early stages to achieve the higher score.

As on the road you'll only have one chance to respond to the hazard, you will not be able to review your answers.

At the end of the test you'll be asked some customer survey questions, it's up to you whether you answer these or not.

Once you leave the examination room, you'll be given your results by one of the test centre staff

The Practical Test

The practical driving test is a test of your driving ability and response to other road users.  Your examiner wants to see that you can drive safely and put into practice the rules of the highway code using all the skills that you learned during instruction.

The examiner wants you to do well and will try and help you to relax, so try to treat it as just another lesson.

You are allowed to have your driving instructor with you in the car during your test but they will not be able to help you or contribute in any way.  This can be helpful if you are uncomfortable with strangers or in assisting your instructor in seeing what you encountered during your test.  It is completely voluntary and not expected.

The Test

The driving test will last approximately 40 minutes and will include as many different roads as possible.  It starts with an eyesight check as you leave the test centre and the examiner will also ask you one of the Tell Me questions (usually before you get into the car)

There will be approximately 20 minutes of independent driving following Sat Nav or Road Signs and during this you will be asked a Show Me question as you drive.

You will need to complete one of the 4 reversing manoevures and possibly an emergency stop. 

In order to pass you need to have less than 16 minor driving faults and no serious or dangerous faults.

You will be told the result of your test once you have returned to the test centre along with any feedback on any errors you made during the test.  Your instructor can be available to listen to the feedback at this point if they did not accompany you on test.