Practical and Theory Tests

In order to be able to drive legally, you must first pass two tests: the theory test and the practical test. Both are outlined below.

The theory test

1) Multiple choice questions

• This is a series of 50 questions based on the highway code. Each question will have several answers to choose from and you will have to achieve 43 correct answers to pass.

• The test allows you 57 minutes in which to complete this section and it also lets you go back and check your answers before you submit it.

• To study for this, we would recommend that you get a copy of the highway code. It is available from any good bookshop or you can find it online at www.highwaycode.gov.uk.

• There are several mock theory tests online that you can practise with. A couple to get started with are www.2pass.co.uk and www.dsa.gov.uk/Category.asp?cat=279.

2) Hazard Perception

• For this section, you will have to watch 14 video clips of everyday road scenes. In each clip you will be expected to identify a developing hazard (in one clip there will be 2 hazards to find). To do this you must click the mouse button at an appropriate time. Before the test begins you will be shown a video explaining it in full.



• A developing hazard is one that is potentially dangerous and causes you to change speed or direction. See here for more information on this.

• For each hazard you identify correctly you will be awarded between 0 and 5 marks. You will get 5 marks if you manage to click well in advance of the hazard developing and as you get closer to it, your marks will decrease until you reach the point where you would have caused an accident.

• To pass, you need to achieve 44 out of a possible 75.

• To see a short video explaining the hazard perception section, visit www.2pass.co.uk.

Once you have passed your theory test you will have two years in which to pass your practical test, if you have not then you will have to re-sit your theory test again.

The practical test

This is obviously the most nerve-racking part of learning to drive, so here we have explained some of the basics of what will happen on the day. That way, hopefully you will be more prepared and less anxious.

1) What do I bring with me?

• Your theory test certificate
• Your provisional licence (card and paper counterpart)
• Your DSA test confirmation letter

2) What happens during the test?

• When the examiner first takes you outside they will ask you to read a number plate from a distance of about 20 metres. If you fail to do this correctly, you will not be allowed to continue with the test.

• At the car, the examiner will ask you 2 questions; a 'show me' and a 'tell me'. For example, 'show me how you would check the engine coolant levels' and 'tell me where you would find the information about your car's recommended tyre pressure'. For the rest of the possible questions, see here.

• The rest of the test is simple. You drive and do as the examiner instructs you to do. You will drive for 30-40 minutes and you must demonstrate that you are in control of the car, you are a safe driver and that you can use the roads well and account for other drivers.

• You will have to carry out 2 manoeuvres (out of 4; turn in the road, reverse round a car, reverse round a corner or reverse park into a bay). As long as you do them safely and in control you will be fine.

• 1 in 3 tests will also involve an emergency stop.

• For further information on what the practical test entails, visit here.

3) How many errors are allowed?

• You are allowed up to 15 minor faults. These can be anything from forgetting to check your mirror when you slow down, to leaving your indicator on for too long once round a corner.

• If you make any major faults, such as not stopping at a red light or pulling out without looking, you will fail instantly. Anything that is seen as unsafe driving will be heavily penalised.

• If you also persistently make the same minor error, it will become a major fault and you will fail.

• It is true that only 30-40% of drivers pass first time, so you can see it is very important to make sure you are safe, in control and able to demonstrate these.

• The current overall national pass rate is 41.9%