How to book your Theory Test
You can take your driving theory test when you are 17 and hold a provisional driving licence.
You can book online or you can call freephone on 0300 200 1122.
Apply for your provisional driving licence online
THEORY TEST – WHAT TO EXPECT
You will require to take, and show, your driving licence to staff. If you do not have it with you, you will not be allowed to take the test.
There will also be some security checks. Personal possessions will need to be stored in a secure place. You may even be asked to run your fingers through your hair to ensure that you do not have any concealed communications devices.
No water can be taken into the test area.
Time allocated
120 minutes total. (57 minutes for multiple choice)
The multiple choice test
- Before the multiple choice test, you can have a 15-minute practice session to get used to the format of the test.
- Questions appear on screen, use computer mouse to choose. There are also some scenario-based questions, based on video clips, which you will usually see at the end of the test.
- You can ‘flag’ them and come back to them later.
- If you experience difficulties while taking the test, raise your hand and let the invigilators know there is an issue.
50 questions and you’ll need to get at least 43 correct to pass.
The hazard perception test
- After the multiple choice part, go straight on to the hazard perception part or take a 3-minute break. Before you start the test, you will be prompted to put on the headphones and watch a short video, which shows you how the test works.
- There are 14 clips, 13 clips show one developing hazard, one clip shows two developing hazards.
- Click the mouse when you see a developing hazard (that is, something that would need you, the driver, to take some action, such as changing speed or direction, see below): the sooner you spot the hazard, the more points you’ll score. You can score up to 5 points for each hazard.
- If you click the mouse too much (more than 9 times in each clip) or if you click in a pattern, you’ll be given a warning message and you’ll score no points for that clip.
Score at least 44 out of 75 points to pass.
What is a developing 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 either. 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 was 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.
Getting your results
You will need to pass both parts of the test to enable a Theory Test Past result to be issued.
- After exiting the main test area, you will be handed your results.
- If you pass, you’ll receive a letter with your pass certificate number on it. Make sure you keep this safe because you may need the number when you book your practical test.
- Your theory test certificate is valid for 2 years. If you do not pass your practical test in that time, you’ll have to take the theory test again before you can take the practical test.
- If you do not pass the theory test, you’ll need to wait at least 3 working days before you can retake it. Use this time to do some more preparation.