Theory and Hazard Perception Test (UK)

The content of this page is copyright of CDT (author) February 2012. Please DO NOT copy or reproduce elsewhere either in print or online.

You do not have to take a theory test if you:-

* want to upgrade your licence in the same category of vehicle - for example, upgrade your car licence to be able to drive a car towing a large trailer

* have a licence to drive automatic cars and/or motorcycles and want to upgrade your licence to a manual gearbox for the same type of vehicle

* have passed a theory test and a practical moped test, and want to upgrade to a motorcycle licence

* have full entitlement to drive certain motor vehicles - for example, motor tricycles, because you have a full motorcycle licence issued before 1 February 2001

* have a full licence for an invalid carriage

Back to Theory Test index

The theory test is made up of two parts;

1) 50 Multiple Choice Questions

2) Hazard Perception Test consisting of 14 video clips, each clip lasting around a minute. There are a total of 15 hazards.

You must pass both the multiple choice and hazard perception parts at the same test appointment to achieve an overall pass.

If you pass one part, but fail the other, you will have to book another appointment to take BOTH parts of the test again.

The test is carried out under exam conditions in a dedicated Theory Test centre entirely on a touch screen computer (you do have the option of using a mouse if you prefer!). Headphones will need to be worn throughout the entire test.

A voiceover can be requested in which the questions and answers are automatically read out to help those with reading difficulties, or for whom English is not their first language.

Back to Theory Test index

The test is booked by contacting the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).

You will need;
1) A valid, signed UK provisional driving licence
2) A valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted)

Online Booking - Book your theory driving test online

Phone Booking - You can book a theory test over the phone using the numbers below, Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 6.00 pm (excluding Bank Holidays).
Theory test booking line - 0300 200 1122
Welsh language booking line - 0300 200 1133
Minicom booking line - 0300 200 1166
Fax booking line - 0300 200 1177

Booking By Post - To book a theory test by post you'll need an application form. Application forms are available on request from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) booking line or download one online at Apply for a driving theory test application form

Cancelling Or Rescheduling A Theory Test
You can reschedule or cancel a test over the phone via the booking line as above, or you can do it online at Check, change or cancel your theory driving test online.

Providing you give DSA three clear working days notice you can:

*move or change your appointment
*cancel your appointment
*have a full refund of your test fee

Back to Theory Test index

The test is carried out by Pearson VUE on behalf of the Driving Standards Agency at theory test centres throughout the country.

Back to Theory Test index

The fee for the theory test in 2012 is £31.00

Click the following link to see full details of all Driving Test Fees

Back to Theory Test index

Before you set off, make sure you know where the Theory Test centre is and if you are travelling by car, make sure you know where to park. If you arrive late, you will not be allowed to take the test and will lose your test fee.

You must be at the test centre at least 15 minutes before the time scheduled for your test to allow the test centre staff time to book you in.

You should take your test appointment letter with you and more importantly;.

You MUST show both parts of your valid driving licence (the photocard and the paper counterpart) at the test centre.

IF YOU DO NOT PRODUCE BOTH PARTS OF YOUR PROVISIONAL LICENCE YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TAKE THE THEORY TEST AND YOU WILL LOSE YOUR TEST FEE.

Once you have been registered at reception you will then be taken to the test room. You may not take anything into the room with you - all personal items must be stored in the lockers provided including mobile phones and watches!.

Once you're in the test room you may not talk to or distract other candidates.

The computer screen will display your name and the category of test you're taking.

If you have any problems during the theory test, you should raise your hand to attract the attention of the test invigilator.

Before the test starts you'll be given instructions on how the test works.

You can then 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.

You then have a maximum of 57 minutes to answer 50 questions, although you do not have to use the whole 57 minutes if you do not wish to.

After the multiple choice part, you can choose to have a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception part starts. You must however, remain seated and silent during this time. The Hazard Perception test will begin automatically after 3 minutes or if you do not wish to wait, it will begin when you click the mouse.

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

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 are not allowed to enter it again.

You will then return to the reception area and be given your result by the test centre staff.

Back to Theory Test index

The first part of the theory test consists of 50 questions covering various driving topics. You are given several answers and asked to choose which is correct. You will have to select one answer for most questions, but there are a few questions where you will need to select several answers, so make sure you read all the questions thoroughly!

From 28 September 2009, the multiple choice section has included a "case study" in the form of a scenario, or short story, on which five questions are based. For more information about this change to the Theory Test and to see some example Case Study scenarios and questions, please see; Theory Test Case Studies

The questions appear on a computer screen and you touch the screen (or use the mouse if you prefer) to select your answer or answers from the selection given. You can navigate between questions and 'flag' questions that you want to come back to later in the test.

To pass this part, you have to answer a minimum of 43 out of the 50 questions correctly in the 57 minutes allowed.

You will be given the opportunity to work through a practice session lasting up to 15 minutes to familiarise yourself with the system before the test.

Back to Theory Test index

The Hazard Perception Test is a test of your ability to spot and react to potential hazards whilst driving.

The hazard perception part of the test follows the multiple choice section and will commence automatically after a break of up to three minutes.

You are shown a tutorial video first that explains how the test works.

For this part of the test, you will need to wear the headphones provided.

The test itself consists of 14 video clips of around a minute each.

Each clip contains numerous hazards including parked cars, pedestrians, moving vehicles and so on. When you see a hazard developing that might result in the driver having to take some action, specifically changing speed or direction, you should click the mouse. The earlier you respond to the situation arising, the better and the higher you will score.

You won't be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test - in order for the test to be as much like real driving as possible, you only get one chance to respond to the developing hazard.

The maximum score for each hazard is 5.

13 of the 14 clips contain one hazard with the other clip containing two.

You need to score a minimum of 44 points (out of a possible 75) in the hazard perception part of the test to pass.

Back to Theory Test index

The software featured in the two video clips above is "Driving Test Success" by Focus Multimedia.

"Driving Test Success" is available as a CD ROM for use on a PC and also as a DVDi for use on a DVD player or compatable games console (i.e. any games console that will play DVDs!).

Driving Test Success All Tests 2012 Edition (PC)

Driving Test Success All Tests 2012 Edition (PC)
by Focus Multimedia Ltd

Recommended and endorsed by the leading driving instructor associations: Motor Schools Association (MSA), Driving Instructors Association (DIA) and Approved Driving Instructors National Joint Council (ADINJC).

"Focus Multimedia produce the best driving test software available." Approved Driving Instructor News

* THEORY TEST - ALL the official DSA revision questions with full official explanations to help you understand and remember the correct answers
* HAZARD PERCEPTION TEST - Includes the 10 OFFICIAL DSA Hazard Perception sample video clips and OFFICIAL introduction video
* PRACTICE - unlimited mock tests for both the multiple choice Theory and Hazard Perception tests
* PRACTICAL TEST - Over 50 high quality video tutorials including the new INDEPENDENT DRIVING part of the driving test
* MOCK DRIVING TEST - Watch a full, up to date mock driving test from inside the car and find out exactly what the examiner is looking for
* ROAD SIGNS TEST- Test your knowledge of every road sign that you may come across in your theory exam
* SHOW ME, TELL ME (Vehicle Safety questions) - all the official DSA test questions and expert answers, plus step-by-step video tutorials
* The OFFICIAL Highway Code
* Learn ON THE GO using your iPod, mobile phone or portable music player

Driving Test Success All Tests DVD 2012 Edition (Interactive DVD)

Driving Test Success All Tests DVD 2012 Edition (Interactive DVD)
by Focus Multimedia Ltd

Requires a DVD player with remote, a DVD-compatible video games console, or a Mac fitted with a DVD drive.

Plays on any DVD compatible device including:
DVD player
Xbox 360
PlayStation 3
PC/MAC

Set of 3 DVDs:
DVD 1 - THEORY TEST - all the OFFICIAL DSA revision questions, explanations and practise questions covering everything you could be asked in your Theory Test, along with interactive mock tests, traffic signs and road markings and the latest digital edition of The Highway Code.

DVD 2 - HAZARD PERCEPTION TEST - over 100 interactive test simulation video clips that will help you to practice for the Hazard Perception part of the Theory Test.plus hundreds of interactive mock tests to prepare you for your exam

DVD 3 - PRACTICAL TEST - includes over 50 video driving lessons from professional driving instructors, the Show me, Tell me questions and expert advice on what's required to pass your driving test.including a full Mock Driving Test so you know what to expect and gain an insight of what the examiner will be looking for.

Back to Theory Test index

Books can ONLY help you study for the multiple choice part of the Theory Test. You'll need additional software or an interactive DVD to familiarise yourself with and practice for the Hazard Perception part of the test.

The Official DSA Theory Test for Car Drivers and the Official Highway Code 2012 [Paperback]

The Official DSA Theory Test for Car Drivers and the Official Highway Code 2012 [Paperback]
by Driving Standards Agency (Author)

Brand new official guide from the Driving Standards Agency, which contains all the information you need to pass the multiple choice part of your driving theory test. Contains all the official DSA revision questions with explanations to help you fully understand the answers. Also includes The Official Highway Code, DSA practice case studies and Theory Test Extra eBook which explains the theory behind each topic in an easy-to-remember way, with mock tests to check your knowledge.

Back to Theory Test index

The Official DSA Complete Theory Test Kit - 2012 (PC/Mac)

The Official DSA Complete Theory Test Kit - 2012 (PC/Mac)
by Driving Standards Agency (Author)

Brand new 2012 software pack from the Driving Standards Agency, which contains all the information you need to pass both the multiple choice and hazard perception parts of your driving theory test. Study, practise and then test yourself with all the official DSA revision questions with explanations to help you fully understand the answers and interactive DSA demonstration clips to enable you to develop and practice your hazard perception skills. Sit unlimited mock tests with full results analysis. Also includes official DSA practice case studies and the Highway Code.

Back to Theory Test index

For those who don't have access to a computer, this interactive DVD enables those without a PC to get that all-important practice for the Hazard Perception test.

All you need is a DVD player with remote, a DVD-compatible video games console, or a Mac fitted with a DVD drive. Simply pop in a disc (there are three of them, one for each test) and start revising!

Driving Test Success All Tests DVD 2012 Edition (Interactive DVD)

Driving Test Success All Tests DVD 2012 Edition (Interactive DVD)
by Focus Multimedia Ltd

Requires a DVD player with remote, a DVD-compatible video games console, or a Mac fitted with a DVD drive.

Plays on any DVD compatible device including:
DVD player
Xbox 360
PlayStation 3
PC/MAC

Set of 3 DVDs:
DVD 1 - THEORY TEST - all the OFFICIAL DSA revision questions, explanations and practise questions covering everything you could be asked in your Theory Test, along with interactive mock tests, traffic signs and road markings and the latest digital edition of The Highway Code.

DVD 2 - HAZARD PERCEPTION TEST - over 100 interactive test simulation video clips that will help you to practice for the Hazard Perception part of the Theory Test.plus hundreds of interactive mock tests to prepare you for your exam

DVD 3 - PRACTICAL TEST - includes over 50 video driving lessons from professional driving instructors, the Show me, Tell me questions and expert advice on what's required to pass your driving test.including a full Mock Driving Test so you know what to expect and gain an insight of what the examiner will be looking for.

Back to Theory Test index

Back to Theory Test index

When you have finished the test you may leave the examination room.

Once you have left the room, you will not be allowed to enter it again.

You'll then be given your result by the test centre staff.

You must pass both the multiple choice and hazard perception parts at the same time to achieve an overall pass. Scoring 50 on the multiple choice is insufficient to pass overall if you only score 43 on the hazard perception.

From April 2008, the DSA no longer issue separate Theory Test pass certificates. The pass number is now printed at the bottom of the results sheet.

KEEP THE PRINT-OUT OF YOUR TEST RESULT VERY SAFE AS YOU WILL NEED THE THEORY TEST PASS NUMBER PRINTED NEAR THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE IN ORDER TO BOOK YOUR PRACTICAL TEST.

The Theory Test pass is valid for 2 years from the date you pass the test and you must pass your Practical Test before the end of that two year period. If you do not pass your Practical Test within this time limit, you will have to take the Theory Test again!

Back to Theory Test index

UK Theory Test
Theory and Hazard Perception Test
Traffic Signs Quiz

Preparing For Your Driving Test
Learning To Drive A Car
How To Find A Driving Instructor
How To Beat Driving Test Nerves

How To Pass Your Driving Test
Driving Test Manoeuvres
How To Reverse Around a Corner
How To Do A Turn In The Road (3 Point Turn)
How To Bay Park
How To Parallel Park
How To Do An Emergency Stop

What Happens During The Practical Driving Test
Practical Driving Test (Cars)

Study Aids For Learner Drivers
Recommended Books For Learner Drivers
Best DVDs For Learner Drivers
Gift Ideas For Learner Drivers

Foreign Language Translations For The UK Driving Theory Test
Theory Test In Punjabi
Theory Test In Urdu
Theory Test In Polish

Back to Theory Test index

Back to Theory Test index