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UK Driving Theory and Hazard Perception Test

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Everything You Need To Know About Taking Your Driving Theory Test

 

Since July 1996, all UK learner drivers have had to pass a theory test before being allowed to take their practical test.

In 2002, a hazard perception element was added to the existing multiple choice element and both parts must be taken and passed in one sitting before an appointment to take the practical driving test can be booked.

This page aims to provide more information about the UK theory test including what is involved in the test, how to prepare for it, how to book a test and links to videos and training resources for the Theory and Hazard Perception test.

Please see the Table of Contents below for a list of the specific topics covered on this page.

Who Needs To Take A Theory Test? 

If you are a learner driver you must take and pass your theory test before you book your practical test. If you already have a driving licence you might not have to take another theory test if you want to start driving a different vehicle...

UK Licence Holders - you need to take a theory test if you want a licence for a new category of vehicle, for example, if you have a car licence and you want a motorcycle licence you will need to take a theory test. If, however, you want to upgrade within a vehicle category you will not normally need to take a theory test, for example, if you have a full automatic car licence and you want a manual car licence you will not have to take a theory test. It is your responsibility to make sure you have the correct licence for the vehicle you are driving

Foreign Licence Holders -
EEA Countries - If you hold a valid Community licence and you are visiting Great Britain, you can drive any vehicle for as long as your licence remains valid. The appropriate full entitlement for the vehicle you wish to drive must be shown on your licence.
Non EEA Countries - If you hold a full driving licence issued outside the EEA it may be possible to exchange it for an equivalent British licence. You should contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to find out if you can exchange your foreign licence. If you cannot exchange your foreign licence you will have to apply for a British provisional licence and take a theory and practical test.

For more information click the following link;
Do you need to take a driving theory test? : Directgov - Motoring
DirectGov website

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The Theory Test 

What does the Theory Test actually involve?

The theory test is made up of two parts;

1) 50 Multiple Choice Questions

2) Hazard Perception Test


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.

The test is carried out entirely on a touch screen computer.

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The Multiple Choice Part Of The Theory Test 

The multiple choice part of the test consists of 50 questions covering various driving topics.

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 element, you have to answer a minimum of 43 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.

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How To Prepare For Your Theory Test 

Theory test training and study materials - useful books, CDROM's and DVDi's to help you study for and pass your Theory Test

Your instructor will recommend the best time for you to take the test, but normally it makes sense to take the theory test soon after starting to learn.

With your first theory test booking confirmation letter, the DSA send you a DVD called "Are you ready?" which you should watch as this explains the process of taking the theory test.

There is a bewildering variety of commercial resources on the market to help you study for your Theory and Hazard Perception test.

To make things easier for you, we've assembled a collection of the very best training aids below!



The Official Highway Code


The Highway Code (book)

Essential reading for all road users, from pedestrians to lorry drivers and from horse riders to motorcyclists. Many of the rules in the code are legal requirements and failure to adhere to the rules could result in prosecution.

Don't attempt the Theory Test without a good knowledge of The Highway Code as many of the questions are based on it!


Know Your Traffic Signs
(Driving Skills)

Know Your Traffic Signs (book)

Many of the questions in the Theory Test relate to the various road signs found on British roads and this book illustrates and explains the vast majority of traffic signs that the road user is likely to encounter.







The Official DSA Theory Test for Car Drivers and The Official Highway Code 2008/09 Edition:
And the Official Highway Code:
Valid for Theory Tests Taken from 1 September 2008

The Official DSA Theory Test for Car Drivers (book)

The No. 1 best-selling theory test book, which is essential reading for learner car drivers. This is the only official book that includes the entire bank of car theory test questions and also gives the full Driving Standards Agency (DSA) explanation of the answers. It is written by DSA, the people who set the tests.















Driving Test Success ALL Tests 2008/09 Edition
(PC)

Driving Test Success (PC software)

Driving Test Success has been the best selling Theory and Practical driving test software brand since 1997, helping over 1 million people to pass their tests. As recommended by driving schools nationwide, Driving Test Success will help you pass your test - or your money back!
Contains EVERY question and answer from the entire OFFICIAL DSA Theory Test Question Bank, containing over 1,200 questions for learner car drivers.
Sit UNLIMITED mock tests with different questions every time.
Essential advice and video tutorial for the Theory Test.
View hints for each question and detailed explanations of every answer.
Test your knowledge of every road sign that you may come across in your exam
View, search and print the latest digital version of The OFFICIAL Highway Code
THEORY TEST * HAZARD PERCEPTION TEST * THE HIGHWAY CODE * ROAD SIGNS TEST * THEORY TEST BOOK * PRACTICAL TEST



Driving Test Success ALL TESTS 2008/09 Interactive DVD


Driving Test Success All Tests Interactive (DVDi - interactive DVD, no PC required - all you need is a TV and DVD player)

Containing everything you need to know about the Driving Theory Test, this interactive DVD contains ALL the questions and answers from the OFFICIAL DSA Theory Test.
View hints and detailed explanations for every answer.
Sit hundreds of mock tests to see if you are ready for the exam.
View the 10 OFFICIAL DSA Hazard Perception sample video clips and Introduction video.
View the up-to-date Highway Code
DVD 1 - THEORY * DVD 2 - HAZARD PERCEPTION * DVD 3 - PRACTICAL



The Official DSA Complete Theory Test Kit 2008/09 Edition

The Official DSA Complete Theory Test Kit (PC software & DVD)

Contains The Official DSA Theory Test CD-ROM and The Official DSA Guide to Hazard Perception DVD
The Official DSA CD-ROM includes the entire bank of theory test questions and explains the answers
Test yourself on all of the current car theory test questions you may be asked
Experience what it is like to take the test by sitting a realistic mock exam
The Hazard Perception DVD will help you prepare for the theory and practical driving tests
Includes the official DSA hazard perception video clips with feedback on your performance
Test your hazard perception skills interactively and receive a score and feedback after each clip.

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Practice The Theory Test (Multiple Choice) Online 

Sites to give you a taste of what's involved in the multiple choice part of the Theory Test

Commercially produced products go into more depth but you can get an idea of what's involved online...
Driving Standards Agency (DSA) online Practice Theory Tests
Two free official DSA sample Theory Tests (requires registration)
DSA "practise your theory test" website
Practise for your Theory Test with the Driving Standards Agency - the people who set the driving tests. By subscribing you can access all of the official DSA Theory Test questions used in the actual test.For as little as £6.99 for a 30 day period, you can practise taking these tests as many times as you like.
LearnerStuff - Free Online Mock Theory Tests / Exams
Free practice mock driving theory tests are very similar to the real multiple choice section of the test (one question per page) but with the real DSA theory test you are allowed to flag a question so that you can return to it at a later stage. On Learnerstuff you cannot return to the previous question, so the real test should be a bit easier if you use the flaging option to your advantage.
Driving-Test-Success.com - FREE ONLINE DRIVING THEORY TEST PRACTICE & MOCK THEORY TEST QUESTIONS
Practise the driving theory test online with 3 mock theory tests, a stopping distances and speed limit theory test & UK road signs theory test. For all the UK road signs, pictures and definitions

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The Hazard Perception Part Of The Theory Test 

The hazard perception part of the test commences 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 in the hazard perception part of the test to pass.

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How To Prepare For Your Hazard Perception Test 

Hazard Perception test training and study materials - useful CDROM's and DVDi's to help you study for and pass your Hazard Perception Test

Your instructor will recommend the best time for you to take the test, but normally it makes sense to take the theory test soon after starting to learn.

With your first theory test booking confirmation letter, the DSA send you a DVD called "Are you ready?" which you should watch as this explains the process of taking the theory test.

There is a bewildering variety of commercial resources on the market to help you study for your Theory and Hazard Perception test.

To make things easier for you, we've assembled a collection of the very best training aids below!



Driving Test Success ALL Tests 2008/09 Edition
(PC)

Driving Test Success (PC software)

Driving Test Success has been the best selling Theory and Practical driving test software brand since 1997, helping over 1 million people to pass their tests. As recommended by driving schools nationwide, Driving Test Success will help you pass your test - or your money back!
Contains EVERY question and answer from the entire OFFICIAL DSA Theory Test Question Bank, containing over 1,200 questions for learner car drivers.
Sit UNLIMITED mock tests with different questions every time.
Essential advice and video tutorial for the Theory Test.
View hints for each question and detailed explanations of every answer.
Test your knowledge of every road sign that you may come across in your exam
View, search and print the latest digital version of The OFFICIAL Highway Code

THEORY TEST * HAZARD PERCEPTION TEST * THE HIGHWAY CODE * ROAD SIGNS TEST * THEORY TEST BOOK * PRACTICAL TEST



Driving Test Success ALL TESTS 2008/09 Interactive DVD


Driving Test Success All Tests Interactive (DVDi - interactive DVD, no PC required - all you need is a TV and DVD player)

Containing everything you need to know about the Driving Theory Test, this interactive DVD contains ALL the questions and answers from the OFFICIAL DSA Theory Test.
View hints and detailed explanations for every answer.
Sit hundreds of mock tests to see if you are ready for the exam.
View the 10 OFFICIAL DSA Hazard Perception sample video clips and Introduction video.
View the up-to-date Highway Code

DVD 1 - THEORY * DVD 2 - HAZARD PERCEPTION * DVD 3 - PRACTICAL



The Official DSA Complete Theory Test Kit 2008/09 Edition

The Official DSA Complete Theory Test Kit (PC software & DVD)

Contains The Official DSA Theory Test CD-ROM and The Official DSA Guide to Hazard Perception DVD
The Official DSA CD-ROM includes the entire bank of theory test questions and explains the answers
Test yourself on all of the current car theory test questions you may be asked
Experience what it is like to take the test by sitting a realistic mock exam
The Hazard Perception DVD will help you prepare for the theory and practical driving tests
Includes the official DSA hazard perception video clips with feedback on your performance
Test your hazard perception skills interactively and receive a score and feedback after each clip.

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Practice The Hazard Perception Test Online 

Not quite like the real thing but it'll give you an idea of what's involved...

To be honest, commercially produced CDROM's and DVDi's are much better. There's not much available free online (and what there is, isn't very good, so if you find something better please let us know!), but if you want an approximation of what's involved, try these out...
2Pass Hazard Perception Test Video
With the help of sponsors Focus and Imagitech, 2Pass have put together a video clip to help explain how the hazard perception test is marked with explanations about the 'marking window' and how to watch the clips for hazards.
Driving-Test-Success.com
Hazard perception test tips and information plus three animated (not video) online mock hazard perception test clips.

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Theory Test Videos 

......needless to say we do not guarantee, endorse or recommend any information, products or services available via any 3rd party sites and any links to external sites are provided for information purposes only...

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Driving Test - What to expect from your driving theory test

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How to pass the Hazard Perception part of the Theory Test

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Pass Your Driving Test: Traffic signs, etc.

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How Much Does It Cost To Take A Theory Test? 

Theory Test Fees

The fee for the test is currently £30.00.

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

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Where Can I Take My Theory Test? 

Theory Test Centre Locations

The test is carried out by Pearson VUE on behalf of the Driving Standards Agency at around 160 theory test centres throughout the Country.

You can choose to take your test at whichever test centre you like!

Click the following link to see the full list of UK Theory Test Centres; Theory Test Centres

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How To Book A Theory Test 

Book your Theory Test online, by telephone or by post

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 - Information Pages and link to Online Test Booking Service

Phone Booking - You can book a theory test over the phone using the numbers below, from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm except on 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 online or on request from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) booking line - Download A Theory Test Application Form

Cancelling or rescheduling a test
You can reschedule or cancel a test over the phone via the booking line or you can do it 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
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What Happens During The Theory Test 

Proceedure at the Theory Test Centre

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 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.

You should also take your test appointment letter with you.

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.

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.

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Your Test Result 

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!

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Learner Driver Shop 

Buy learning to drive theory and practical test training materials online...

Links To Theory Test Resources 

Direct Gov - Theory Test
Direct Gov section with detailed information and resources about the Theory Test
Highway Code
Online version of the full Highway Code
Driving Test Success
Free online driving theory test practice & mock theory test
LearnerStuff
Free practice mock driving theory tests
TheoryTestAdvice.co.uk
Advice, help and support for the driving theory test for car drivers. Free resources to help prepare plus a support forum that is manned by professional driving instructors to help answer any questions you may have on tests or learning to drive.

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Learner Driver Advice 

"How-To" Learn To Drive A Car Lenses

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Learner Driver News 

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