Theory and Hazard Perception Test (UK)

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!). You will need to wear headphones.

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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

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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 Theory Test
You can reschedule or cancel a test over the phone via the booking line or you can do it online. Links and phone numbers as above.

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

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From 30 March 2009, the fee for the theory test is £31.00

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

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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.

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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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.

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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.

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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!).

See below for more details - I used this software myself for my driving instructor exams and it's VERY good...

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

Driving Test Success ALL Tests 2008/09 Edition (PC - Windows Vista / XP )
by Focus Multimedia Ltd

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!

* THEORY TEST - Contains the complete DSA Theory Test question bank
* HAZARD PERCEPTION TEST - Includes the 10 OFFICIAL DSA Hazard Perception sample video clips and OFFICIAL introduction video
* PRACTICAL TEST - Over 60 high quality video tutorials
* ROAD SIGNS TEST- Test your knowledge of every road sign that you may come across in your theory exam
* The OFFICIAL Highway Code
* SAFE DRIVING for Life
* Learn ON THE GO using your iPod, mobile phone or portable music player
* Sit UNLIMITED mock tests with different questions every time.
* View hints for each question and detailed explanations of every answer.

Driving Test Success ALL TESTS 2008/09 Interactive DVD

Driving Test Success ALL TESTS 2008/09 Interactive DVD
by Focus Multimedia Ltd

Includes DVD 1 - THEORY TEST - contains ALL the questions and answers from the OFFICIAL DSA Theory Test
DVD 2 - HAZARD PERCEPTION TEST - over 190 video clips that will help you to recognise potential dangers on the roads.
DVD 3 - PRACTICAL TEST - over 60 video lessons

There are lots of other Theory Test products available for PC and games consoles - and some even allow you to practice using your iPod or mobile phone!

Click the following link to see a wider range of Theory Test products

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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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All In One Driving Test 2008/2009
£9.78
Click here to buy direct from manufacturer

All In One Driving Test 2008/2009
£9.78

The UK's Best-Selling All-In-One Driving Test Software

Manufacturer's Product Description:
We're so confident that using this product will significantly increase your chances of passing the Theory Test, we're offering £50 worth of Avanquest software to anyone who fails the Theory Test, having thoroughly used the product!

* New official DSA Theory Test Questions
* Over 400 Hazard Perception Clips
* 10 Official DSA Hazard Perception practice clips
* The Official Hazard Perception Test introduction video
* Practical Test Training Tutorials
* Mock Driving Test to see what the examiner is looking for
* New official DSA Show Me, Tell Me questions
* Learn on the move - practise DSA questions on your mobile phone, iPod, PDA etc.
* Printable E-books - Theory Test and Highway Code workbooks

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

Driving Test Success ALL Tests 2008/09 Edition (PC - Windows Vista / XP )
by Focus Multimedia Ltd

"The best and most comprehensive learner driver product on the market." - Approved Driving Instructor News

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!

* THEORY TEST - Contains the complete DSA Theory Test question bank
* HAZARD PERCEPTION TEST - Includes the 10 OFFICIAL DSA Hazard Perception sample video clips and OFFICIAL introduction video
* PRACTICAL TEST - Over 60 high quality video tutorials
* ROAD SIGNS TEST- Test your knowledge of every road sign that you may come across in your theory exam
* The OFFICIAL Highway Code
* SAFE DRIVING for Life
* Learn ON THE GO using your iPod, mobile phone or portable music player
* Sit UNLIMITED mock tests with different questions every time.
* View hints for each question and detailed explanations of every answer.


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For those who don't have access to a computer, this interactive DVD is invaluable. It will run on a DVD player or DVD compatible games console and enables those without a PC to get that all-important practice for the Hazard Perception test.

Driving Test Success ALL TESTS 2008/09 Interactive DVD

Driving Test Success ALL TESTS 2008/09 Interactive DVD
by Focus Multimedia Ltd

Includes DVD 1 - THEORY TEST - contains ALL the questions and answers from the OFFICIAL DSA Theory Test
DVD 2 - HAZARD PERCEPTION TEST - this highly realistic DVD is packed with over 190 unique video clips that will help you to recognise potential dangers on the roads. Gain the vital experience and confidence you need to pass the Hazard Perception part of your Theory test
DVD 3 - PRACTICAL TEST - over 60 video lessons and the 19 OFFICIAL DSA Show Me, Tell Me questions

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Driving Test
(Nintendo DS)

Driving Test (Nintendo DS)

* Learn - Reference section with video and text information on preparing for the theory test and the process involved in passing the test.
* Practice - Three minigames designed around the DSA content principles.
* Test - Take a test in the format of the official theory test using the DSA official question bank. As with the real theory test, these have a set time limit in which to complete. This section is broken down into 3 areas:

* Quick Test: choose how many questions you want and the time limit
* Mock Theory Test: Full-length test with questions from the official DSA question bank
* Hazard Perception: 8 video tests provided by the DSA to emulate the experience of the real test as taken on the test day - tap on the touch pad every time you see a potential hazard

Pass Your Driving Theory Test DS
(Nintendo DS)

Pass Your Driving Theory Test DS (Nintendo DS)

Pass Your Driving Theory Test is the essential interactive guide to help you pass your theory test, first time!
* Includes all 1,265 official questions from the OFFICIAL DSA Theory Test Question Bank for cars and motorcycles, with explanations for every answer
* Features 4 test modes - Custom Test, Quick Test, DSA Test and Mock Theory Test mode
* Personalised progress and statics charts highlight your Mock Theory test strengths and weaknesses
* Helping you to focus your studies on the areas that need it most

Driving Theory Training
(Nintendo DS)

Driving Theory Training (Nintendo DS)

* Over 1,000 questions for car and motorcycle learner drivers
* Realistic Exam Mode, Training Mode and Challenge Mode
* Includes the Offficial Highway Code - road signs, stopping distances, etc.
* Statistics to show your strengths and weaknesses
* Minigames - park your car, road sign games, and many more
* Driving simulation to prepare for Practical part of driving test

Nintendo DS Lite Handheld Console
(White)

Nintendo DS Lite Handheld Console (White) * OTHER COLOURS AVAILABLE - Click link for more

Nintendo DS Lite portable console.
* Advanced touch screen technology, allowing players to control software with a stylus or even their finger,
* Dual screens,
* Voice recognition
* Wi-Fi
* Advanced 3D graphics engine and 16-channel audio, for graphics and Sound that are superior to other portable game systems
* Available in three separate colours: White, Black and Pink
* Light, pocket-sized
* Easy-to-use controls, bright screen and range of games.

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

The Official Highway Code

The Official Highway Code [Illustrated] (Paperback)
by Department for Transport (Author), Driving Standards Agency (Author), HMSO (Editor)

Essential reading for all road users in England, Scotland and Wales. This latest edition of the only official Highway Code contains the very latest rules of the road. Many of these rules are legal requirements and must be adhered to, in order to avoid penalty fines, penalty points, disqualification or even prison. The rules also include a reference to the legislation that creates the offence. The Official Highway Code reflects the latest legislation that road users must adhere to, advice on road safety and best practice.

Know Your Traffic Signs
(Driving Skills)

Know Your Traffic Signs (Driving Skills) (Paperback)
by Department for Transport (Author)

This handy reference title illustrates and explains the vast majority of traffic signs that a road user is likely to encounter. A thorough knowledge of all traffic signs is essential for all road users, not just new drivers or riders. Although The Official Highway Code contains most of the commonly used road signs which are prescribed by the Traffic Signs Regulations, it does not give a comprehensive explanation of our signing system. This is therefore a perfect complimentary title to The Official Highway Code.

Theory Test Extra:
the Official DSA Guide 2008/09

Theory Test Extra: the Official DSA Guide 2008/09 Edition [Illustrated] [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. Perfect for study when you re away from home, this handy guide covers every subject you could be tested on, in a narrative format. The title also contains two sample revision tests so you can practise and test your knowledge.
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Learner Driver Online Shop

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Overcome your driving test nerves with Driving Test Angel