Roadcraft | The Theory Test | Driving school providing driving lessons in Whitchurch

The Driving Theory Test

The 'Are You Ready?' DVD provided by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) when you apply for your test is a good introduction to the Theory test, which consists of 2 parts:

1. The Theory Questions

This first part requires you to answer 50 multiple-choice questions, using a touch screen at a Theory Test Centre. (See below for addresses of nearest Theory Test Centres.)

The pass mark is 43 and 57 minutes are allowed for this part of the test.

There are around 1200 possible questions, based on information in 'The Highway Code' and 'Know Your Traffic Signs'.

There are many websites offering the chance to practice the questions, and the DSA books, CDs and DVDs contain them all. (See 'Learning to Drive: Useful Information' on this website or in hard-copy form from me.)

2. The Hazard Perception Test

The hazard perception test consists of 14 video clips, each lasting a minute. The clips feature various types of hazards relating to vehicles, pedestrians and road conditions, as seen from the viewpoint of the driver of a moving car. You need to click a mouse button as soon as you think a hazard that may cause you to take action is developing. The earlier the developing hazard is identified, the higher your score, from 5 down to zero. There are several hazards in each clip, and you need to click on each one, but only one is scored - apart from one clip, which has two scoring hazards.

You need to score 44 out of 75 to pass.

The DSA DVDs, and others such the 'Driving Success' series contain practice clips. (See 'Learning to Drive: Useful Information' on this website or in hard-copy form from me.)

There is a chance to practice both parts of the Theory Test at the Test Centre before you start, and both parts have to be passed at the same time.

How to book a theory test

Before you can take your theory test you will need to make sure you have a valid provisional driving licence. You can apply for a provisional driving licence from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The application form (form D1) can be obtained from your local Post Office.

Once you have a valid provisional driving licence you can book your theory test. Waiting times vary from centre to centre, but the target is that 95% of theory test candidates receive an appointment date within two weeks of their preferred date.

Booking online
To book a theory test online you will need:

a valid UK driving licence
a valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted)

Booking by phone
To book a theory test with an operator over the phone you will need:

a valid UK driving licence
a valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted)

You can book a theory test over the phone on 0870 01 01 372, from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, Monday to Friday except on Bank Holidays.

Contact Details

Address:
Driving Standards Agency
Customer Services
PO BOX 381
Salford

Postcode:M50 3UW

Email: customercare@pearson.com

Phone: 0870 0101 372

Minicom:0870 0106 372

Fax: 0870 0104 372

Welsh Speakers:0870 0100 372

Booking by post
To book a theory test by post you will need an application form. Application forms are available online from the DSA website, on request from the Driving Standards Agency booking line (0870 01 01 372) or from theory and practical test centres (See addresses below). Payment can be made by cheque or postal order, but cash payments are not accepted.

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 three clear working days notice you can:

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

What to bring to your test

You will need:

both parts of your signed photocard licence (the photocard and paper counterpart)
if you have an old-style licence you must bring your paper licence and a valid passport
your appointment card or booking number

If you don't bring the correct documents with you on the day, you won't be able to take your test and you will lose your fee.

Local Theory Test Centres