Driver Training
Tel: 0800 61 23 593
Safe Driving For Life
The Theory Test
Do I need to take a driving theory test?
• If you are a learner driver you must take and pass the theory test before you book your practical test
What is involved in the theory test?
• The test consists of two parts; part one is a multiple choice test (some questions may require more than one answer); part two is a hazard perception test. You will need to pass both parts of the test
• 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.
• The multiple choice part is delivered using a touch screen computer
• You can also 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 (time allowed for the multiple part is 57 minutes; pass mark is 43 out of 50)
• If you have any problems during the theory test, you should raise your hand to attract the attention of the test invigilator
• The hazard perception part is delivered on a computer and you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. You will be presented with a series of video clips which feature every day road scenes. In each clip there will be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards.
• To achieve a high score you will need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development. The maximum you can score on each hazard is five
• You will not be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test; as on the road, you will only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard, so you will need to concentrate throughout each clip.
• If you react inappropriately during the video clip by clicking continuously or in a pattern of responses you will score zero for that clip. At the end of the clip a pop-up box will appear informing you that you have scored zero for that particular clip (14 video clips; 15 developing hazards; pass mark 44 out of 75)
• When you have finished the test you may leave the examination room. Once you have left the room, you'll not be allowed to enter it again. You'll then be given your result by the test centre staff.
• Note: it is a criminal offence to allow someone to take a theory test on your behalf
What happens if I have special needs?
• The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) provides a number of facilities for those people with special requirements, including foreign language voiceovers, extra time, British Sign Language interpretation and translator assisted tests.
• All of the facilities provided need to be requested at the time of booking
• For further information click here
How do I prepare for the theory test?
• With your first theory test booking confirmation letter, DSA send you a DVD called "Are you ready?" which you should watch as this explains the process of taking the theory test
• DSA also provide an online service that allows you to test your knowledge and understanding of the Highway Code, Know Your Traffic Signs and the Essential Skills series of books. The resource material is available from most high street book shops and from the DSA official online bookstore
• The practice theory tests only contain multiple choice questions and do not allow you to practise the hazard perception test online. Repeatedly scoring a pass on the practice tests does not guarantee a pass when you take the real theory test under proper exam conditions
• If you want to practise a multiple choice test online click here
• New drivers are disproportionately involved in accidents, especially in the first months after passing a driving test. It has been proven that drivers who have taken hazard perception training have much better hazard perception skills.
• The hazard perception training material has been developed for use and with guidance from a professional trainer. Integrating theoretical hazard perception training into the practical training sessions will ensure that competence is achieved in each of the necessary skills
• The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has developed a modular, multi-media training resource for the hazard perception test. The resource is available in DVD and VHS video format and is called 'The official guide to hazard perception'
How do I book a theory test?
• Before you can book your theory test you'll need to make sure you have a valid provisional driving license. You can apply online for a provisional driving license from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The application form D1 can be obtained from your local Post Office.
• You can book your theory test online, by phone or by post
• Waiting times vary but the target is that 95 per cent of theory test candidates receive an appointment date within two weeks of their preferred date.
Where is my nearest test centre?
• There are 3 test centres in the local area; Southampton; Portsmouth; Fareham
What documentation should I take with me to the theory test?
• You will need to take both parts of your valid driving license (the photocard and the paper counterpart). If you have an old-style license without a photo you must also bring a valid passport. If you don't show the required documents you won't be allowed to test and you'll lose your fee
Do I need to take a driving theory test?
• If you are a learner driver you must take and pass the theory test before you book your practical test
What is involved in the theory test?
• The test consists of two parts; part one is a multiple choice test (some questions may require more than one answer); part two is a hazard perception test. You will need to pass both parts of the test
• 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.
• The multiple choice part is delivered using a touch screen computer
• You can also 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 (time allowed for the multiple part is 57 minutes; pass mark is 43 out of 50)
• If you have any problems during the theory test, you should raise your hand to attract the attention of the test invigilator
• The hazard perception part is delivered on a computer and you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. You will be presented with a series of video clips which feature every day road scenes. In each clip there will be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards.
• To achieve a high score you will need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development. The maximum you can score on each hazard is five
• You will not be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test; as on the road, you will only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard, so you will need to concentrate throughout each clip.
• If you react inappropriately during the video clip by clicking continuously or in a pattern of responses you will score zero for that clip. At the end of the clip a pop-up box will appear informing you that you have scored zero for that particular clip (14 video clips; 15 developing hazards; pass mark 44 out of 75)
• When you have finished the test you may leave the examination room. Once you have left the room, you'll not be allowed to enter it again. You'll then be given your result by the test centre staff.
• Note: it is a criminal offence to allow someone to take a theory test on your behalf
What happens if I have special needs?
• The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) provides a number of facilities for those people with special requirements, including foreign language voiceovers, extra time, British Sign Language interpretation and translator assisted tests.
• All of the facilities provided need to be requested at the time of booking
• For further information click here
How do I prepare for the theory test?
• With your first theory test booking confirmation letter, DSA send you a DVD called "Are you ready?" which you should watch as this explains the process of taking the theory test
• DSA also provide an online service that allows you to test your knowledge and understanding of the Highway Code, Know Your Traffic Signs and the Essential Skills series of books. The resource material is available from most high street book shops and from the DSA official online bookstore
• The practice theory tests only contain multiple choice questions and do not allow you to practise the hazard perception test online. Repeatedly scoring a pass on the practice tests does not guarantee a pass when you take the real theory test under proper exam conditions
• If you want to practise a multiple choice test online click here
• New drivers are disproportionately involved in accidents, especially in the first months after passing a driving test. It has been proven that drivers who have taken hazard perception training have much better hazard perception skills.
• The hazard perception training material has been developed for use and with guidance from a professional trainer. Integrating theoretical hazard perception training into the practical training sessions will ensure that competence is achieved in each of the necessary skills
• The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has developed a modular, multi-media training resource for the hazard perception test. The resource is available in DVD and VHS video format and is called 'The official guide to hazard perception'
How do I book a theory test?
• Before you can book your theory test you'll need to make sure you have a valid provisional driving license. You can apply online for a provisional driving license from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The application form D1 can be obtained from your local Post Office.
• You can book your theory test online, by phone or by post
• Waiting times vary but the target is that 95 per cent of theory test candidates receive an appointment date within two weeks of their preferred date.
Where is my nearest test centre?
• There are 3 test centres in the local area; Southampton; Portsmouth; Fareham
What documentation should I take with me to the theory test?
• You will need to take both parts of your valid driving license (the photocard and the paper counterpart). If you have an old-style license without a photo you must also bring a valid passport. If you don't show the required documents you won't be allowed to test and you'll lose your fee
The Theory Driving Test
