Theory test
The theory test consists of two parts. The first part has 50 multiple choice questions. Each question has one or more correct answers and where there is more than one correct answer, you need to select all the correct answers to score for that question. The pass mark is 43 out of 50
You can practice for free for your theory test:
HAZARD PERCEPTION TEST
The second part, which has to be passed at the same time, is the Hazard Perception Test. This part of the test involves 14 short clips of film and requires you to identify a "developing" hazard by clicking the mouse. There are 15 scoring hazards in total, and the sooner you identify the hazard, the more you score for that clip. If the computer detects that you are clicking in a manner that suggests you are randomly clicking, you will score zero for that particular clip of film. The maximum score for each clip is 5 and the pass mark is 44 out of 75.
Both parts of the test are carried out on a touch screen computer at the local theory test centre. When you have passed your test, you will then be able to apply for your practical test as soon as we agree that you are ready to apply.
Practical Test
You must bring:
- your theory test pass certificate (or confirmation) if you’re not exempt from taking the theory test
- your driving licence
- If you have an old-style paper licence instead of a photocard, you must also bring a valid passport.
What happens during the test
Before you start the driving ability part of your test, you’ll have an eyesight check and be asked 2 vehicle safety questions. (also known as Show me, Tell me)
Eyesight check
You’ll have to read a number plate from a distance of:
20 metres for vehicles with a new-style number plate
20.5 metres for vehicles with an old-style number plate
You’ll fail your driving test and the test won’t continue if you can’t pass the eyesight test.
The driving ability part
The driving part of your test will last about 40 minutes. Throughout the test your examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving.
If you’re taking an extended test pass because of a driving disqualification, the test will last 70 minutes.
Your general driving ability
During your test the examiner will give you directions that you should follow. You’ll drive in various road and traffic conditions. You should drive in the way your instructor has trained you.
It should include:
- normal stops
- an angle start (pulling out from behind a parked vehicle)
- a hill start
You might also be asked to carry out an emergency stop.
Reversing your vehicle safely
You’ll have to show how well you can reverse your vehicle. The examiner will ask you to do one of the following exercises:
- reversing around a corner
- turning in the road
- reverse parking - either into a parking bay, or parallel parking at the side of the road
Independent driving section
Your driving test will include around 10 minutes of independent driving. It’s designed to assess your ability to drive safely while making decisions on your own.
Carry on if you make a mistake, because if it’s not a serious mistake it might not affect your result.
Your examiner will stop your test if they think your driving is a danger to other road users.
Independent driving section of the test
Your practical driving test will include around 10 minutes of independent driving. It’s not a test of your orientation and navigation skills.
How the test works
During your test you’ll have to drive independently by either following:
- traffic signs
- a series of verbal directions
- a combination of both
To help you understand where you’re going when following verbal directions, the examiner can show you a diagram.
Going off the independent driving route
Your test result won’t be affected if you go off the independent driving route, unless you make a driving fault.
The examiner will help you get back on the route if you go off it or take a wrong turning. You can then continue with the independent driving.
Your driving test result
You’ll pass your test if you make:
- 15 or fewer driving faults
- no serious or dangerous faults
When the driving test has ended, you can call your instructor over if they didn’t go with you on your test. This is so they can listen to the result and help you with any feedback afterwards.
The examiner will:
- tell you if you passed or not
- explain how you did during the test
Information about the cost of Theory/Practical Test at:
