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Q. How old do I have to be to learn to drive?
In general, the minimum age for driving on British roads is 17 years for small vehicles and motorcycles, and 21 years for medium/large sized vehicles, minibuses and buses.
Q. What happens when I sit my theory test?
The Theory Test is delivered using a touch screen computer. Candidates sit at individual booths. Questions appear on a computer screen and candidates select their answers simply by touching the screen.
Since 14 November 2002, the theory test has included a test of hazard perception skills. The hazard perception element consists of 14 video clips, which feature real road scenes and developing hazards of various types, such as vehicles and pedestrians. There are a total of 15 scoreable hazards in the test, each clip has at least one scoreable hazard. You are assessed on how soon you spot the hazards.
Q. What is the theory test like?
It is be made up of two parts, or elements. The multiple-choice element is exactly the same as the previous theory test. You will select your answers to questions by touching the screen. You have the opportunity to practice using the system before starting the multiple-choice element.
After the multiple-choice element, you may have a break of up to 3 minutes before the hazard perception element starts. The hazard perception element consists of 14 video clips, which feature real road scenes and developing hazards of various types such as vehicles and pedestrians.There are a total of 15 scoreable hazards in the test. Thirteen clips will contain one scoreable hazard and one clip will contain two scoreable hazards.
Each scoreable hazard has a marking window and a score is awarded when you respond in that window. The earlier the developing hazard is identified and a response is made the higher the score. You won't score any points if you respond outside the window.
You will be shown a short tutorial video about how the hazard perception element works before you start that part of the test.
Q. How do I answer the multiple-choice questions?
One question at a time is shown on screen. Underneath the question the answer options are set out. To select an answer you touch the button on the screen beside the answer you want.
Q. Can I change a multiple-choice answer after I have selected one?
Yes. This is simple to do by touching the screen again. You are given the chance to practise this before starting the test.
Q. Can I skip multiple-choice questions I am not sure about, and go back to them later?
Yes. You can mark questions with a flag to help you go back to them quickly. The system also prompts you to go back to questions that you have not answered fully.
Q. How do I respond to the hazard perception element clips?
For this part of the test you will use a computer mouse. You should click on the mouse as soon as you spot a hazard developing. The sooner you respond, the higher your score will be. The highest mark you can score for each developing hazard is 5 points.
You can click on the right or left button on the mouse.
Q. Can I view the hazard perception clips more than once, and change my answers?
No. As on the road, you will only have one chance to respond to the hazard.
Q. How long does it take to get my result?
You receive your test results, and feedback information, within 30 minutes of finishing the test.
Q. Do I get feedback on what I got wrong?
You are given feedback on any multiple-choice topic areas in which you answered questions incorrectly, and the number of questions you got wrong.
Q. Can I take a paper-based test?
No, however, if you have special needs that mean that you have particular difficulties in using a touch screen, tell the booking office when you book your test, as special arrangements may be made in some cases.
Q. Do I need to be good with computers?
No. The system has been carefully designed to make sure it is easy to use.
You can work through a practice session for the multiple-choice element of the test for up to 15 minutes, to get used to the system before actually starting the test. There is also a video to help you with the hazard perception element of the test.
If anybody has any difficulties in using the system, staff at the test centre will be on hand to help.
Q. How long do I get to take the test?
You have 40 minutes to answer 35 questions for the multiple-choice element of the test. People with special needs can apply for additional time (up to 80 minutes) when they are booking their test.
There are 14 clips in the hazard perception element of the test. Each clip lasts about a minute.
Q. How many questions are there?
There are 35 questions in the multiple-choice element and 14 clips (15 scoreable hazards) in the hazard perception element.
Q. What is the pass mark?
You have to answer 30 questions correctly out of 35 to pass the multiple-choice element.
Candidates taking car or motorcycle tests must score at least 38 out of 75 points to pass the hazard perception element.
From 01 March 2003 this will be increased to 40.
Those taking LGV or PCV (lorry or bus) tests must score at least 44 out of 75.
From 01 April 2003 this will be increased to 46.
You must pass both elements to pass your theory test.
Q. What happens if I fail one part of the test but pass the other?
You must pass both elements to pass your test. If you fail either the existing multiple-choice section or the new hazard perception element you will fail the whole test.
Q. If I do fail, can I just re-sit the bit that I have failed?
No. You must sit both parts of the test again. Hazard Perception is already tested in the existing multiple-choice element. From November, we will simply be testing the topic in a different way. You need to prove that you have sufficient knowledge of the full theory test syllabus at the same point in time to pass the overall test.
Q. How long is my theory test Pass certificate valid for?
The Theory Test Pass certificate is valid for two years. If you haven't passed your practical test within two years you will have to retake your theory test.
Q. Can other candidates see my answers on the screen?
No. Candidates sit in a private booth. In any case, there are so many different forms of the test that candidates in adjacent booths are probably sitting different tests.
Q. What happens if the computer system breaks down?
If there is a short interruption to the test, you are likely to be able to continue with the test. The answers that have been given up to that point will not normally be lost. If there is a longer interruption, you will be offered a new test free of charge.
Q. Who is the theory test contractor?
Following a rigorous competitive tendering exercise a contract to deliver the theory test was awarded to Prometric Thomson Learning Ltd. This company is a world leader in computer based testing.
Q. Does everyone have to take the theory test?
UK licence holders
Most candidates in the UK who are learning to drive or ride will have to sit a theory test for that category. However, there are some exceptions:
- upgrading within the same category i.e. B to B+E;
- if you hold a full B1 entitlement because you have a full motorcycle
licence issued before 1 February 2001 you are exempt from the car (B)
theory test;
- if you passed a theory test and then a practical moped test, you won't
have to take the theory test again to upgrade to a motorcycle licence.
If you hold a full driving licence issued outside the European Economic Area it may be possible to exchange it for an equivalent GB licence. There is a booklet (the D100) which you can get from most post offices which explains the exchange licence regulations. You can also contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (Tel: 0870 240 0009) who will tell you whether you can exchange your driving licence. If you cannot exchange your licence you will need to take and pass a theory test before you can book a practical driving test.
Any particular enquiries about whether a theory test is required should be addressed to
Theory Test Unit
Driving Standards Agency
Stanley House
56 Talbot Street
Nottingham
NG1 5GU
Tel: 0115 901 2644/2645/2646
Q. Can I take my practical test first?
No. You have to take and pass your theory test before a booking for the practical test is accepted.
Q. Can I take the test in a language other than English?
Yes. At no extra cost, car and motorcycle candidates can listen through a headset to the multiple-choice element of the test and the hazard perception test tutorial being read out in one of 20 languages other than English. These are: Welsh, Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, Dari, Farsi, Gujerati, Hindi, Kashmiri, Kurdish, Mirpuri, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Pushto, Spanish, Tamil, Turkish and Urdu.
LGV and PCV candidates can listen to the test being read out in Welsh at no extra cost.
Car, motorcycle, LGV and PCV candidates can view the multiple-choice element of the test in Welsh on screen in Welsh theory test centres and test centres bordering Wales.
Q. The test is not available in my language. Can I bring a translator with me to translate the test?
Yes. Translators are permitted if the voice-over service is not offered in the language in which you want to take the test.
The translator must be approved by DSA. Arrangements for using translators must be made at the time of booking your test. You must arrange for their services yourself, and are responsible for paying the fee.
Note: To gain DSA approval a translator must have appropriate professional qualifications and be able to provide substantive references.
Tests with translators can only be accommodated at the following theory test centres:
Aldershot, Birkenhead, Birmingham, Cardiff, Derby, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Ipswich, Leeds, Milton Keynes, Palmers Green and Preston.
Q. Can people with special needs use the system?
The system provides facilities for candidates with special needs. These include being able to listen to the multiple choice element of the test and the hazard perception test tutorial being read in English or 20 other languages through a headset or, for deaf candidates, being able to watch the test being signed in British Sign Language.
Q. I am colour blind. Can I still use the system?
Yes. The system has been carefully designed so that candidates who are colour blind can use it.
Q. I am dyslexic. Can I use the system?
The system has the option for dyslexic candidates to listen to the multiple choice element of the test being read in English through a headset. People with dyslexia can also apply to have up to double the standard time of 40 minutes.
Q. I have hearing difficulties. Can I use the system?
A video of the test in British Sign Language is available on screen for candidates who are deaf or have other hearing difficulties.
Q. I have light-sensitive epilepsy. How can I take a theory test?
Special arrangements can be made through the booking office to enable you to take your theory test. The actual arrangements will depend on your exact needs, but may involve using a flicker-free screen like those used in a laptop.
Q. How do I book a theory test?
You can book on the internet on www.dsa.gov.uk or www.driving-tests.co.uk and pay by credit or debit card.
You can also ring DSA's national telephone number on 0870 010 1372 and pay by credit or debit card. Application forms are also accepted by post with cheque or postal order payment.
The following cards are accepted: Visa, Mastercard, Switch, Delta, Solo and Electron.
Q. Where do I get an application form from?
Application forms are available from theory test and practical test centres, Approved Driving Instructors or on request from DSA's national number 0870 010 1372.
Q. Where do I send it?
Application forms for the theory test should be sent to the address shown on the form
DSA
PO Box 148
Salford
M5 3SY
Q. How much does the test cost?
The cost is currently £18.00.
Q. How can I pay for my test?
For all types of bookings you can pay by credit or debit card, or by cheque or postal order for postal applications. Visa, Mastercard, Switch, Delta, Solo and Electron cards are all accepted.
Q.When am I ready to take the practical driving test? You need to be able to demonstrate a safe and competant level of driving at all times. When you can confidently and consistently deal with all road and traffic conditions and complete each of the set piece manoeuvres first time, you are ready. Most importantly, you should be aware that you may pass the test! This means that you will be on your own from then on, no help or guidance. When you feel confident to be able to do this - have a go. Q. What can I expect on the day? Whether you go for the driving test in an instructor's car or your own car, the test will be conducted in the same way.
Q. How do you take the test in my own car? Although I highly recommend using the services of a professional driving instructor, it is not necessary to use a school car for your test. If you are planning to use your own or a family member's car, you MUST make sure of the following:
Q. What happens if I pass? When you successfully complete the driving test, you will be given a test pass certificate. This will need to be sent, along with your provisional licence, to the DVLA who will issue you with a full UK driving licence. The price of a full licence is subject to change, so check with the examiner or your instructor.
You CAN drive before your licence arrives, but it is a good idea to make a photocopy of your pass certificate in case you are asked!
Q. What happens if I fail? If the worst happens you will need to take the test again. You must wait a minimum of ten working days before attempting the test again. You can, if you need, take the test an unlimited number of times before finally passing. Just be aware that your theory test pass certificate expires after two years form the date of issue!
If you were unhappy with the result and feel the test was not conducted fairly or properly, you may appeal. Ask your instructor for advice on this. In very rare cases a free retest may be given but the examiners decision is final and will stand.
