The Theory Test
Yes, you will have to do some studying in addition to physically learning how to drive a car.
The Theory Test must be passed before you can take your Driving Test.
We recommend that you start studying towards it as soon as possible.
The Theory Test is split into 2 parts. You must pass them both at the same sitting. Both parts are on a computer. You must attend a DSA recognised Test Centre to sit both parts. One such centre is located opposite the Tesco Petrol Station, in Footscray, Sidcup.
If you fail, you may re-sit it as many times as it takes to gain a pass, however, please remember a fee is payable to the UK Government for each attempt, and not on the same day.
When you have passed the Theory Test you will have 2 years to pass your driving test ( known as the Practical Driving Test) before your Theory Test Pass expires.
View the official DSA theory test video which will help you to pass your theory test
Part 1 -
Multi-Choice Question -
Multiple Choice. Taken on a touch-screen computer.There are 50 multiple choice questions to complete, within 57 minutes. The pass mark is 43 out of 50. The Test is based upon the Highway Code & Road Safety.
Part 2 -
Hazard Perception Test -
Taken on a computer using a mouse.
The purpose of this test is to test the student on how quickly they can identify a potential hazard developing ahead. This exercise is very useful, and provides you with similar circumstances that you yourself may experience for real, when driving.
You will see 14 individual video clips lasting approximately 1 minute each. The hazard will be moving, such as another vehicle, pedestrian or animal perhaps.
You should click the mouse when you identify the hazard.
One of the video clips contains TWO hazards for you to identify.
The maximum score on each video clip is 5 points, which reduces to zero, as the car gets closer to the hazard. ( remember one clip has TWO hazards, and therefore more points )
The pass mark for this part of the test is 44 points out of the total available of 75 points.
The Practical Driving Test -
1.Documents.
You must take your Provisional Driving Licence to the Driving Test Centre. This must include both the plastic card and the paper “Counter-Part”.
Remember to also take proof of your Theory Test pass.
2. Eye Sight Test.
You will have your eye sight tested, by being asked to read a car number plate from an approximate distance of 20.5 metres away.
3.
“Show me / Tell me"
You will be asked 2 questions at random from the 19 available.
4. The Driving Test.
This will last for approximately 40 minutes.
5. Manoeuvres.
During the test you will be asked to perform 1 of the 4 Reverse manoeuvres, plus possibly an Emergency Stop. You will also be asked to perform an “Independent Drive”. This will involve following road signs to a destination or following directions from a basic diagram, or a combination of both. This part of the test will last for approximately 8 minutes.
Summary.
At the end of the driving test, if you have made 15 minor faults, or less ... you will pass. However, if you have made either a Serious or Dangerous fault during the test ... you will fail. You can also fail for repeatedly making the same minor fault.