The Driving Test - The Facts

Before you can take your practical test you will have to pass the theory test, your theory test will consist of a Multiple Choice element and a Hazard Perception element.

If you have any Special Needs the you must inform the booking clerk when you book your test. The test can be taken in various languages; the booking clerk will explain all.

The Multiple Choice Element
The driving theory test questions are based on the Highway Code and other road safety matters. A practice session on the computer will explain how to use the computer and take the test. Candidates taking a foreign language or British Sign Language version of the test will be instructed on how to use the audio/video features of the test.

The actual test will consist of 50 multiple-choice questions. It is computer based and you select your answers by simply touching the screen. Only one question will appear on the screen at a time. You will be able to move backwards and forwards through the questions and flag questions that you want to look at again. It is easy to change your answer. The system will alert you if you have not completely answered a question. You will have 57 minutes to complete your test and you must answer at least 43 questions correctly to pass. You will be notified whether you have passed or fail on completion of the test.

The Hazard Perception Element
At the start of the hazard perception test you will be shown a short instruction video. You can watch the instruction video twice if you need to. You will need to wear headphones to listen to the instruction video. You can take them off at the end of the video, unless you prefer to keep them on, or you are a candidate taking a foreign-language or British Sign Language version of the test. There is no sound on the test clips.

During the test you will see 14 film clips of traffic scenes from a driver's point of view. 13 of the clips contain 1 hazard, the other contains 2. As the clips in the test are filmed on real roads they contain all types of hazards. The only hazards you will be scored on are the developing ones. Don't worry; you won't lose points for responding to other hazards.

Each developing hazard may require the driver to take some form of action such as changing speed or direction. You should respond by pressing either the left or right mouse button, whichever you prefer, as soon as you think, from the clues in the clip that this might happen. When you press one of the mouse buttons the video will not stop or slow down, but you will see a red flag appear at the bottom of the screen each time you press. This red flag shows that your response has been recorded.

The marking for each score able hazard is split into 5 parts. If you respond in the first part you will get 5 points, in the second part 4 points, and so on down to 1 point. If you fail to respond within the marked area of the clip, or are responding in an unacceptable manner, 0 points will be given for that clip.

The earlier you pick up on the clues and press the mouse button to record that you have seen a hazard the higher your score. But, if you have pressed the button to show you have noticed a hazard and the situation changes, for example because another vehicle comes into view, you may need to press the button again.

You responded to this clip in an unacceptable manner. You will score zero for this clip.

Practical Driving Test
Once you have passed your theory test, you can then book a practical driving test (Form DL26 available from the Driving Test Centre or your driving instructor). It is always best that you and your driving instructor agree that you have had enough driving tuition to ensure that you are at a suitable standard for a driving test. You must be able to drive well consistently and with confidence and not require any assistance or guidance from your instructor. Most people who fail do so because they haven't had enough instruction and practice.

Documentation you must take to the test with you are your theory test pass certificate, a valid GB or Northern Ireland driving licence and photographic proof of identity. If you have the new style photo card licence, you must bring both parts of the licence (photo card and paper counterpart) to the test. This type of licence will also act as your photographic proof of identity.

The test usually takes approx 35 to 40mins.

Eyesight Test
The eyesight test requires you to satisfy the examiner that, in good daylight, you can read a vehicle number-plate with letters 79.4mm (3.1 inches) high at a minimum distance of 20.5metres (approx 67 feet). If you are unable to read the number-plate, you will have failed your driving test and the test will go on no further. In second part of your test, the examiner will want to see you drive safely and competently under various road and traffic conditions and perform various set manoeuvres.

Tell Me, Show Me Test
This is a simple test based around basic car maintenance matters. The driving test examiner will ask you two questions, one show me and one tell Me. The questions and answers are widely published so no one should fail. For the full show me tell me questions and answers.