About the Theory test

 

General
Before you can book your practical driving test you will have to pass your theory test. You will have to take this into consideration when you are timing how quickly you are approaching readiness for your practical test or else you may find your ready for your practical and not be able to book it! 

The theory test is taken in two parts, the multiple question section and the Hazard Perception Test.

You will need to pass both parts of the test to gain a pass. If you fail either part of the test you will have to take both parts again next time you go in for the test

Multiple Question Section
The multi choice part of the test consists of 50 questions of which you must answer at least 43 correctly. Although many of the questions are reasonably easy to answer, you will still need to study to be sure of passing. You will need to study the highway code along with either other books such as ... or with the use of a PC program such as the Official DSA complete Theory Test Kit. 

I can't emphasis enough the importance of this study. There are too many people who think they can just walk in and take the test and expect to pass, but please do not think it is as easy as that!!

Hazard Perception Test
The Hazard Perception part of the test is based on a number of video clips that you will watch. Each time you see a developing hazard you are required to click the mouse button. You can click the mouse numerous times for each hazard, but you can not make rhythmical clicking of the mouse or you will be disqualified from that question and loose all marks from it. So if you see something in the distance that might become a hazard you would click, then as it became closer and more of a concern you would click again, then you may click again as you get to the point where if the hazard made a wrong move you'd have to react urgently. So you will have clicked a number of times but not bang bang bang at two clicks per second!

There is a time "window" that opens up as the hazard approaches that you need to click in to get your marks. When the window first opens up a click of the mouse at that time will be worth 5 marks. As time moves on you receive progressively less marks as you get to the point where the hazard has passed. If you click more than once during that period you will be awarded the highest mark  marking

You will be given 14 video clips to watch with a maximum of 75 points available. You will need at least 44 points to pass this part of the test.

UK Residency Requirements
You can not take a test or obtain a full licence unless you are normally resident in this country. Normal residence means the place where you reside because of personal or occupational ties. However if you have moved to the UK having recently been permanently resident in another state of the EC/EEA (European Economic Area), you must have been normally resident in the UK for 185 days in the 12 months prior to your application for a driving licence.

Cancelling your theory test, and exemptions
If you wish to cancel your theory test appointment you must give at least 3 whole working days notice or you will forfeit the theory test fee. Not all drivers will need to take a theory test. For example, if you hold a full car licence and are applying for a motorcycle licence, or vice versa, a theory test is not required. This is also the case if you have a full licence to drive a vehicle with automatic transmission and you wish to upgrade your licence to drive vehicles in the same license category but with manual transmission.

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