Theory Test
The aim of the Theory Test is to improve a new driver's understanding of the skills and responsibilities associated with driving. For example:
• Driver Attitude
• Traffic Signs & Regulations
• Effects of Alcohol, Drugs and Fatigue on Driver Behaviour
• Safety and Environmental Aspects of Vehicles
• Hazard Awareness
Since January 2012, the Driving Theory Test no longer uses pre-published questions in a move to stop candidates from learning answers by rote. Before then, all the questions used in the test have been published. These changes mean that learner drivers and riders gain a better understanding of driving theory, because they can no longer rely on simply learning which options are correct for individual questions.
Theory Test books and software still offer revision questions for candidates to test themselves and assess their progress. They now also have exercises so learners can practice applying their knowledge on each topic to case studies. There are also new sections of revision support for motorcyclists and a free e-book for car drivers.
The agency has also launched its first iPhone apps for theory test revision, which also help candidates to study and monitor their progress at their convenience as they approach their test date. These are available from the iTunes Store. DSA books, electronic books and software are available to order or download here and all good bookshops.
The second element of the test is Hazard perception.
You must be successful in the theory and the hazard perception elements to gain an overall pass. Your Pass Certificate will be valid for 2 years, during which time you must pass the Practical Driving Test. If you don't pass the Practical Test within the two years, you will need to re-take the Theory Test
Take care before you book your driving test on an unofficial site which will charge you additional fees. Click the link below to take you directly to the official DSA website. This will ensure that you are not charged a booking fee.
• Driver Attitude
• Traffic Signs & Regulations
• Effects of Alcohol, Drugs and Fatigue on Driver Behaviour
• Safety and Environmental Aspects of Vehicles
• Hazard Awareness
Since January 2012, the Driving Theory Test no longer uses pre-published questions in a move to stop candidates from learning answers by rote. Before then, all the questions used in the test have been published. These changes mean that learner drivers and riders gain a better understanding of driving theory, because they can no longer rely on simply learning which options are correct for individual questions.
Theory Test books and software still offer revision questions for candidates to test themselves and assess their progress. They now also have exercises so learners can practice applying their knowledge on each topic to case studies. There are also new sections of revision support for motorcyclists and a free e-book for car drivers.
The agency has also launched its first iPhone apps for theory test revision, which also help candidates to study and monitor their progress at their convenience as they approach their test date. These are available from the iTunes Store. DSA books, electronic books and software are available to order or download here and all good bookshops.
The second element of the test is Hazard perception.
You must be successful in the theory and the hazard perception elements to gain an overall pass. Your Pass Certificate will be valid for 2 years, during which time you must pass the Practical Driving Test. If you don't pass the Practical Test within the two years, you will need to re-take the Theory Test
Take care before you book your driving test on an unofficial site which will charge you additional fees. Click the link below to take you directly to the official DSA website. This will ensure that you are not charged a booking fee.
Hazard Perception
3he hazard perception element of the Theory Test is the second part of the test and consists of fourteen one-minute video clips of every day road scenes, filmed from the perspective of a car driver.
The candidate acknowledges, by clicking the mouse button, when they observe a developing hazard. They will be marked according to how quickly they respond to the developing hazards.
The pass mark for the hazard perception part of the theory test is 44 out of 75.
Candidates must be successful in the theory and the hazard perception elements to gain an overall pass.
The fee for the Theory Test is currently £23, payable at the time of booking online.
You must take your photocard driving licence with you when you attend for the theory test (the paper counterpart is no longer required since July 2015). If you turn up without the photocard, you will not be allowed to take the test, and you will lose your booking fee.
The candidate acknowledges, by clicking the mouse button, when they observe a developing hazard. They will be marked according to how quickly they respond to the developing hazards.
The pass mark for the hazard perception part of the theory test is 44 out of 75.
Candidates must be successful in the theory and the hazard perception elements to gain an overall pass.
The fee for the Theory Test is currently £23, payable at the time of booking online.
You must take your photocard driving licence with you when you attend for the theory test (the paper counterpart is no longer required since July 2015). If you turn up without the photocard, you will not be allowed to take the test, and you will lose your booking fee.
Show me, Tell me Questions
During your driving test you will be asked two questions, one will be "Show Me" - where you will have to physically check something - and one will be "Tell Me" - where you will have to explain how you would check something.
Example question:
Open the bonnet, show me where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Answer: Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe how you check the oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.
This is by no means a difficult part of the test! When you are close to test standard I will give you a sheet listing all the questions, as well as the answers you are required to give.
Example question:
Open the bonnet, show me where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Answer: Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe how you check the oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.
This is by no means a difficult part of the test! When you are close to test standard I will give you a sheet listing all the questions, as well as the answers you are required to give.
Practical Driving Test
The Practical Driving Test will last approximately 40 minutes and will include a range of typical road and traffic conditions. The examiner will be looking for a good, safe driver. He will allow the candidate up to 15 minor faults before failing. A minor fault is explained as not involving dangerous or potentially dangerous situations.
However, if one serious or dangerous fault is made - a failure will be the result. A serious fault is one which involves a potential danger, ie: a situation in which the candidate's actions involve an unacceptable risk to either themselves or others.
The fee for the Practical Test is currently £62, payable at the time of booking online
However, if one serious or dangerous fault is made - a failure will be the result. A serious fault is one which involves a potential danger, ie: a situation in which the candidate's actions involve an unacceptable risk to either themselves or others.
The fee for the Practical Test is currently £62, payable at the time of booking online
Pass Plus
Pass Plus is a training course specifically aimed at new drivers, designed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) with the help of insurers and the driving instruction industry. Pass Plus will build upon your existing skills and knowledge, it will teach you how to anticipate, plan for and deal with all kinds of hazards, and can help you to become more confident on the roads.
Pass Plus is made up of six practical modules, which include:
• driving in town
• driving in all weathers
• driving on rural roads
• driving at night
• driving on dual carriageways
• driving on motorways
Anyone who holds a full UK licence is eligible to take part in the scheme. You will not have to take a test at the end of the course but you will be continually assessed. You must successfully complete all the modules in the course to an achieved or exceeded standard.
Pass Plus is made up of six practical modules, which include:
• driving in town
• driving in all weathers
• driving on rural roads
• driving at night
• driving on dual carriageways
• driving on motorways
Anyone who holds a full UK licence is eligible to take part in the scheme. You will not have to take a test at the end of the course but you will be continually assessed. You must successfully complete all the modules in the course to an achieved or exceeded standard.
