• You need to pass the theory test before you can book and take a practical tests.
  
• The theory test is a computer-based tests at various tests centres around the country.
  
• This section is designed to tests your understanding of the theory behind driving.
  
• You have 57 minutes to complete the tests. There is a 15-minute practice session you can work through before starting the tests.
  
• There are 50 randomly selected, multiple-choice questions and you need to get at least 43 right to pass.
  
• The current cost of the theory test is £28.50 (as at 1st May 2008) 

• This forms a second section of the theory test and must be passed at the same time.
  
• There are 14 videos, each about a minute long.
  
• This section is designed to tests your awareness of potential hazards whilst driving.
  
• The videos feature various types of hazard, such as road conditions, vehicles and pedestrians.
  
• The earlier you spot a hazard developing that may require the driver to take some action, the higher the score.
  
• There are 15 scoreable hazards in the tests and candidates can score up to 5 points on each hazard.
  
• The pass mark is 44 out of 75

* A valid UK driving licence

* A valid debit or credit card for payment
(Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted)

Book Online Here

To book a theory test with an operator over the phone you will need:

Booking by post

To book a theory test by post you will need an application form. Application forms are available online or on request from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) booking line. Payment can be made by cheque or postal order, but cash payments are not accepted.

Cancelling or rescheduling a test

You can reschedule or cancel a test over the phone via the booking line or you can do it online. Providing you give DSA three clear working days notice you can:

4. Documents to bring with you for the test

You will be expected to show both parts of your valid driving licence (the photocard and the paper counterpart) at the test centre. If you have an old-style licence without a photo you must also bring a valid passport.

Old-style driving licenses

An old-style license consists of one paper document which does not display your photograph. From 1 November 2005, if you have an old-style paper license you must also bring a valid passport with you - no other form of photographic identification will be accepted.

At the test centre

Once you have been registered at reception you will go through to the test room. You may not take anything into the room with you; all personal items must be stored in the lockers provided.

Once you are in the test room you may not talk to or distract other candidates. The computer screen will display your name and the category of test you are taking.

If you have any problems during the theory test, you should raise your hand to attract the attention of the test invigilator.

5. The Hazard Perception Test Explained

New drivers are disproportionately involved in accidents, especially in the first months after passing a driving test. It has been proven that drivers who have taken hazard perception test training have much better hazard perception test skills.

Why the hazard perception test element was introduced

The government is committed to reducing the numbers killed and seriously injured on Britain's roads by 40 per cent by 2010. The hazard perception element was introduced into the driving test in November 2002 as one of the measures that should help achieve this target by encouraging appropriate training in scanning the road, recognizing at the first opportunity from the clues that a potentially dangerous situation might arise and adopting a driving plan to reduce the risk.

During the development of this test, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) worked closely with colleagues from the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) and the road safety division of the Department for Transport, both of whom thought this test suitable for testing the hazard awareness skills of all drivers.

How the test works

The hazard perception part is delivered on a computer and you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. You will be presented with a series of 14 video clips which feature every day road scenes, in each clip there will be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards.

To achieve a high score you will need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development. The maximum you can score on each hazard is five.

Recognition of available clues and perception of danger are skills that are necessary in all drivers and riders, irrespective of the vehicle used. For this reason, the same version of the hazard perception test is used for all categories of test.

An example of when to respond

As an example, of how to identify and respond to a developing hazard, consider a parked vehicle on the side of the road. When you first see it, it is not doing anything; it is just a parked vehicle. If you were to respond to the vehicle at this point, you would not score any marks, but you would not lose any marks.

However, when you get closer to the vehicle, you notice that the car's right hand indicator starts to flash. The indicator would lead you to believe that the driver of the vehicle has an intention of moving away, therefore the hazard is now developing and a response at this point would score marks. The indicator coming on is a sign that the parked vehicle has changed its status from a potential hazard into a developing hazard.

When you get closer to the vehicle, you will probably see the vehicle start to move away from the side of the road; another response should be made at this point. Different clips in the test will have various signs to indicate that the hazard is changing its status and is now starting to develop.

How hazard perception test is scored

The maximum you can score for each developing hazard is five points. If you respond throughout the developing hazard and score different points you will always score the highest number of points i.e. if you react and score five then three then two points you will be awarded five points.

You will not be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test as on the road, you will only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard, so you will need to concentrate throughout each clip.

If you react inappropriately during the video clip by clicking continuously or in a pattern of responses you will score zero for that clip. At the end of the clip a pop-up box will appear informing you that you have scored zero for that particular clip.

Kya Kwanga Driver Training © 2008