Things you should know before taking your Driving Theory Test
Before you can sit for your practical driving test, you will need to have passed your theory test. If you're wondering the reason behind this, it is just because you need to be familiar with the different road signs and have prompt road awareness to become a good driver. The theory test is devised in such a way to give you all you need to start driving safely.
What is the Theory Test made up of?
The theory test is divided into 2 parts - a multiple choice and a hazard perception section.
Multiple Choice Questions
As from the 3rd of September 2007, there will be 50 questions (used to be just 35 questions). Each question has one or more answers which is correct. You will need to choose the right answer(s). If a question requires more than one answer and you have selected just one, a message will appear on the screen asking you to select another one. This part of the test contains questions about road signs, your vehicle, insurance and other general questions about driving. You will be allocated 57 minutes for the test (previously it was 40 mins to answer 35 questions).
Hazard Perception
Many people find the hazard perception more challenging because it is a rather new assessing method. You have 20 mins to complete this test but usually it takes only 12 minutes. This is because you will be shown 12 video clips each 1 minute long and you will have to click each time you think there is a hazard. Eleven of the clips will carry 5 points and only one of them will be worth 10 points as there will be two hazards for you to spot.
During each clip, you will be required to click your mouse (either LEFT or RIGHT) as soon as you see a hazard. The sooner you react to the hazard, that is the sooner you spot it and click your mouse, the greater the probability of getting the 5 points for that clip. If you are slow to react, you will lose the points. For example, if you see somebody crossing the road a bit further down the road and you wait till you're in front of the person to click for the hazard, you will not score anything at all. The time interval between seeing the person crossing and it becoming a potential danger for you is the scoring moment for the clip. As the hazard is developing, you need to click to score the maxinum number of points else you will receive only part of it depending how late you were.
How much should I score to pass my Theory Test?
For you to pass the theory test, you will be have to score at least 43 out of 50 (used to be 30 out of 35) from the multiple choice section and 44 out of 75 from the hazard perception. If you fail any of the 2 sections, you will have to sit for both sections again.
How to prepare for the Theory Test?
It's very easy to pass the theory test if you give it a little bit of effort. For the multiple choice part, it is helpful to practice the questions over and over again. The LDC (Learner Driver Centre) CD-ROM is propably the best one to use. It contains over 1200 multiple choice questions and over 72 individual video clips for the hazard perception. If you compare this with the official DSA DVD which contains only 4 clips and costs £15.99, you'll probably see the reason why it makes more sense to get the LDC CR-ROM.
Booking the Theory Test
The theory test can usually be booked within 2 weeks. You can either book your test through your driving instructor, by telephoning the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) on 0870 010 1372 or doing it online at www.dsa.gov.uk (not www.dsa.co.uk). The current cost to sit the driving theory test is £30.00.
For an updated price list, please check the following link: DirectGov - Motoring Section.
