TESTS

How to book your Theory Test

You can take your driving theory test when you're 17 and hold a provisional driving licence.

You can book online or you can call freephone on 0300 200 1122.

Apply for your provisional driving licence

About the Theory Test

 The Theory test consists of two parts - multiple choice questions and hazard perception. Both tests will be taken on the same day at the same venue. You must pass both the multiple choice and hazard perception parts in one session for a successful theory test. You'll find out if you were successful shortly after completing both parts of the test. If you fail either part of the theory test, you must wait three clear working days before you can resit the entire test again.

Multiple Choice Test

 The multiple choice test is taken first and consists of 50 questions. Before the test starts you'll be given instructions on how it works. You can choose to do a practice session of multiple-choice questions to get used to the layout of the test. At the end of the practice session the real test will begin. You can move between questions and 'flag' questions that you want to come back to later in the test. Simply use the touch screen computer to answer the questions, you have 57 minutes to complete the test and must answer 43 questions correctly to pass.

Hazard Perception Test

 The hazard perception test is taken second and consists of 14 video clips each containing one or more developing hazards, there are 15 developing hazards in the whole test. You'll be shown a short video clip of how it works before you start the test. To achieve a high score you must watch each video and click the mouse as soon as you see a developing hazard, you can get a maximum of 5 points per hazard and your score is based upon how early you respond to each developing hazards. To pass, you need to score 44 out of a possible 75 points.   

What is a developing hazard? 

Think of a parked car on the side of the road, when you first see it, it isn't doing anything - it's just a parked car. If you respond at this point, you wouldn't score any marks, but you wouldn't lose any marks either. When you get closer to the car, you notice that its right-hand indicator starts to flash. This would make you think that the driver was going to move away. The hazard is now developing and a response at this point would score marks. The indicator coming on is a sign that the car has changed from a potential hazard into a developing hazard. When you get closer to the car, you'll probably see it start to move away from the side of the road. You should make another response at this point.   

Can I click constantly? 

No, the computer detects overclicking and clicking patterns, if the computer thinks you were clicking at random, you will lose all points for that particular video clip.   

What should I take? 

You must take your UK photocard driving licence to your test.  If you have a licence from Northern Ireland, bring the photocard and paper counterpart licence.

How to book your Practical Test

When you have passed the theory test, you can apply for a practical test. 

You can book online or you can call freephone on 0300 200 1122.

You need your 

driving licence, theory test pass certificate and bank details to hand when you book the test.

Book a Practical Test.

About the Practical Test

The practical test lasts approximately 40 minutes, to pass the test you must demonstrate a competent ability to drive a car safely in different traffic conditions, whilst following the highway code. The test route will include a variety of roads, some with speed limits greater than 30mph. You will be asked to carry out one reversing exercise and 10-20 minutes of independent driving which may include following a sat nav, one in three tests also includes the emergency stop. Despite popular rumour, there are no pass or fail quotas, if the required standard is met, you will pass the test.

How is the test carried out? 

Firstly, you'll be greeted by your examiner and asked to sign the driving test report sheet. To test your eyesight, you'll be asked to read a number plate at a distance of 20.5 metres. You'll then be asked one "tell me" question. Before you get moving your examiner will quickly explain what the test involves. During the drive you'll be given directions in plenty of time and at some point will be asked one of the "show me" questions. Don't worry if you go the wrong way, you'll pass the driving test as long as you drive safely.

How is the Test Marked? 

There are three types of faults that can be marked:  a dangerous fault - involves actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property. a serious fault - could potentially be dangerous. a driving fault - not potentially dangerous, but could become a serious fault if repeated many times.  You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test. If you make 16 or more driving faults, you won't pass your test. If you make one serious or dangerous fault, you won't pass your test.

Test Result

If you pass, the examiner will suggest any minor improvements you require and give you a pass certificate. The examiner will give you the option to post your driving licence application on your behalf, please make sure the examiner has your up to date address to ensure your driving licence reaches you.

If you fail, the examiner will give you the option to have your driving instructor present for the debrief. The debrief will explain why you failed along with any minor improvements you require. You must wait ten clear working days before you can resit the test.

What documents should I take?

Provisional photo card driving licence.

Am I ready?

You'll be ready when you can confidently drive safely without any help from your driving instructor. You should be able to drive on busy roads and deal with other cars in plently of time without any sudden braking. Make sure you can do the reversing exercises correctly without any assistance and advice from your instructor. During the test, you need to drive without any help, wait until you reach this standard with your driving instructor and you should pass the test.

Prepare the day before 

Get your driving licence ready the day before the test, looking for your licence an hour before your test can be quite stressful. Without your driving licence the driving test will be cancelled and you will lose your fee.   

During the Test  

Don't stare - 

When driving you need to look both far and close. Looking far helps you stay straight and spot hazards early. However looking close is also important for negotiating bends. If you find you are staring in one place you are probably going to miss something.  

If you don't know, you don't go - 

If you're not sure it's safe to proceed, plan to stop the car. Being ready to stop will aviod harsh braking.  

Warm up lessons - 

A one hour warm up lesson immediately before your test will get you into the swing of driving, however too long may cause fatigue towards the end of your test.  

Nerves - 

If you start to feel nervous before your test, take a deep breath and hold it for up to 20 seconds. Repeat this until you start to feel calm. It's easier said than done but try not to worry about the driving test, you can always take another test if you don't pass. It's also worth noting that most of the examiners are really nice people and don't bite; often. 

 Believe -

 It's important to believe in your ability and drive exactly as you have learnt. Try not to put on a special show, your driving instructor will have taught you well.  

Stalling - 

If you stall the car, get it started again as soon as possible. As long as you get moving without obstructing others, you will still pass the test.  Never give up - If you make a mistake, put it behind you and carry on. The mistake may not be as serious as you thought, however giving up rarely ends well.  

Comfort is key -

 Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, being comfortable will help you focus on driving. Putting the car's air conditioning on will not only keep you cool in the summer, it will stop the windows steaming up in the winter.  

Sleep well - 

Never underestimate a good night sleep, this can boost you concentration levels and bring out the best in your ability. However you are unlikely to fall asleep if you are stressing about trying to nod off, instead of getting an early night, keep yourself busy until you feel tired and hopefully you will sleep like a baby.