THEORY TEST

The Theory Test for learner drivers was first introduced by the DSA (Driving Standards Agency) in July 1996. It's main purpose is to better prepare provisional licence holders for driving on today's demanding roads and all of the responsibilities that come with being a full licence holder.

Since it's introduction the test has been updated several times, and now includes the Hazard Perception Test, which test candidates on their awareness to hazards when driving.

The Theory and Hazard Perception Tests are taken during the same exam and both must be passed to be awarded a pass.

Before the test starts you'll be given instructions on how it works. You can choose to do a practical session to get used to the layout of the test. At the end of the practice session the real theory test will begin.

The tests will be completed on a touch screen computer. The questions will have several answers, and some questions will require more than one answer, to select an answer you will need to touch the screen or click the mouse. You can move between questions and 'flag' any questions that you are not sure of, so you can come back to them later.

Some questions will be given a case study. The case study will:-

1) Show a short story that 5 questions will be based on.

2) Focus on real life examples and experiences that you could come across when driving.

From the 3rd September 2007 you will need to answer 50 questions and you have up to 57 minutes to complete the test. To pass the theory test, you will need to correctly answer 43 out of the 50 questions set.

After you have completed the theory test you will have up to a 3 minute break before the Hazard Perception Test starts.

Facilities are available for the test to be taken in a variety of languages other than English, together with assistance for individuals with hearing and reading difficulties. If assistance is required, this should be requested at the time of booking your test.

From September 2011 the DSA (Driving Standards Agency) will change the format of books and other learning materials to help prepare learners for their theory test, at the same time the case studies will become more challenging. From the 1st January 2012 the DSA will create theory tests using questions that have not been published. Practice questions and answer will still be made available to study, but will not be used in the real test.