About the Theory Test 

In order to take and pass your driving test, you will first need to take a theory test, there are many ways of preparing yourself for it, either by using DVD's, books which include the Highway code or nowadays online, there are loads of websites out there, some you may have to pay for.  Bradby's Driving School offers it's pupils complimentary and unlimited access to the Theory Test Pro website where you will find everything you need to prepare for and pass your theory test.

Once you feel that you are ready you will need to book your test, there are a number of ways to do this, you can either send it off by post, in which case you will need a theory test Application Form, once filled out send it off with your cheque for £31.00, alternatively and one of the easiest ways, as there is no need to fill out any forms, is to Book Online, or over the phone by calling 0300 200 1122 (can get busy at peak times) you will need your bank card handy as the DSA will take payment upon booking.

 

 

Dyslexic or have other reading difficulties 

If you are dyslexic or have other reading difficulties you can ask for an English voiceover and request to have up to double time for the multiple choice part of the test.

 

 

If your first language is not English

If your first language is not English, or you can not read or understand written English well, you can request a voiceover in one of 21 languages. A voiceover allows you to hear the theory test instructions and questions through headphones. The questions will automatically be read out to you, you can hear the answer options by touching the text on the screen. You can hear the questions as many times as you like, you simply need to touch the text of the question onscreen again.

Voiceovers are available in the following languages, English, Welsh, Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, Dari, Farsi, Gujarati, Hindi, Kashmiri, Kurdish, Mirpuri, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Pushto, Spanish, Tamil, Turkish, Urdu.

 

 

On the day 

Upon arrival you will be asked to show them your licence (remember you need to bring along both parts of you licence) failure in doing so will result in you being unable to take your theory test, and will have to reboook and pay for another test.

Before the test starts they will also ask you to lock away any bags, mobile phones etc in the lockers provided, then you will be taken through to the examination room where you will be given instructions on how the test works.  You will also be able to choose to go through a practice session of the multiple choice questions to get used to the layout of the test if you wish or start the test straight away.  At the end of the practice session the real test will begin.

   

 

Part One - multiple choice (The multiple choice part is delivered using a touch screen computer)

When the test starts you will be given a question along with several answer options which will appear, you have to select the correct answer to the question by touching the screen. Some questions may require more than one answer. You'll be asked 50 questions in 57 minutes with the pass mark for the multiple choice part of the theory test is 43 out of 50. You can navigate between questions and 'flag' questions that you want to come back to later in the test. After the multiple choice part you can choose to have a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception part starts.   

 

 

Case Study

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) introduced case studies into the driving theory test.  From 28th September 2009, one case study will be included in the exam for car drivers, moped and motorcycle riders. 

As part of the multiple choice section of the test, the case study will assess candidates understanding of driving theory, while the multiple choice questions will continue to assess their knowledge of the subject.

The theory test case study will take the form of a scenario or short story, on which five questions will be based, and will focus on real life experiences that drivers could come across whilst driving.  Candidates will answer the questions in the same way as they do now, using either the touch screen or mouse.

Initially the DSA are introducing one case study based on existing questions in the theory test question bank.  But over time, the DSA plan to introduce more case studies into the theory test to assess candidates understanding of what they have learned.

 

Case Study Sample Questions

 

 

Part Two - hazard perception (The hazard perception part records your responses through the use of a computer mouse button)

You will be presented with a series of 14 video clips which each last for a minute and 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.  The maximum you can score on each hazard is five, the pass mark for the hazard perception part of the theory test is 44 out of 75.

 

 

 

 

 

At the end of the test

When you have finished the test you may leave the examination room and will not be allowed to enter it again.  You will then be given your result by the test centre staff straight away after the test. If you pass one part and fail the other you will fail the whole test, and you will need to take both parts again.

 

 

Rebooking your test

If after taking a theory test you didn't pass, then you will have to wait at least three clear working days before you can take another theory test again. 

 

 

Good luck and safe driving

 

 

 

 

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