Theory Test

The theory Test certificate is valid for 2 years. It is acceptable to drive before you have passed the Theory Test but until you have passed you have no entitlement to a Practical Test and will therefore be unable to book one. You cannot take your theory test until you are 17 years or older but you can arrange your test for your 17th birthday.

 Find the nearest Theory test centre or to Book a Theory Test

The test is in two parts. The first part being a multiple choice test and the second part being the Hazard Perception Test.

The Theory Test is a computer-based test which is completed at various tests centres around the country.

Before the Theory Test starts you’ll be given instructions on how the test works. You can also choose to go through a practice session of the multiple choice questions to get use to the layout of the test. At the end of the practice session the real test will begin.

You have 57 minutes to complete the test. There is a 15-minute practice session you can work through before starting the tests.

You will need to select the correct answer/answers by either touching the appropriate area of the computer screen or using the mouse pointer and button.

To pass you need to correctly answer 43 out of the 50 questions (86%).

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 part starts.

 

Part of the test consists of 14 video clips which include 15 developing hazards. Each of these developing hazards have a maximum mark of 5 marks, you must gain 44 out of 75 to pass your Hazard Perception part of the test Before you start the hazard perception part, you’ll be shown a short video clip about how it works.

 

When you have finished the test you can leave the test room, but you won’t be able to go back in. You’ll then be given your result by the test centre staff.

 

If you pass your theory test, you’ll get a pass certificate/confirmation letter. You’ll need this when you book and take your practical test, so it’s important that you keep it safe. Your theory test pass certificate last for two years. If you have not passed your practical test within this time you will need to take and pass the theory test again.

 

To prepare for the multiple-choice part of the theory test you should use 3 books known as the ‘source material’. They are:

• The Highway Code
• Know your traffic signs’
• The relevant book from the ‘essential skills’ range

You can buy all the publications from most high street book shops and download the ‘Know your traffic signs’ booklet.

You can take a practice theory test online. It only includes multiple choice questions and does not include the hazard perception part but you can watch a sample here.

 

This is where we aim to provide you with the confidence and knowledge you need to be able to make the right decision. We understand that everyone likes to learn in their own way and we will do our best to ensure that you are as prepared as possible for the test. We can offer guidance, to help you get into the proper frame of mind for taking your test.

It is important to remember that the theory test is not trying to trick you or catch you out, it is merely looking to ascertain that you are fit to drive, With our support, you can face the theory test with confidence.

In addition to providing London driving lessons, we can provide theory support for all of our pupils too.  If you are looking to enhance your driving skills and ensure that you are fully prepared for your theory test, our fully qualified and highly experienced instructors can help you to prepare for the test.