Theory Test
What, Where,
When, How?
Since July 1996,
all learner drivers have had to sit a theory test before being allowed to take
their practical test. In 2002, a hazard perception element was added to the
existing multiple choice element and you must now take and pass both of these
tests in one sitting before you are able to book your practical test.
The test is carried out by Pearson VUE on behalf of the Driving
Standards Agency at around 160 theory test centres throughout the Country. In
East Berkshire and the surrounding areas, the local centres are in Slough,
Reading, Uxbridge and Staines and you may, of course, decide where you would
like to take the test.
Your instructor will recommend the best time for
you to take the test, but normally it makes sense to take the theory test soon
after starting to learn.
The test is carried out
entirely on a touch screen computer.
The fee for the test is
currently £30.00 and this can be booked either directly with the DSA or, if you
prefer, through your Clearway Driver Training
Instructor.
Multiple Choice
The
multiple choice part of the test consists of 50 questions covering various
driving topics. The questions appear on a computer screen and you touch the
screen to select your answer or answers from the selection given. To pass this
element, you have to answer a minimum of 43 questions correctly in the 57
minutes allowed. You will be given the opportunity to work through a practice
session lasting up to 15 minutes to familiarise yourself with the system before
the test.

Hazard
Perception
The hazard perception part of the test commences after a break of
up to three minutes. You are shown a tutorial video first that explains how the
test works. For this part of the test, you will need to wear the headphones
provided. The test itself consists of 14 video clips of around a minute each.
Each clip contains numerous hazards including parked cars, pedestrians, moving
vehicles and so on. When you see a hazard developing that might result in the
driver having to take some action, specifically changing speed or direction, you
should click the mouse. The earlier you respond to the situation arising, the
better and the higher you will score. The maximum score for each hazard is 5.
13 of the 14 clips contain one hazard with the other clip containing two. You
need to score a minimum of 44 points in the hazard perception part of the test
to pass.

Some people find that they click too early and
clicking the mouse a second and even third time can
help.

Result
Once both parts of the test
have been taken, you will be given your results before you leave the test
centre. You must pass both the multiple choice and hazard perception parts at
the same time to achieve an overall pass. Scoring 50 on the multiple choice is
insufficient to pass overall if you only score 43 on the hazard
perception.

For more
information, see the Driving Standards Agency
website.
You can take two practice Theory Tests here. |