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The theory test is made up of a multiple choice part and a hazard perception part. You need to pass both parts to pass the theory test. Once you’ve passed it you can apply to take your practical driving test.
· show a short story that five questions will be based on
· focus on real life examples and experiences that you could come across when driving
Multiple choice test types
Category | Time allowed | Pass mark |
| Car and motorcycle | 57 minutes | 43 out of 50 |
| Lorry and bus | 1 hour and 55 minutes | 85 out of 100 |
· feature every day road scenes
· contain at least one developing hazard - but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards
A developing hazard is something that may result in you having to take some action, such as changing speed or direction.
How the scoring works
The earlier you notice a developing hazard and make a response, the higher you will score. The most you can score for each developing hazard is five points.To get a high score you need to:
· respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development
· press the mouse button as soon as you see a hazard developing
You won’t be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test.If you click continuously or in a pattern during a clip a message will appear at the end telling you that you've scored zero for that particular clip.
An example of when to respond
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.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 of the car is 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. Another response should be made at this point.
Hazard perception test types
Category | Video clips | Developing hazards | Pass mark |
| Car and motorcycle | 14 clips | 15 | 44 out of 75 |
| Lorry and bus | 19 clips | 20 | 67 out of 100 |
· can drive safely in different road and traffic conditions
· know The Highway Code and can demonstrate this through your driving
After meeting your examiner, the next two stages are:
· an eyesight check – if you fail this, your test will not continue
· your examiner will ask you two questions about carrying out vehicle safety checks
You'll be asked one 'show me' and one 'tell me' question. One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault being recorded.You can find source material in the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) publication 'The official guide to Driving - the essential skills' and 'The official DSA guide to learning to drive'. Advice and information on how to carry out vehicle safety checks can also be found in the manufacturer's handbook.
· reversing around a corner
· turning in the road
· reverse parking
You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise.Throughout the test you should drive in the way your instructor has taught you. If you make a mistake, don't worry about it as it might be a less serious driving fault and may not affect your result. However, if at any time your examiner considers your driving to be a danger to other road users your test will be stopped.Your practical driving test will include approximately ten minutes of independent driving. This is designed to assess your ability to drive safely while making decisions independently.
Independent driving and riding section of the practical test
Your practical driving test will include approximately 10 minutes of independent driving. Find out what independent driving is and how it will be assessed during your test.
· traffic signs
· a series of directions
· a combination of both
To help you understand where you are going when following verbal directions, the examiner will show you a diagram.It doesn't matter if you don't remember every direction, or if you go the wrong way - that can happen to the most experienced drivers.Independent driving is not a test of your orientation and navigation skills. Driving independently means making your own decisions - this includes deciding when it’s safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation about where you’re going.
Special needs and the practical driving test
You should let the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) know when you book your practical test if you have any hearing problems, language difficulties, movement restrictions or adaptations fitted to your vehicle.The DSA is committed to equal opportunities for all and provides a number of facilities for candidates with special needs or physical disabilities.
· are in any way restricted in your movements
· have any physical disability
No matter how serious your disability might be, you will still take the same driving test as every other test candidate. However, more time is allowed for the test. This is to allow the examiner to talk to you about your disability and any adaptations fitted to your vehicle.
· will usually be the person who has taught you to drive
· could be a relative or friend
· must be over 16 years old
· cannot take any part in the test
· will be able to see how you perform during the test
To get the most benefit, ask your instructor to go with you. They can then give you advice on how to improve your driving, whether you pass or fail.The examiner's supervisor may come along as well. You shouldn't be concerned about this as they will be watching the examiner's performance, not yours. The supervisor will not have a say in how you are tested or in your result. If you don’t allow the examiner’s supervisor to go with you, you might lose your test fee and your test might not go ahead.
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Driving Test Prices & Fees
Standard driving test times are 8.40, 9.37, 10.44, 11.41, 13.33, 14.30, 15.27. The DSA now offer some alternative staggered test times throughout the day at selected test centres only.
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The current Show Me/Tell Me Questions
Q1. Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine
coolant level and tell me how you would check the engine has the correct level.
Identify
the coolant tank and check the min/max markings. If the coolant is below the min mark then more coolant will need to be added.
To do this, unscrew the cap and pour in coolant until the max mark is reached.
Q2. Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check
that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify the brake
fluid reservoir and check the fluid level against the min/max levels.
Q3. Show me/explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
If the steering becomes heavy the steering may be faulty. Before starting a journey
two simple checks can be made. 1) Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained whilst the engine is started, should result
in slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. 2) Turning the steering wheel after just moving off will
give an immediate indication that the power assisted steering is functioning correctly.
Q4.
Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
Identify the reservoir and explain how to check the level.
Q5. Open the bonnet identify, where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that
the engine has enough oil.
Identify the dipstick, pull it out and check the oil level
against the min/max markings.
Q6. Show me how you would check that the
horn is working (off road only).
Press the horn and listen (turn on ignition if necessary).
Q7. Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.
(I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine).
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (may need
to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine)
Q8. Tell me how you
would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
As you move off
check the brakes. They should not feel spongy and the car should not pull to one side.
Q9. Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
Turn on lights (turn ignition if necessary), walk around car and check that the lights are on.
Q10. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working correctly.
Activate the indicators or hazard warning lights and walk around the car to see if all the indicators
are working correctly.
Q11. Tell me where you would find the information
for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Information
will be found using the car manufacturer's manual. Check the tyre pressures by using a reliable pressure gauge when the
tyres are cold. Don't forget the spare and remember to refit the valve caps.
Q12.
Tell me how you would check the tyres to show that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe
to use on the road.
A safe tyre will have no cuts or bulges. The tread depth
should be at least 1.6mm across the central 3/4s of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
Q13. Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
Apply the parking brake. When it is fully applied it should secure itself.
Q14. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the
best protection in the event of a crash.
The head restraint should be adjusted
so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the
head as is comfortable. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable.
Q15.
Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers .
Operate
control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary.
Q16.
Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear
screens.
Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source
and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.
Q17. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.
Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking
system.
Q18. Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main
beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
Operate
switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.
Q19. Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need
to exit vehicle).
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary).
Check warning light is on. Explain use.
Note: Failure on one or both of the show
me tell me questions will result in one minor fault.