Theory Test, Driving theory test, Hazard Perception Test, Mock Theory Test

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Taking your tests with DSA - FAQs
Following is all the information you might need to know about the UK driving theory test conducted by the DSA.
 
Q. What is the UK driving theory test?

Q. How to book, change or cancel your theory test appointment?

Q. How do I comment or complain if I have any problem?

Q. Do I need to bring any documents with me on the day of the theory test?

Q. What happens when I arrive at the test centre?

Q. How much does the theory test cost?

Q. How long does it take to get my test result?

Q. Do I get feedback on what I got wrong in the test?

Q. Can I take a paper-based test?

Q. Do I need to be able to use computers while giving the theory test?

Q. How long do I get to take the theory test?

Q. How many questions are there in the theory test?

Q. What is the pass mark for theory test?

Q. How do I answer questions / how do I mark the answers?

Q. Can I change an answer after I have selected one?

Q. Can I skip questions I am not sure about, and go back to them later?

Q. Can other candidates see my results on the screen?

Q. What happens if the computer system breaks down?

Q. Does everyone have to take the theory test?

Q. Can I take my practical test first?

Q. Can people with special needs use the system?

Q. I am colour blind. Can I still use the system?

Q. I am dyslexic. Can I use the system?

Q. Can I take the theory test in a language other than English?

Q. The test is not available in my language. Can I bring a translator with me to translate the test?

Q. I have hearing difficulties. Can I use the system?

Q. I have light-sensitive epilepsy. How can I take a theory test?

Q. How do I book a theory test?

Q. Where do I get an application form for the theory test?

Q. Where do I send my application form?

Q. What material can I revise from?
 
Answers - Top
Q. What is the UK driving theory test?
  The UK driving theory test was introduced in July 1996 as a written examination and updated to a computer based test in 2000. The test is conducted by the DSA (Driving Standards Agency). Everyone who wants to have a full UK licence has to clear the theory test first and then only will be able to appear for the practical driving test. The theory test consists of 2 parts. The first is the written part which consists of 50 multiple-choice questions (selected randomly from a bank of over 1200) about a wide range of 'driving topics', such as car or bike mechanics, the Highway Code and driving law. The second part is the hazard perception test forms a second section of the theory test and must be passed at the same time.
This part of the theory test requires you to view 14 hazard video clips on the computer screen of approximately one minute each. You are required to watch these clips as if you were the driver. There will be 15 hazards to find - at least one on each clip. However, one clip will have 2 hazards. The hazard clips will not contain any sound. The clips feature various types of hazards, such as vehicles, pedestrians and road conditions. You should respond by pressing a mouse button as soon as you see a hazard developing that may result in the driver having to take some action, such as changing speed or direction. The earlier the developing hazard is spotted, and a response made, the higher the
score.
Candidates can score up to five marks on each hazard and the test contains 15 scoreable hazards. You click either the left or right mouse button whenever you think you can see a hazard developing. The speed at which you click the mouse button as a hazard develops will determine your score for that particular hazard clip. You can score between 0 and 5 on each hazard.
The pass mark for this part of the theory test is 44 out of 75 (i.e. 15 hazards x 5) for car drivers and motorcycle riders.
Those taking LGV or PCV (lorry or bus) tests must score at least 50 out of 75.
If you fail in any of the sections, you have to give the theory test again.
Q. How to book, change or cancel your theory test appointment?
  Theory test appointments can be booked, and subject to three clear working days notice, be changed and cancelled using the online booking service or the telephone. You can also download an application form and apply by post. Before you can take your theory test
you will need to make sure you have a valid provisional driving licence. You can apply for a provisional driving licence from the Driver
and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The application form (form D1) can be obtained from your local Post Office. Once you have a
valid provisional driving licence you can book your theory test. Waiting times vary from region to region, but the target is that 95 per
cent of theory test candidates receive an appointment date within two weeks of their preferred date.

Booking online :
To book a theory test online you will need:
  • A valid UK driving licence
  • A valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted)
To book a theory test with an operator over the phone you will need:
  • A valid UK driving licence
  • A valid debit or credit card for payment

    • (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted)
  • You can book a theory test over the phone using the numbers below, from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm except on Bank Holidays.
  • Theory test booking line - 0870 0101 372
  • Welsh language booking line - 0870 0100 372
  • Minicom booking line - 0870 0106 372
  • Fax booking line - 0870 0104 372
Booking by post :
To book a theory test by post you will need an application form. Application forms are available online or on request from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) booking line. Payment can be made by cheque or postal order, but cash payments are not accepted.
Cancelling or rescheduling a test You can reschedule or cancel your theory test over the phone via the booking line or you can do it
online. Providing you give DSA three clear working days notice you can:
  • Move or change your appointment
  • Cancel your appointment
  • Have a full refund of test fee.
Q. How do I comment or complain if I have any problem?
 

To comment on or complain about the Online Booking service, you can contact customer care at
DSA
Stanley House
56 Talbot Street
Nottingham
Postcode:NG1 5GU Fax: 0115 901 2510
bookings@dsa.gsi.gov.uk
Q. Do I need to bring any documents with me on the day of the theory test?
  To take your theory test you must bring with you a current GB or Northern Ireland driving licence with provisional entitlement for the category
of test you wish to take. Make sure you have signed your licence and bring both parts of it. If you don't bring both parts you may not be able
to take the theory test and you will lose your fee.
Q. What happens when I arrive at the test centre? Top
  On booking your theory test you are advised to arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled time of your test. On arrival at the centre you will be asked your name and asked to hand over both parts of your driving licence to allow invigilator staff to check your driving licence entitlement.You will be asked to store any belongings you have in a locker. You can keep the key with you during the test. All mobile phones must be switched off.You will be given a copy of the test procedures and asked to take a few minutes to read over them.The invigilator staff will then call you to check in by signing a registration log and to confirm your details. You will then be shown into the testing room and allocated an individual booth to sit your test. Check the details on the screen and if they are correct press Start on the screen to commence your test. On completion of the test you are free to quietly leave the testing room. Staff will ask you to sign out and collect any belongings from the locker. You can then take a seat in the waiting room to await your results. Should you have any problems while in the testing room, raise your hand and a member of staff will come to you.
Q. How much does the theory test cost?
  The cost is £28.50 for the Car and Motorcycle.
The cost is £32.00 for the LGV and PCV test.
Q. How long does it take to get my test result?
  Candidates receive their test results, and feedback information, within 30 minutes of finishing the test.
Q. Do I get feedback on what I got wrong in the test?
  Yes. For the multiple choice test candidates are given feedback on the topic areas in which they answered questions incorrectly, and the number of questions they got wrong. For the hazard perception element you will receive a summary of how you scored in the 14 clips. You must pass both parts of the theory test to get a pass certificate.
Q. Can I take a paper-based test?
  No, however, if you have special needs that mean you have particular difficulties in using Visual Display Units, tell the booking office when you book your test as special arrangements may be made in some cases.
Q. Do I need to be able to use computers while giving the theory test? Top
  No. The touch screen system has been carefully designed to make sure it is easy to use. Candidates can also work through a practice session for up to 15 minutes to get used to the system before actually starting their test. For the hazard perception test candidates click the mouse button. At the start of this test there is a tutorial video, which uses a sample test clip and recorded explanation to explain how this part of the test works. If anybody has any difficulties in using the system, just raise your hand and a member of staff will come to you to help.
Q. How long do I get to take the theory test?
  For categories A and B, in the Multiple Choice part of the test, candidates have 57 minutes to answer 50 questions. For categories C and D, in the Multiple Choice part of the test, candidates have 70 minutes to answer 60 questions. For all test categories, the Hazard Perception part of the test consists of 14 video clips each lasting approximately 1 minute.
However, people with special needs can apply for additional time for the multiple choice part of their test. No additional time is available for the hazard perception part of the test. Candidates should ask for extra time when booking their test.
Q. How many questions are there in the theory test?
  Currently there are 50 questions in the multiple choice part of the car and motorcycle test; 60 questions in the LGV and PCV test; and 14 video clips in the hazard perception part for all categories of test.
Q. What is the pass mark for theory test?
  The pass marks for the different categories of theory test are as follows:
Categories A & B (Bike & Car)Multiple Choice 43 of 50 / Hazard Perception 44 of 75
Categories C & D (LGV & PCV) Multiple Choice 51 of 60 / Hazard Perception 50 of 75
Q. How do I answer questions / how do I mark the answers?
  For the multiple choice element, one question at a time is shown on screen. Underneath the question the answer options are set out. To select an answer you touch the button on the screen beside the answer you want. For the hazard perception element you press the mouse button as soon as you see a hazard developing.
A red flag appears at the bottom of the screen each time you press the mouse button to show your response has been recorded. You do need to be careful though. If you make lots of unnecessary responses in a very short time, or throughout the clip, you will score 0 for that clip. If this happens you will see a warning message on screen at the end of the clip, as follows, "You responded to this clip in an unacceptable manner. You will score zero for this clip"
Q. Can I change an answer after I have selected one?
  For the multiple choice section you can change your answer by touching the screen again. You can not change your responses to the hazard perception test.
Q. Can I skip questions I am not sure about, and go back to them later?
  Yes. You can mark the multiple choice questions with a flag to help you go back to them quickly. The system also prompts you to go back to questions that you have not answered fully.The video clips in the hazard perception test are continuous. You can not go back or change your response.
Q. Can other candidates see my results on the screen?
  No, candidates sit in a private booth. In any case, there are so many different forms of the test that candidates in adjacent booths are probably sitting for different tests.
Q. What happens if the computer system breaks down?
  If there is a short interruption during the test, candidates are usually able to continue with the test. The answers that have been given up to that point will not normally be lost. If there is a longer interruption, candidates are offered a new test free of charge.
  Top
Q. Does everyone have to take the theory test?
  A all candidates will have to pass the relevant theory test before they can take their practical test. If you from EU or outside EU, you can also contact the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) who will tell you if you can or cannot exchange your driving licence. If you cannot exchange your licence you will need to take and pass a theory test before you can book a practical driving test. Any particular enquiries about whether a theory test is required should be addressed to;
DSA
Stanley House
56 Talbot Street
Nottingham
Postcode:NG1 5GU
www.dsa.gsi.gov.uk
Q. Can I take my practical test first?
  No. You have to take and pass your theory test before a booking for the practical test is accepted.
Q. Can people with special needs use the system?
  The system provides facilities for candidates with special needs. This includes being able to listen to the test read in English or 20 other languages through a headset or, for deaf candidates, being able to watch the test being signed in British Sign Language.
Q. I am colour blind. Can I still use the system?
  Yes. The system has been carefully designed so that candidates who are colour blind can use it.
Q. I am dyslexic. Can I use the system?
  The system has the option for dyslexic candidates to listen to the test being read in English through a headset. People with dyslexia can also apply to have up to double the standard time for the Multiple Choice part of the test. This accommodation must be arranged at the time of booking. Supporting documents such as a letter from your GP or teacher will be required.
Q. Can I take the theory test in a language other than English?
  If you are taking the car or motorcycle theory test, you can listen through a headset to the test being read out. This includes 20 languages other than English. These are: Bengali, Cantonese, Urdu, Albanian, Hindi, Pushto, Arabic, Kashmiri, Spanish, Kurdish, Tamil, Mirpuri, Turkish, Dari, Polish, Farsi, Portuguese, Gujarati, Punjabi and Welsh.
There is no additional charge for this service. If you are taking the LGV or PCV theory test, you may listen through headphones to the test be read out in Welsh.
Q. The test is not available in my language. Can I bring a translator with me to translate the test?
  Yes. For all test categories, translators are permitted if the test is not offered in the language in which you wish to sit the test. A translator supported theory testing service is available. For further information 0845 600 6700. Fees for this service are the responsibility of candidates. This accommodation must be arranged at the time of booking.
  Top
Q. I have hearing difficulties. Can I use the system?
  A video of the test in British Sign Language is available on screen for candidates who are deaf or have other hearing difficulties. This accommodation should be arranged at the time of booking.
Q. I have light-sensitive epilepsy. How can I take a theory test?
  Special arrangements can be made through the booking office to enable you to take your theory test. The actual arrangements will depend on your exact needs, but may involve using a flicker-free screen like those used in a laptop.
Q. How do I book a theory test?
  You can book your theory test online at anytime on www.dsa.gov.uk. You will need your Driving Licence Number and a valid credit or debit card. If you book by this method you will be given a date and time of your theory test immediately. To book by telephone, using a credit or debit card, ring the booking service on 0870 0101 372 (local rate), Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturdays 8am to 4pm. Application forms are also accepted by post with cheque or postal order payment.
Q. Where do I get an application form for the theory test?
  Application forms are available from theory test and practical test centres, Approved Driving Instructors and also available on www.dsa.gov.uk
Q. Where do I send my application form?
  Application forms for the theory test should be sent to the address shown on the form. The address on these forms is Driver and Vehicle Agency, Booking Department, PO Box 381, Manchester, M50 3UW
Q. What material can I revise from?
  To prepare properly for the theory test we strongly recommend that you study the books from which the questions are taken. These books, known as the source material, consist of

               - The Highway Code
               - Know Your Traffic Signs and
               - Latest Official DSA theory test question bank for the vehicle category in which you are taking your test.

www.theory-test.co.uk - You can prepare for your driving theory test, you can access official driving theory test questions and answers online along with the interactive hazard perception clips.