The theory test explained
The theory test is made up of two parts; the
multiple choice part and the hazard perception part. You need to
pass both parts to pass the theory test. Once you have passed the
theory test you can then apply to take your practical driving test.
Taking your theory test
The multiple choice part is delivered using a touch screen computer
and the hazard perception part records your responses through the
use of a computer mouse button.
If you pass one part and fail the other you'll fail the whole test,
and you'll need to take both parts again.
The questions in each multiple choice test vary according to the
category of vehicle you're hoping to obtain a licence for, ie a
motorcycle theory test will contain specific questions that don't
appear in any other test.
For the hazard perception test there are no separate versions for
different vehicles, each vehicle category takes the same test, however
the pass mark is different for different categories of tests.
Part one - multiple choice
Before the 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 used to the layout of the test. At the end
of the practice session the real test will begin.
A question and several answer options will appear onscreen and
you have to select the correct answer to the question by touching
the screen. Some questions may require more than one answer.
For cars and motorcycles you'll be asked 35 questions in 40 minutes
and the pass mark is 30 out of 35.
From 3 September 2007 you'll be asked 50 questions in 57 minutes
and the pass mark will be 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.
Part two - hazard perception
After the break you'll then be shown a short tutorial video clip
about how the hazard perception part works.
The hazard perception part is also delivered on a computer but
you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. You'll be presented
with a series of 14 video clips which feature every day road scenes.
In each clip there'll be at least one developing hazard, but one
of the clips will feature two developing hazards.
To achieve a high score you'll need to respond to the developing
hazard during the early part of its development. The maximum you
can score on each hazard is five.
You won't be able to review your answers to the hazard perception
test; as on the road, you'll only have one chance to respond to
the developing hazard.
The pass mark for the car and motorcycle hazard perception part
of the theory test is 44 out of 75.
At the end of the test
At the end of the hazard perception part of the theory test you'll
be invited to answer a number of customer survey questions.
You don't have to answer the questions if you don't want to, and
any information given is anonymous and confidential. The survey
questions don't affect the result of the test.
When you have finished the test you may leave the examination room.
Once you have left the room, you'll not be allowed to enter it again.
You'll then be given your result by the test centre staff.
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