Theory tests

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You must have a provisional licence to book your theory test.  The test consists of 2 parts: multi-choice questions and hazard perceptions.

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The multiple-choice element allows you up to 57 minutes to answer 50 questions.  Before continuing to the hazard perception element, you can take a break of up to 3 minutes.

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The hazard perception test consists of 14 video clips showing developing hazards – One of the clips will have 2 developing hazards.  You get points for spotting developing hazards as soon as they start to happen, and can receive up to 5 points for each one by clicking the mouse as soon as you spot it.

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You’ll get the result at the test centre after taking the theory test. You must pass both parts to pass the test.  The pass marks are 43/50 for the multiple-choice questions and 44/75 for hazard perceptions.  If you pass, you’ll get a letter with a pass certificate number at the test centre - You need this when you book and take your driving test.

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You can use books and software to revise for the theory test and take practice tests.  We strongly recommend purchasing the official resources which are “The Highway Code”, “Know Your Traffic Signs” and “Driving – The Essential Skills”, which can be purchased from most book stores, as the official test questions are based on these 3 books.  We also suggest purchasing the “Official Guide to Hazard Perception”, which can be purchased online to download or from book shops in DVD format.

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Practical tests

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The test is the same for both manual and automatic cars and you’ll drive for around 40 minutes.  There are 5 parts to the driving test:

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• An eyesight check

• ‘Show me, tell me’, vehicle safety questions

• General driving ability

• Reversing your vehicle

• Independent driving

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Eyesight check

You’ll have to read a number plate from a distance of 20m for vehicles with a “new-style” number plate or 20.5m for vehicles with old style plates.

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‘Show me, tell me’, questions

You’ll be asked 2 vehicle safety questions.  At the start of the test you’ll be asked a “tell me” question, and during the test a “show me” question.

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General driving ability

You’ll drive in various road and traffic conditions, but not on motorways, with the examiner giving you directions.  You will be asked to pullover at the side of the road to check your ability to pull away from normal stops, on hills and from behind parked cars.  You might also be asked to carry out an emergency stop.

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Reversing your vehicle

The examiner will ask you to either parallel park, forward or reverse park into a bay, pull up on the right-hand side of the road and reverse around 2 car lengths.

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Independent driving

You’ll have to drive for about 20 minutes by either following directions from a sat-nav or following traffic signs.