New drivers must learn the system of rules and procedures that make up the theory of driving. This better prepares them for their driving lessons and boosts confidence for the practical test. There is little point learning questions by rote as it is necessary to understand the notions and concepts behind the information, particularly the use of speed and stopping distances.

It is better that you start learning to drive before you take your Theory Test. You do have to pass this before your practical test.

The Theory exam was first introduced for new car drivers and motorcycle riders on 1st July 1996 and prospective lorry and bus drivers on 1 January 1997. Since 1 January 2000 theory tests for most types of vehicle are conducted using touch screen computerised technology. The Driving Standards Agency conducts some 1.5 million theory tests every year. The current pass rate is 57%.

What you have to study
There are 35 multiple choice questions to answer within 40 minutes and you have to get at least 30 correct. The bank of over one thousand questions tests the following areas.

	Alertness
	Attitude
	Safety and your vehicle
	Safety margins
	Hazard awareness
	Vulnerable road users
	Other types of vehicle
	Vehicle handling
	Motorway rules
	Rules of the road
	Road and traffic signs
	Documents
	Accidents
	Vehicle loading

Resource Material
The main source material is the Highway Code and the 'Driving - Essential Skills'. The whole bank of official questions is commercially available in book or CD ROM formats through the BSM website or the usual High Street retailers.

Back to top

Touch Screen Technology
The touch screen technology test is very user friendly. Because the DSA is committed to equal opportunities for everyone, they provide facilities for candidates with special needs.

Candidates with reading difficulties, such as those suffering from dyslexia or those people who cannot read or write English - are able to listen to the questions read through a headset. Translations on audio tapes are available in 19 foreign languages and Welsh. These are Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, Dari, Farsi, Gujarati, Hindi, Kashmiri, Kurdish, Mirpuri, Polish, Portugeuse, Pushto, Punjabi, Spanish, Tamil, Turkish and Urdu.

A video of the test in British Sign Language is available on screen for candidates who are deaf or have other hearing difficulties.

Back to top

When attending the test, do take both parts of your licence (photo and paper counterpart) with you. Candidates with a paper provisional driving licence must take photographic identification with them. The person invigilating the examination will give a clear explanation of what to do, including some practice 'familiarisation' questions. Once you've started the test, try not to be distracted by noise caused by the arrival and departure of other candidates. You can practise for up to 15 minutes before the test starts. Only one question appears on the screen at a time. You can move backwards and forwards through the questions and go back to questions that you want to look at again. It's easy to change your answer and the system will alert you if you have not completely answered a question.

Hazard Perception Test (HPT) Element
Following the multiple-choice questions, there will be an optional break of up to three minutes before the Hazard Perception Test begins. This part is introduced by a short tutorial video that explains exactly and very simply how the test works. It gives you the chance to see a sample film clip. You can repeat the tutorial again if you need to.

The pass mark for the car test HPT is 44 out of 75. (For lorry and bus candidates it's 50 out of 75 and driving instructors it's 57).

The test result for both elements will be immediately available at the end of the test, once you've returned to the waiting room. When you pass the Theory Test, the certificate is valid for two years only. You have to pass the practical test within this time, otherwise you need to re-sit the Theory Test.

After passing the Theory Test
Passing this test doesn't mean that you can forget what you've learnt ! Legislation and best driving practices are under constant review. All motorists need to keep up to date.

Continue putting what you've learnt into practice during driving lessons and practice, and there's no reason why you shouldn't pass your practical test first time.

Back to top