Stuart's Driving School - The Driving Test

The Theory Test
It is necessary for learner driver's to pass a theory test before they are allowed to attempt to sit the UK practical driving test. The test has two parts; a multiple choice question section and a hazard perception section.

Multiple Choice Questions
The multiple choice section of the driving theory test has a total of 50 questions. Each question will have a selection of answers. The time allowed to complete this section is 57 minutes. You must score at least 43 out of 50 (86%) to pass this part of the test.

The DSA have recently introduced a case study scenario into the driving theory test. A total of 5 out of the 50 questions will be based on the scenario. These represent real life situations that you may encounter as a driver.

Hazard Perception Test
In the hazard perception part of the test you are required to view 14 video clips on your screen. Each clip is around 60 seconds long containing everyday road situations. You are required to watch these clips as if you were driving at the time, and your aim is to correctly identify the 15 hazards within the clips.

Most of the clips have one developing hazard to identify; but one of the clips contains two hazards. Your score will be based on how quickly you spot each developing hazard. To achieve a high score you must identify the developing hazard in the earlier part of its development.

You can score between 0 and 5 on each hazard with a maximum of 75 for the overall test. You must achieve a score of 44 or more to pass the hazard perception test.

Practical Driving Test
The purpose of the practical test is to determine whether you've acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to drive safely and competently on the open road unsupervised. You should also show that you can drive with 'due regard to other road users in accordance with the Highway Code'.

The test will include an eyesight check (if you fail this, your test will not continue). The eyesight test requires you to read the number plate on a stationary vehicle from a distance of 20.5 metres using old style number plates and 20 metres for new style number plates.

After the eyesight test you will be asked two vehicle safety check questions. You will then be examined on your general driving and on two reversing exercises. The reversing exercises will be chosen from: reversing around a corner, turning in the road, reverse parking. You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise.

During the driving test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. Test routes are designed to be as uniform as possible and will include a range of typical road and traffic conditions. During the test, the examiner will ask you to carry out set exercises.

Throughout the test you should drive in the way your instructor has taught you. If you make a mistake, don't worry about it, it might be a less serious driving fault and may not affect your result. The examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving.

You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. If at any time your examiner considers you to be a danger to other road users your test will be stopped.