The Driving Theory Test
The UK driving theory test was first introduced in the UK in July 1996 and now forms an integral part of the legislation for compulsory testing requirements when obtaining a full UK Driving License to allow the use and operation of a motor vehicle within the UK. The original paper based test was later replaced in 2000 by a computer-based test.
The theory test continues to undergo changes with recent updates including ongoing revisions to the theory test question bank, increasing the number of questions from 35 to 50 questions and the introduction of the hazard perception element of the test in November 2002.
The actual driving test taken will vary depending on the type of vehicle you wish to operate i.e. cars, motorcycles or HGV.
Three Part Driving License Test
Obtaining a full driving license requires passing of three tests. The Driving Theory Test, The Hazard Perception Test & The Practical Driving Test.
The Driving Theory Test & Hazard Perception Test are assessed in one sitting and form the ‘Driving Theory Test’ element of obtaining a Driving License.
Driving Theory Test
The question part of the theory test will consist of 50 multiple choice questions with most of the questions having 4 to 7 possible answers. It is important to note, where there is more than one correct answer, all correct answers need to be indicated to score for that question. Since 2002, the Driving Theory Test is now done on a computer at a dedicated driving theory test centre. A total of 40 minutes is allowed for the test and the pass mark is 43 out of 50 questions (86%).
Hazard Perception
The Hazard Perception test is taken at the end of the theory questions test. You are allowed a short pause before the hazard perception part of the tests starts. The Hazard Perception Test consists of viewing 14 video clips with a total of 15 developing hazards that need to be identified. You are marked according to how soon you identify the impending hazard. In order to pass the Hazard Perception Test, you must score 44 out of 75 points (58.6%).
NOTE: A Driving Theory Test pass certificate is valid for only two years. If you do not pass your practical driving test within these two years, you will need to undertake the driving theory test again.
Practical Driving Test
The driving practical test is taken on normal public roads around a pre-determined route. The driving test examiner will be looking to asses and mark you based on driving faults, serious faults, and dangerous faults. Any serious or dangerous faults will result in you failing your driving test. You can also fail your driving test should you accumulate fifteen or more driving faults.
Parts to a practical driving test:
1. Eyesight test before getting to the car
2. Vehicle safety questions before actually taking the car on the road
3. Controlled stopping of the vehical whilst moving (also known as the “emergency stop”)
4. Manoeuvres – you will be asked to perform ONE of the following: Turn in the road (3 point turn), Reverse around a corner or Reverse park into a space either parallel (on road), oblique or right-angle (in a marked bay in an off-road car park)
Important Changes: From 2012 the question bank of actual questions will no loger be published. There will still be an official question bank of sample theory test questions, but the wording of the actual questions will be different.
