Theory Test
What’s it all about?
The Theory and Hazard Perception Tests are a combined test generally referred to as
the Theory Test and both parts of the test must be passed at the one sitting or you will have to re-take the whole test again.
The test aims to make you a safer driver by assessing your:
- Knowledge and understanding in a number of key areas
- Ability to identify
developing hazards at an early stage.
When you go to take your test you must have both parts of your provisional driving licence
with you (plastic id and paper) or you will not be able to take the test. The test is computer based and uses a ‘touch screen’ system. The time allowed for this part of the test is a generous 57 minutes.
You will be offered a practice session before the test begins. The Theory Test requires you to correctly answer 43 out of 50 multiple-choice questions from a bank of several hundred. The last five questions involve reading a scenario or short story (maybe supported with pictures) and then answering five multiple-choice questions relating to it (click for example).
The Hazard Perception Test (HPT) follows the Theory Test after an optional three-minute
break and requires you to identify 15 developing hazards in 14 video clips filmed from a driver’s viewpoint.
Unfortunately
the DSA are not very forthcoming as to the exact workings of the HPT, so the following is our advice, based on practical experience
of the test itself and the various training materials available:
A hazard is anything, which will or might cause you to take
some action. However it is safe to assume that the HPT is concerned with moving hazards.
The hazards on which you are assessed will have a scoring window which opens at a predetermined point just before the hazard develops. When the hazard has been evident for a while the window closes again. You can only score when the window is open. You score the maximum 5 points if you click as soon as the window opens and the score drops if you click later in the window.
To pass the HPT, candidates must score
at least 44 out of a possible 75 points.
Remember as well that one of the clips has two scorable hazards so don’t relax when you think a scorable hazard has passed!
How should I prepare?
Begin studying as soon as possible, the more you know, the better equipped you will be for driving. All the Theory Test questions and answers are published and there are many books and CDs/DVDs available. But don’t settle for
just learning the answers, make sure you understand the answers and remember that there is a lot more to know than what is covered
by the test. Ask your instructor to explain anything you do not understand.
Your instructor will help you to understand the various types of hazards and will train you to recognise and deal with them. Hazard recognition improves with experience and for this reason it is worth getting some driving experience before attempting the Theory Test.
There are many study books
relating to the Theory Test, but we recommend as a minimum:
o The DSA publication The Official Theory Test for Car Drivers available from most book shops. Price around £12.
o The Highway Code available from most bookshops. Price around £2.50
There is also a wide range of audio-video products on
the market and you can access a number of web sites, which offer the facility of taking a mock test on-line.
Warning: Beware of second-hand material. The questions used in the Theory Test change frequently and some of the early HPT training CDs do not use the DSA’s scoring criteria.
Where is the nearest Theory Test Centre for Poole?
How
long will I have to wait to get a test?
You can expect to be sitting your test in around 2-3 weeks from applying, although you
may of course specify a longer wait if you wish.
How long will I have to wait for the result?
Results are available as soon
as you finish the test and, a letter confirming your scores will be printed and given to you.
