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 begins with the Theory Test, this 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.  When you see a significant hazard click using the mouse, but if the hazard develops further then click again.  For example a pedestrian running along the pavement would be considered a hazard so click, but if the pedestrian suddenly changes direction and starts running towards the road then the hazard has developed so click again.

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.  From January 2012, the Theory Test questions and answers will not be published, but there will be plenty of study material available, which will help you prepare.  Published questions are now referred to as revision questions.  Choose a product which doesn't just give you answers, but helps you understand.  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 what you may be asked on the Theory Test, but we recommend as a minimum: