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:
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:
The Highway Code is
a must and costs around £2.50. it is also available to view free online. You can also view the book Know Your Traffic Signs free online. You can also access a number of web sites, which offer the facility of taking a mock test on-line.
The DSA publication The Official Theory Test for Car Drivers and the the Official Highway Code 2012 costs around £10 and is worth considering and available from most book shops.
There is also a wide range of audio-video products on the market. We recommend DVD's produced byFocus Multimedia as being good value for money and widely available in book shops and online.
Apps are also available for iphone, with free sampler versions available. The official products can be obtained from TSO
Warning: Beware of second-hand material. The questions used in the Theory Test are updated 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.