Theory

Passing the driving theory test.

After you have your provisional licence you will need to start thinking about taking your theory test. If you are a learner driver, you must pass your theory test before you book your practical test. The theory test comprises of two parts;

Part one – multiple choice

Before the test starts you’ll be given instructions on how the test works. You can also choose to go through a practice session of the multiple-choice questions to get used to the layout of the test. At the end of the practice session, the real test will begin. A question and several answer options will appear onscreen and you have to select the correct answer to the question by touching the screen. Some questions may require more than one answer. For cars and motorcycles you’ll be asked 50 questions in 57 minutes and the pass mark is 43 out of 50. You can navigate between questions and ‘flag’ questions that you want to come back to later in the test. After the multiple-choice part you can choose to have a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception part starts.

Part two – hazard perception

After the break, you’ll then be shown a short tutorial video clip about how the hazard perception part works. The hazard perception part is also delivered on a computer but you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. You’ll be presented with a series of 14 video clips that feature everyday road scenes. In each clip, there’ll be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards. To achieve a high score you’ll need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development. The maximum you can score on each hazard is five. You won’t be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test; as on the road, you’ll only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard.

Take a practice theory test.

There are lots of resources available online to help pass your theory test. You can also take a practise theory test online.