The UK Theory Test

The process of learning to drive in the UK includes having to pass both the Theory Test and a Practical Driving Test.

The Theory Test was introduced in 1996, and has seen many changes since then. From 2002 The Hazard Perception Test was added as a seperate test, but taken in the same test session as the Theory Test.

If you are taking a course of driving lessons your instructor should introduce some of the elements of driving theory during your lessons. Other books and DVD's are also readily available to help you prepare for the test.

Towards the end of 2011 the Driving Standards Agency will stop publishing the Theory Test question bank. From January 1st 2012 the Theory Test will be set using an unpublished question bank.

The Theory Test involves answering 50 multiple choice questions via a touch screen computer. 5 of these questions will be based on a case study (see below). The pass mark is 43. Some questions may have more than one correct answer. You are given an opportunity at the end of your test to go back and review your answers.

The Theory Test will also involve a case study. During the test you will be shown a scenario on the screen and then you have to answer 5 multiple choice questions based on it. From January 1st, 2012 the case studies will be made more challenging.

Following the Theory Test you sit the Hazard Perception Test. You watch 14 video clips and have to click the mouse when you see a developing hazard. Each clip has one hazard, and one of the clips has two hazards.

A developing hazard is a hazard which will cause you to change speed or direction. Each hazard has a scoring window from 5 to zero marks. The pass mark is 44 marks out of 75 for learner car drivers. A candidate can not cheat the test by repetitive clicking as the test will detect this and award zero points for that clip.

After the successful completion of the test a certificate will be issued. You will need the certificate and certificate number to book a Practical Driving Test.