 Read our Information Page to see what books the DSA recommend to help you with your theory test
Take time to read about the changes to the Practical Driving Test coming into effect from October 2010. Independant Driving
To Book your Theory Test on-line with the DSA Click Here
To Book your Practical Test on-line with the DSA Click Here
(You will need your Instructors ADI Number to ensure that your instructor is not double booked)
The Theory Test can be booked on line at www.dsa.gov.uk or you can phone the DSA on 0300 200 1122. You will need your driving license and a credit / debit card for the payment of £31.00.
To book your Theory Test on-line with the DSA click here
BEWARE the Agent Sites that charge you more money as a "Booking Fee" Only Use the DSA site to book your Theory and Pratical Test
Taking your theory test
Click Here to Watch a video about the driving theory test
Click here to Take an Official DSA Theory Test No. 1
Click Here to Take an Official DSA Theory test No. 2
The multiple choice part is delivered using a touch screen computer and the hazard perception part records your responses through the use of a computer mouse button.
If you pass one part and fail the other you'll fail the whole test, and you'll need to take both parts again.
The questions in each multiple choice test vary according to the category of vehicle you're hoping to obtain a licence for eg a motorcycle theory test will contain specific questions that don't appear in any other test.
For the hazard perception test there are no separate versions for different vehicles, the items are drawn from the same pool, and each vehicle category takes the same test. However the pass mark is different for different categories of tests.
Lorry and bus multiple choice and hazard perception tests are booked and taken separately.
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.
Some car and motorcycle multiple choice questions will be given as a case study. The case study will show a scenario that five questions will be based on. The subject of the scenario focuses on real life examples and experiences that drivers could come across when driving.
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.
multiple choice test types
Category Time allowed Passmark
Car and motorcycle 57 minutes 43 out of 50
Lorry and bus 115 minutes 85 out of 100
Part two - hazard perception
After the break you'll then be shown a short tutorial video clip about how the hazard perception part works.
How the test works
The hazard perception part is delivered on a computer and you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. You will be presented with a series of video clips which feature every day road scenes. In each clip there will be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards.
To achieve a high score you will need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development. The maximum you can score on each hazard is five.
Recognition of available clues and perception of danger are skills that are necessary in all drivers and riders, irrespective of the vehicle used. For this reason, the same version of the hazard perception test is used for all categories of test.
An example of when to respond
As an example, of how to identify and respond to a developing hazard, consider a parked vehicle on the side of the road. When you first see it, it is not doing anything; it is just a parked vehicle. If you were to respond to the vehicle at this point, you would not score any marks, but you would not lose any marks.
However, when you get closer to the vehicle, you notice that the car's right hand indicator starts to flash. The indicator would lead you to believe that the driver of the vehicle has an intention of moving away, therefore the hazard is now developing and a response at this point would score marks. The indicator coming on is a sign that the parked vehicle has changed its status from a potential hazard into a developing hazard.
When you get closer to the vehicle, you will probably see the vehicle start to move away from the side of the road; another response should be made at this point. Different clips in the test will have various signs to indicate that the hazard is changing its status and is now starting to develop.
How the test is scored
The maximum you can score for each developing hazard is five points. You should respond by pressing the mouse button as soon as you see a hazard developing that may result in you, the driver, having to take some action, such as changing speed or direction. The earlier you notice a developing hazard and make a response, the higher your score.
You will not be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test; as on the road, you will only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard, so you will need to concentrate throughout each clip.
If you react inappropriately during the video clip by clicking continuously or in a pattern of responses you will score zero for that clip. At the end of the clip a pop-up box will appear informing you that you have scored zero for that particular clip.
Category Video clips Developing hazards Pass mark
Car and motorcycle 14 clips 15 44 out of 75
Lorry and bus 1 9 clips 19 67 out of 100
At the end of the test
At the end of the hazard perception part of the theory test you'll be invited to answer a number of customer survey questions.
You don't have to answer the questions if you don't want to, and any information given is anonymous and confidential. The survey questions don't affect the result of the test.
When you have finished the test you may leave the examination room. Once you have left the room, you'll not be allowed to enter it again. You'll then be given your result by the test centre staff.
For lorry and bus candidates once you have passed both tests you will also receive a pass certificate letter by post.
We strongly recommend that all candidates prepare thoroughly for the test. To help prepare we recommend The Highway Code, relevant books from our Essential Skills series and Know Your Traffic Signs. The official theory test books and CD-Roms contain the multiple choice questions. The CD-Roms show screens similar to those used in the multiple choice part of the test and information about hazard perception.
DSA have also produced a DVD or a video and booklet package called Road Sense, which is the official guide to hazard perception for all drivers and riders.
Documents to bring to your driving theory test
You'll be expected to show both parts of your valid driving licence (the photocard and the paper counterpart) at the test centre. If you have an old-style licence without a photo you must also bring a valid passport. If you don't show the required documents you won't be allowed to test and you'll lose your fee.
Old-style driving licences
An old-style licence consists of one paper document which does not display your photograph. If you have an old-style paper licence you must also bring a valid passport with you - no other form of photographic identification will be accepted.
At the test centre
Once you have been registered at reception you'll go through to the test room. You may not take anything into the room with you; all personal items must be stored in the lockers provided.
Once you're in the test room you may not talk to or distract other candidates. The computer screen will display your name and the category of test you're taking.
If you have any problems during the theory test, you should raise your hand to attract the attention of the test invigilator.
How do candidates with special needs sit the test?
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) provides a number of facilities for those people with special requirements, these include foreign language voiceovers, extra time, British Sign Language interpretation and translator assisted tests.
How do candidates with special requirements take the theory test?
The following facilities are available for candidates with special requirements. All of the facilities need to be requested at the time of booking.Facilities for those whose first language is not EnglishIf your first language is not English, or you can not read or understand written English well, you can request a voiceover in one of 21 languages. A voiceover allows you to hear the theory test instructions and questions through headphones. The questions will automatically be read out to you, you can hear the answer options by touching the text on the screen. You can hear the questions as many times as you like, you simply need to touch the text of the question onscreen again.
Foreign language voiceovers are available in the following languages:
Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, Dari, English, Farsi, Gujarati, Hindi, Kashmiri, Kurdish, Mirpuri, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Pushto, Spanish, Tamil, Turkish, Urdu, Welsh
Translator assisted tests
If there is no voiceover provided in the language you require, you can request to have a translator assisted theory test. The call centre agent should be able to tell you the names and contact details of the relevant DSA approved translators. It is your responsibility to arrange a test date with the translator and to pay any fees involved.
Facilities for those with reading difficulties
If you have dyslexia or other reading difficulties you can ask for an English or Welsh voiceover. You can also request to have up to double time for the multiple choice part of the theory test. If you require more than the standard time of 40 minutes for the multiple choice part you will need to send in evidence of your reading difficulty to the theory test booking customer services.
Facilities for those with hearing difficulties
If you are deaf or have hearing difficulties you can ask to take the theory test in British sign language (BSL). The BSL interpretation will run alongside the standard test questions and answers. If you do not use BSL, an interpreter can be taken into the test centre, this facility needs to be arranged through the theory test customer services section. There is no extra fee for either facility.
Other special requirements
If you have a special need that is not met by the facilities above, you can contact the theory test customer services section who can discuss your requirements and the facilities available.
The Practical Driving Test can be booked on line at www.dsa.gov.uk or by phone on 0300 200 1122. You will need your Driving License, your Theory Test Certificate and a credit / Debit Card for the cost of £62.00. There are tests available at weekends but these are at the rate of £75.00. (Please ensure that your instructor is available before you book your test, Your instructor has an ADI number which you should quote when booking your test, this will ensure that you do not double book the instructor) Test routes are designed to be as uniform as possible include a range of typical road and traffic conditions. For a list of the Test Routes please click here. Please remember that you are not taught the test routes, you are taught safe driving practices on all types of roads.
To Book your test on-line with the DSA Click Here
The test will include an eyesight check (if you fail this, your test will not continue). The eyesight test requires you to read a number plate that is a certain distance away. For more information about the eyesight check please click here.
After the eyesight test you will be asked two vehicle safety check questions. You will then be examined on your general driving and on two reversing exercises. The reversing exercises will be chosen from:
1. reversing around a corner
2. turning in the road
3. reverse parking
You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise.
The Practical Driving Test is designed to see if you can drive safely, know the Highway Code and can demonstrate this through your driving.
You will be given directions in good time asked to carry out set exercises
The driving test lasts approximately 40 minutes
What will the test include?
The test will include an eyesight check (if you fail this, your test will not continue).
Before the practical driving test, your driving examiner will ask you to read the number plate on a stationary vehicle.
The distance requirement for the eyesight test using old style number plates is 20.5 metres or 20 metres if the new-style number plate is used. New-style number plates are easily identifiable starting with two letters eg AB 51 ABC.
Independent driving explained
Watch a video about independent driving
From 4 October 2010 your practical driving test will include a 10 minute section of independent driving.
During your test you’ll have to drive independently by either following:
· a series of directions
· traffic signs
· a combination of both
To help you understand where you’re going, the examiner may show you a diagram.
It doesn't matter if you don't remember every direction, or if you go the wrong way - that can happen to the most experienced drivers.
Independent driving is not a test of your orientation and navigation skills. Driving independently means making your own decisions - this includes deciding when it’s safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation about where you’re going.
The independent driving route
If you ask for a reminder of the directions, the examiner will confirm them to you.
If you go off the independent driving route it won’t affect the result of your test unless you commit a driving fault.
If you go off the route or take a wrong turning, the examiner will help you to get back on the route and continue with the independent driving.
If there are poor or obscured traffic signs, the examiner will give you directions until you can see the next traffic sign - you won’t need to have a detailed knowledge of the area.
You can’t use a sat nav for independent driving as it gives you turn-by-turn prompts. Independent driving tests how you make your own decisions.
Driving Test - Extended
Re-testing for disqualified drivers and riders was introduced on 06 January 1992. The cost of the extended test is £124.00 (Extended tests will last about 70 minutes)
Courts can impose an extended driving test on anyone convicted of dangerous driving offences convicted of other offences involving obligatory disqualification
Loss of your driving licence for dangerous driving or related offences involving obligatory disqualification means that you return to 'learner' status.
Normal rules for provisional licence-holders will apply.You must take and pass a theory test for the category of vehicle for which you intend to take an extended practical driving test.
The extended driving test is longer and therefore more demanding. It lasts for about 70 minutes and covers a wide variety of roads, usually including dual carriageways.
You are advised to prepare by taking suitable instruction from an ADI.
The higher fee reflects the length of the test.The purpose of re-testing is not punitive; it is a road safety measure, to check the driver's competence.
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