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  Helping Learner Drivers

Helping L Riders : The Theory Test

The Theory Test

There are two parts to the Theory Test - a multiple choice question test and a hazard perception test. Both parts must be passed.

The Multiple Choice Questions Test

The multiple choice part of the Theory Test uses a touch screen computer and mouse. Before the test starts the candidate is given instructions on how it works, and can choose to do a practice session to get used to the layout of the test. At the end of the practice session the real test will begin, which takes about 40 minutes to complete.

A question and several possible answers appears on screen. The candidate selects the answer they think is correct by touching the screen or using the mouse. Some questions may require more than one answer.

There are 35 questions. To pass, the candidate must answer at least 30 correctly .

The candidate can then take a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception part of the Theory Test starts.


Hazard Perception Test

This also uses a computer but the candidate responds by clicking a button on the mouse.

A short video is shown to explain how the hazard perception part of the Theory Test works.

A series of 14 video clips which feature every day road scenes is shown. Each clip includes at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two hazards, so the candidate must identify 15 developing hazards. To achieve a high score, he or she needs to spot and respond to the hazards during the early part of their development. The maximum points that can be scored on each hazard is five.

The pass mark for the hazard perception part of the theory test is 44 out of 75.

Preparing for the Theory Test

All the answers to the multiple choice questions can be found in the Highway Code. Books of theory test questions are available in most bookshops.

The learner can also Practice the Theory Test on the Driving Standards Agency Website. Why not try this yourself?

The instructor will help the learner prepare for the hazard perception part of the test by talking about potential hazards during the lessons. If you accompany your learner on practice rides, you can do the same. Further details about the Hazard Perception Test are also available on the DSA website.

Booking The Theory Test

You can book a theory test in many ways. Further information is available on the DSA website or the DVTA website in Northern Ireland.