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. If a candidiate passes one part but fails the other, they will need to take both parts again.

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 must be completed within 57 minutes.

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. Some questions will be given as a case study, which will:

show a short story that five questions will be based on
focus on real life examples and experiences that you could come across when driving

There are 50 questions. To pass, the candidate must answer at least 43 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 Test works.

A series of 14 video clips which feature every day road scenes is shown. Each clip includes at least one developing hazard (that is, something that may result in you having to take some action, such as changing speed or direction), but one of the clips will feature two hazards, so the candidate must identify 15 developing hazards.

To achieve a high score, the candidate needs to spot the hazards during the early part of their development, and click the mouse button as soon as they see the hazard developing. However, if a candidate continuously clicks during a clip, a message will appear at the en saying that they have scored zero for that particular clip.

The maximum points that can be scored on each hazard is five. The pass mark for the Hazard Perception Test is 44 out of 75.

At the end of the test candidates are asked some customer survey questions, although they do not have to answer them and they will not affect the result of the test. Once the candidate has finished the test they can leave the test room, but they won't be able to go back in. They will be given your result by the test centre staff. Those who have passed will get a pass certificate, which they will need when booking and taking their practical test. So, it's important to keep it safe. The certificate only lasts for two years, so if the candidate has not passed their practical test by then, they will need to take and pass the theory test again.

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 Direct Gov 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 Direct Gov website.

Booking The Theory Test

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