Introduction To The UK Driving Theory Test

1.1   What is the UK Driving Theory Test?

 Welcome to this course on the UK Driving Theory Test.

In this module, you will receive a basic overview of what the test entails, how you can book an appointment, and how you can give yourself the best possible chance of success.

Passing your theory test is a legal requirement, in order to obtain a full driving licence, and preparing for the test will also force you to expand your knowledge of the road, thus making you a better and safer driver.

Fact

The pass rate for the theory test is 49.3%.

Source: Driving Test Success

The Highway Code

In the UK, anyone looking to obtain a full driving licence needs to prove that they can not only handle a vehicle safely but also have a solid appreciation of the 'rules of the road'. These rules, known as 'The Highway Code', are set down in a guide published by the Department for Transport.

Although 'The Highway Code' applies to all road users, there are different test requirements for those driving cars, motorcycles and large heavy vehicles, including lorries and buses. 'The Highway Code' is often perceived as just a matter of common sense, yet it contains a lot of detailed information. For this reason, the Department for Transport recommends that all road users keep a copy to hand and refresh their memory on a regular basis.

You should not think of the Code as merely a set of rules to memorise, in order to pass a test - it should form the basis of your driving style for the duration of your motoring life.

Activity 1: What is in the Test?

Estimated time: 5-10 Minutes

Before you continue, write down what you think the driving theory test will cover. If you get stuck, think about what you would include in the test, if you were responsible for producing it.

What do you think all drivers should know about driving safely and using the roads? How would you structure the test? How long do you think it should be?

1.2    How the Test is Structured

There are two main elements to the theory test.

Multiple Choice

The first part consists of multiple-choice questions. You will have 57 minutes in which you must answer 50 multiple-choice questions presented on a computer screen. Before the test begins, you will be presented with some instructions as to how the test works and given the opportunity to try some practice questions. Even if you are comfortable and familiar with computers, it is a good idea to take advantage of the chance to acquaint yourself with the system. If you are feeling especially nervous, this stage also gives you a few minutes' valuable breathing space.

Some of the questions will be purely factual in nature. However, some are presented in the form of a case study. You will be presented with a short story or a description of a real-life scenario of the type  that you might encounter on the road. This will be followed by five questions based on the story or scenario. The rationale behind this kind of question is to test your capability in applying 'The Highway Code' to real-life situations.

If you are unable to answer a question, you will have the option to 'flag' it, and then return to it later on. You can also go back to an earlier question, to review your answer. If you have the time, it is always a good idea to double-check your responses. Even if you are confident in your knowledge, the stress associated with taking a test may cause you to make mistakes.

Following the conclusion of the multiple-choice component, you are then allowed to take a break of up to three minutes, before moving on to the next part.

The content of the test is based on three books, all published by the DVSA:

 

*The Highway Code

 

*Know Your Traffic Signs

 

*The Official DVSA Guide to Driving

In Module 9, we will come back to the content of these books and how to use them, in order to prepare for your test. Most modules in this course are based on these books, in order to give you an overview of the content that you should know before sitting the test

Hazard Perception

The second element of the test requires you to spot and respond to potential risks on the road; it is referred to as a 'Hazard Perception' test. The key purpose of this is to measure to what extent you are able to identify possible sources of danger that would necessitate a change in your driving behaviour, if you were you faced with them on the road.

Firstly, you will be presented with a brief video that explains how the test works. During the test, you will be shown 14 video clips. They are filmed from the perspective of the driver and are taken from real-life scenes on everyday roads. Each clip contains one 'developing hazard', and your task is to identify each hazard, by clicking on it when it appears. The earlier you spot the hazards and click on them, the more points you are awarded.

A 'developing hazard' is defined as an event or threat that would cause you, as the driver, to take action to avert danger.

For example

If you saw a car parked at the side of the road, this would not constitute a developing hazard. The car is stationary and therefore poses no threat. However, if you moved closer to the car, its right-  hand indicator began to flash, and it slowly began to move out into the road, you would need to slow down, in order to stay safe. Therefore, the scenario would now meet the definition of a 'developing hazard'.

You can receive a maximum of five points for spotting each developing hazard. The test does not use a negative scoring system - if you identify a situation as a hazard, whereas, in fact, it is harmless, no points are deducted from your overall mark. However, continuously clicking or clicking in an identifiable pattern will result in a score of zero for the clip. Each clip can only be viewed once - you cannot go back and change your answers.

Fact

Every year, approximately 1.6 million theory tests are administered.

Source: Driving Test Success.

1.3 Various Requirements for Different Types of Road Users

Any individual who wants a licence entitling them to drive on a public highway must pass both a practical test and the theory test.

Although this course focuses primarily on the theory test component, the final module outlines what examiners are

looking for, when they test an individual's practical driving ability.The two tests complement each another; the theory test assesses whether a driver has truly absorbed the laws and regulations governing the safe and appropriate use of a vehicle, whereas the practical test looks at whether they can apply these laws and regulations in pressurised real life situations.

Provisional License

Car drivers must initially obtain a provisional licence, before they can book a theory test, and they must pass the theory test, before they can book their practical test.

A provisional driving licence permits the holder to drive a car on a public highway, provided that they display 'L' plates, are appropriately insured to drive the car and are accompanied by someone who meets the criteria set down by the Department of Transport. This person must be aged 21 or over, be qualified to drive the same type of car e.g., they must hold a manual licence, if the person they are supervising is driving a manual car - and have held a full driving licence for a minimum of three years.

If a learner driver does not ensure that they are accompanied by a person meeting the above criteria, they may receive a fine of up to £1,000 and up to six penalty points on their licence. Some insurance providers stipulate that anyone accompanying a learner is aged 25 or over as a condition of cover, so it is important to check the terms and conditions associated with the policy, before undertaking driving practice.

A provisional driving licence entitles a learner to drive both manual and automatic cars, and the contents of the theory test are the same, regardless of the category  of  car.  However,  if  a  learner driver chooses to take an automatic-only practical test, they are only eligible to drive automatic cars. If they wish to drive a manual vehicle, they will need to take another practical test.

Whilst learning in a manual vehicle, they will need to display 'L' plates and be supervised by an appropriate person as per the criteria outlined above. As a rule, provisional licence holders must be 17, before they can drive a car. There is one exception - a 16-year-old who is in receipt of the enhanced rate of the mobility component of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or who has applied for this payment, is entitled to drive a car, provided that they have obtained a provisional licence.

Motorcyclists

Those learning to drive a motorcycle or moped also need to pass the theory test, before they can sit a practical test and gain their full licence. As is the case for car drivers, motorcyclists need to hold a provisional licence, before booking the theory test. However, the age, training and supervision requirements are different. It is legal to drive a quad bike or light moped (no more than 50cc) from 16 years of age, compared to 17, for those wishing to drive a car.

Learner motorcyclists do not have to be supervised in the same way as learners driving a car, but they must undertake Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), before going on a public highway for the first time.

The purpose of this training is to ensure that the motorcyclist is able to ride in a safe manner, as they prepare to pass their full moped or motorcycle test. It is a brief course and does not entail any kind of assessment that an individual 'passes' or 'fails'. However, an instructor can stop a person's CBT, if they feel as though the candidate lacks basic road safety knowledge or is not capable of handling a moped or motorcycle in a safe manner. Once an individual has completed their CBT, they are then entitled to ride a moped or, if aged 17 or over, a motorcycle of up to 125cc and a power output of 11kW. Once a motorcyclist has passed their practical test, they can ride a more powerful motorbike.

The questions taken by learner motorcyclists in the first part of the test are specifically tailored tosituations faced by this group of road users. Therefore, even if an individual holds a full UK Driving Licence enabling them to drive a car, they still need to take this test, if they wish to ride a motorcycle.

 1.4    Practical Information on Booking and Sitting the Test

There is no minimum number of lessons that you must take, before booking a theory test - it is perfectly legal to book and sit the test, before acquiring any driving experience whatsoever.

However, as the test is based on situations that you are likely to encounter as a driver, most people find it easier to pass the test after accumulating at least a few hours of practical driving experience. Once you have acquired a valid provisional driving licence, go to https://www.gov.uk/book-theory-test.

There are no time restrictions, but it typically takes around 10 minutes to book the test. You will be asked to provide your surname, first names, date of birth and provisional driving licence number.

Next, you will be asked to locate your preferred test centre and then presented with a calendar, showing you available time slots. Having chosen your time slot, you will then be required to pay a fee, before receiving an email confirmation.You can visit https://www.gov.uk/change-theory-test, if you need to change the day or time, but this must be done at least three working days in advance of your original booking.

You can move the date/time of your test up to six times. If you need to change it again, you will have to cancel your original booking and recommence the process. Provided that you cancel your test at least three working days in advance, you will be eligible to receive a full refund. As of spring 2019, the fee for a theory test is £23 for car drivers and motorcyclists and slightly higher for those looking to drive heavy vehicles (lorries, minibuses, buses and coaches).

On the day of the test, you will need to take your UK photocard driving licence with you. If you have a licence that was issued in Northern Ireland, you will be required to show both the photo card and paper components. If you only have a paper licence, you will need to bring a passport, as proof of your identity.

Your personal items, such as phones and bags, will be stored in a secure locker. Staff at the test centre will check that you are not attempting to bring anything into the examination room, with the intention of cheating. If you refuse to submit to such checks, your test will be cancelled, and you will not be eligible for a refund. This also applies, if you fail to produce the relevant documents and identification, as outlined above. It is illegal to cheat or attempt to cheat when sitting the theory test, and the consequences can be serious. If you are caught, you may receive a driving ban and a prison sentence.

When you book the theory test, you will be given the opportunity to notify the Department of Transport of any reading difficulties, disabilities or other health conditions that could potentially impair your performance in the test. If you have trouble reading, you have the option to hear the questions through headphones, delivered in English or Welsh.

There is no limit on how many times you can hear the questions. If you have a diagnosed condition that results in difficulty reading, such as dyslexia, you may receive extra time on the multiple-choice portion of the test. However, you must provide proof in the form of a letter or e-mail from an educational or medical professional, such as a teacher or a doctor.

If you are deaf or have a hearing impairment, you can take the test in British Sign Language (BSL). BSL interpretations are  shown alongside the written questions and answers. If you do not use BSL, you can take along an interpreter free of charge. Contact the DVSA at hearingsupport@pearson.com to arrange this. If you have another medical condition that is not mentioned here but still has the potential to impair your performance in the test, contact the DVSA via their website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/driver-and-vehicle-standards-agency.

Practice Test Questions

The Government provides free mock theory tests on the Safe Driving For Life website: http://www.safedrivingforlife.info/ When you visit the homepage, you will be asked what type of vehicle is applicable: car, motorcycle, bus and coach, or large vehicles.

The site offers you two options with regards to the test format. You can elect to take the test in 'Practice View', which is designed to work well on most computers, tablets and smartphones. Alternatively, you can choose to try a mock test, using 'Test View', which has been designed to closely resemble the screens used in test centres. The Safe Driving For Life website also has a shop, selling books, apps and software designed to help you prepare for and practise both parts of the test.

If you are receiving lessons from a driving instructor, ask them for recommendations. They may be able to tell you which resources have been effective for their past students. Although you may wish to pass your theory test as quickly as possible, it is better to wait until you are truly confident in your knowledge, before booking the test.

Activity 2: Take A Mock Test

Estimated time: 10+ minutes

Visit the link above, and try one of the mock tests. At this point, it does not matter whether you pass or fail. The purpose of the exercise is to ascertain your current level of understanding and to get you used to taking this kind of assessment.

Was it harder or easier than you imagined?

Did your answers follow a particular pattern, i.e., are there any areas that were particularly difficult for you?

If you are already taking driving lessons, discuss your results with your driving instructor. This will give them valuable insight into your strengths and weaknesses.

1.5    How the Test is Scored; How Long a 'Pass' Remains Valid; What Happens if you Fail the Test

The theory test is delivered by a computer, and the results are automatically generated, after you have taken the test.

To pass the test, you must score a minimum of 43 out of 50 points on the multiple-choice component of the test and 44 out of 75 points on the hazard perception component. You must pass both components during the same test.

If you pass the test, you will receive a letter from the test centre, containing  a  pass  certificate number. You will need this number, when booking your practical test. A pass certificate number is valid for two years. This means that, unless you take and pass your practical driving test within this period, you will need to take the theory test again, in order to obtain a new valid pass certificate number.

If you fail the test, the letter you receive from the test centre on the day will contain a breakdown of the part or parts that you failed. This will guide you, as you prepare to take the test again. There is no limit as to how many times you can sit the test, but you must wait at least three working days before each attempt.

You will also have to book and pay for each subsequent test, as if it was your first test. If you have attempted and failed the theory test on several occasions, you may require help in refining your revision technique or handling stress in test situations. If this applies to you, ask your driving instructor for help.

1.6    The Role of your Driving Instructor in Preparing you for the Test

Your driving instructor should discuss the importance of the theory test early on, preferably within the first couple of lessons.

They should have a good understanding of what is in the test and should teach your practical lessons in such a way that you can make connections between what you are doing whilst driving and the theoretical knowledge that you will need, in order to pass the test.A driving instructor who dismisses the test as simple is doing you no favours and neither is one who implies that it is particularly difficult.

Be honest with your instructor. Tell them about the revision strategies that you are using, and advise them, if you are finding a particular part of the syllabus especially difficult. They are there to help and guide you on your journey to becoming a competent and safe driver and should be happy to assist you.