You will need to pass your Theory and Hazard Perception test before you can book your practical car test. Although I will help you with the knowledge of the Highway Code during the course of your driving lessons, it would be benifical to you to do some homework at home, saving you time and money.
The Theory Test contains 50 multiple choice questions which you will be required to score 43 or more to pass.
The Hazard Perception Test requires you to watch 14 one minute video clips, where you will need to identify 15 developing hazards (beware one video clip has two hazards). You will need to score 44 out of a possible 75 to pass this section.
You must pass both Theory and Hazard Perception at the same time to get an overall pass.
There are 5 parts to the driving test:
The test is the same for both manual and automatic cars.
You’ll drive for around 40 minutes.
You’ll drive for around 70 minutes if you’re taking an extended driving test because you’ve been banned from driving.
You’ll have to read a number plate from a distance of:
New-style number plates start with 2 letters followed by 2 numbers, such as AB51 ABC.
You’ll fail your driving test if you fail the eyesight check. The test will end.
You’ll be asked 2 vehicle safety questions known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions.
You’ll be asked the:
You’ll drive in various road and traffic conditions, but not on motorways.
The examiner will give you directions that you should follow. Driving test routes are not published, so you cannot check them before your test.
You’ll be asked to pull over and pull away during your test, including:
You might also be asked to carry out an emergency stop.
The examiner will ask you to do one of the following exercises:
You’ll have to drive for about 20 minutes by following either:
The examiner will tell you which you have to follow.
They’ll set the sat nav up for you. You cannot use your own sat nav.
If you cannot see a traffic sign (for example, because it’s covered by trees), the examiner will give you directions until you can see the next one.
The examiner will not give you a fault for taking a wrong turning.
They’ll help you get back on the route if you do.
You can carry on if you make a mistake. It might not affect your test result if it’s not serious.
Your driving examiner will direct you back to the driving test centre if the mistake you made means you’ve failed. The test will end early.
Your driving examiner’s supervisor might sit in on your test to watch your examiner’s performance. If you refuse, your test can be cancelled and you’ll have to book another test and pay again.
For further information about the Theory and Practical Driving Test,
please visit: www.dsa.gov.uk