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 1-2-Learn
The Driving
Test Overview
In an effort to further raise the benchmark of newly qualified
drivers, the driving test now consists of a theory and practical
test. You do not have to wait until you have passed your theory
test before starting your practical driving lessons. You must
however pass the theory test before you can book a practical
driving test.
The Theory Test
There are over 150 test centres in the UK. Unlike many exams
and tests you may be used to the theory test is based on a
computer. Until November 2002 the theory test was a multiple-choice
test only. However, to test candidates’ knowledge and
ability further the theory test now has an additional hazard
perception (HP) test, which came into place on 14 November
2002. For the multiple-choice part, you choose your answers
to 35 questions by simply touching the screen. For the non-IT
people among you don’t panic! The touch-screen system
has been carefully designed to make it easy for anyone to
use. You can also practice for up to 15 minutes before the
test starts. Only one question appears on the screen at a
time.
You can move backwards and forwards through the questions
and go back to questions that you want to look at again. It
is easy to change your answer. You will have 40 minutes to
complete the multiple-choice part of the test and you must
answer at least 30 questions correctly to pass. Following
the multiple-choice questions, there will be an optional break
of up to three minutes before the HP part of the test starts.
The HP part is introduced by a short tutorial video that explains
how the test works and gives you the chance to see a sample
film clip. This will help you to understand what you need
to do.
You are shown a variety of driving scenes, seen from a driver's
point of view. There are 14 film clips. Each film clip contains
at least 1 developing hazard, and there will be 2 developing
hazards on 1 of the clips, the computer chooses this randomly.
There are 15 hazards in total giving you the chance to score
75; to pass the hazard perception part you must score at least
44. You should respond by pressing the mouse button as soon
as you see a hazard developing. Your response will not cause
the scene in the video to alter in any way. However, a red
flag will appear at the bottom of the screen to show that
your response has been noted.
Before each clip starts, there will be a 10-second pause to
allow you to familiarise yourself with the new road situation.
You should receive your result at the test centre within 30
minutes of completing the test. You will be given a score
for the multiple-choice part and for the hazard perception
part. You will need to pass both parts to pass the theory
test. If you fail one of the parts, you will fail the test.
If you fail you will have to wait at least three clear working
days before you can take the test again. However, a good deal
of quality practising should ensure success.
The Practical Test
You will pass this if you can show your examiner that you
can drive safely, complete the set exercises, and show, through
your driving, that you have a thorough knowledge of The Highway
Code. All examiners are trained to assess tests to the same
standard. Test routes are designed and approved locally to
include a range of typical road and traffic conditions.
On your test, you need to be able to drive safely and skilfully
in various road and traffic conditions. You will be given
directions clearly and in good time, and will be asked to
carry out set exercises. Your examiner wants you to do well
and will try to put you at ease. Drive in the way that your
instructor has taught you. If you make a mistake, keep calm
and concentrate on your driving. The mistake may not mean
that you fail your test. In Wales, your test may be carried
out in Welsh if you ask for this when you book it.
You can ask for a friend or your instructor to be present
during your test, but they must not interfere in any way.
If necessary, you can bring an interpreter or signer with
you, but you must not use an approved driving instructor for
this purpose. Anyone who comes with you on your test must
be 16 or over and wear a seat belt if one is available.
The test will last about 40 minutes.
Apart from general driving, the test will include an eyesight
test and special exercises. You'll be asked to carry out two
of the following:
Reverse around a corner.
A turn in the road.
A reverse park (either into a parking space or behind a car
on the road).
You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop.
Listen carefully to the explanation, but ask if you aren't
sure about anything. Your examiner understands that you may
be nervous and won't mind explaining again.
Your examiner will assess any mistakes you make and, depending
on how serious they are, record them on the driving test report
form.
From September 2003 you have to answer two questions about
the vehicle checks you would carry out before driving. Such
questions will cover things as coolant checks, brake checks
etc. Failure to answer one or both of the questions will count
as a minor fault.
During your test you can accumulate up to and including 15
minor faults, and still pass your test, however if you receive
1 or more serious or dangerous faults you will fail the test,
so it’s worth practising not just to please the examiner
but to ensure your added safety and independence on the road.
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