Since
14 November 2002 you will be asked to answer 35 multiple
choice questions, followed by a test of your hazard perception
skills. You will need to pass both parts of the theory test
at the same sitting to obtain your theory test pass certificate.
Why
has the test changed?
Each
year around 3,400 people are killed on Britain's roads. New
drivers take much longer to recognise hazardous situations
than more experienced drivers, and many driving test candidates
have poor scanning and anticipation skills. These skills are
vital for safe driving. By introducing the new hazard perception
part to the test, we hope to encourage more drivers to develop
hazard perception skills while they are still learning to
drive.
What
is the multiple choice part of the test?
This
part consists of 35 multiple choice questions covering a wide
range of driving topics. By touching the screen, you select
an answer, or answers, from the selection shown. To pass you
must answer 30 or more questions correctly in 40 minutes.
You have the option of working through a practice session
lasting up to 15 minutes to get used to the system before
starting the actual test.
How
does the hazard perception part work?
After
a break of up to three minutes, the hazard perception part
will start. You will be shown a tutorial video first. This
uses sample footage with a sound track (headphones supplied),
which will explain how to complete this part of the test.
You may repeat the tutorial once more if you wish. The test
consists of 14 video clips, each lasting about one minute.
The clips feature various types of hazards, such as vehicles,
pedestrians and road conditions. You should respond by pressing
a mouse button as soon as you see a hazard developing that
may result in the driver having to take some action, such
as changing speed or direction. The earlier the developing
hazard is spotted, and a response made, the higher the score.
Candidates can score up to five marks on each hazard and the
test contains 15 scoreable hazards.
The
pass mark for this part of the test is 44 out of 75 for car
drivers and motorcycle riders.
Those
taking LGV or PCV (lorry or bus) tests must score at least
50 out of 75.
Candidates
are given their results when they have finished both parts
of the test and have returned to the waiting room.
How
do candidates with special needs sit the test?
Candidates
who have special needs, which are not met by any of the facilities
listed below, may apply to have longer than the standard time
of 40 minutes to take the multiple-choice part. Such requests
should be made when booking the test.
Facilities
for candidates with special needs include:
- for car and motorcycle candidates, using a headset to listen
to the test being read in one of 20 other languages. This
will help candidates who do not understand or read English,
or who wish to take the test in their first language. These
languages are Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, Dari,
Farsi, Gujarati, Hindi, Kashmiri, Kurdish, Mirpuri, Polish,
Portuguese, Punjabi, Pushto, Spanish, Tamil, Turkish, Urdu
and Welsh.
- large goods vehicle drivers and passenger carrying vehicle
drivers can use a headset to listen to the test being read
in English and Welsh.
- for all candidates, using a headset to listen to the test
being read in English. This helps those with dyslexia and
other reading difficulties.
- an on-screen video of the test being signed in British Sign
Language for car and motorcycle candidates who are deaf or
have other hearing difficulties.
Preparing
for the new theory test
It
is strongly recommended that all candidates prepare thoroughly
for the test. Suggested reading matter includes 'The Highway
Code' and 'Know Your Traffic Signs'. In addition
to this there are official theory test books and CD-Roms containing
the multiple choice questions. The CD-Roms show screens similar
to those used in the multiple choice part of the test and
information about hazard perception. There is also a DVD or
video and booklet package called 'RoadSense', which
is the official guide to hazard perception for all drivers
and riders. Being a safe driver with good hazard perception
skills means being able to use speed correctly, keeping the
correct distance between yourself and other road users, scanning
the road effectively, anticipating and planning for potential
hazards. All these skills can be taught effectively. You should
prepare with a professional instructor as part of a structured
programme of on-road tuition, covering the recommended syllabus.
Booking
your theory test
Master
Card, Visa, Switch, Delta, Solo and Electron are accepted.
Application forms are available from test centres, Approved
Driving Instructors or the booking number opposite. Forms
need to be sent with a cheque, postal order or credit or debit
card details.
www.dsa.gov.uk
www.motoring.gov.uk
Tel: 0870 01 01 372
Ordering
Learning Materials
For videos including RoadSense, Inside View 2 and What if?
for cars or motorcycles:
Tel: 0870 241 4523
Fax: 01709 881 673
For theory test CD-Roms for cars and motorcycles or large
goods vehicles and passenger carrying vehicles:
Tel: 0870 241 4523
