Theory>

What you need to know to pass the Theory and Hazard Perception Tests.

Before you can apply for your Practical driving test, you must pass the Theory Driving Test. This can be taken at anytime before the Practical.

There's various ways that can apply for it. Online at the DSA web site, you can telephone them on: 0870 0101 372, or you can fill out a form and send it to the DSA Driving test application form are available from your local Driving Test Centre.

The current cost of the Theory and Hazard Perception tests is £21.50p. *As from 3rd September, 2007 it will be £28.50.

On the day of your test, you should arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment.

When you arrive at the centre, you will be asked to 'check in'. You will be directed to a cubicle in an adjacent room, where you will sit in front of a computer screen. You'll also have a computer mouse.

Before starting the test, you'll have the chance to get used to the test conditions by answering some test questions.For example, what colour is the sky? Or what is the shape of the object on the screen.

The Theory Driving Test consists of two parts: A Theory test, and a Hazard Awareness test.

Theory driving test

The Theory driving test consists of 50 questions with multiple choice answers, to test your knowledge on road safety. The pass mark must be at least 85% (43 questions). You'll have up to 50 minutes to complete the test. If you're not sure of an answer, you can skip it and go back to it again if you need to.

You will need to inform the DSA booking agent if any of the following applies to you::

• You need access for a wheelchair.
• You are deaf or have other hearing difficulties and need:
  • your test to be signed on-screen in British Sign Language (BSL); or
  • to bring a signer or lip speaker with you, if you do not use BSL.
• You are dyslexic or have reading difficulties and need:
  • an audio version of the test in English; or
  • extra time to take the multiple-choice part of the test.
• You do not read or understand English you may need:
  • an audio version of the test in one of 20 languages, or you want to take your test in your first language;
  • to have a DSA-approved translator with you*, if the DSA cannot provide an audio version of the test in your language.

*This must be arranged at the time of booking.
You may be allowed extra time in certain circumstances.

Hazard Awareness Test

A hazard is some kind of danger that as a driver, you would need to either slow down for, or change your direction.

The purpose of the HPT is to show that you have the skills needed to identify hazards in real life, so you can respond to them in good time.

The Hazard Awareness Test. or HPT for short, consists of 14 film clips of various real driving scenes. For example, driving along a busy shopping centre; driving along a dual carriageway; on a country road.

Each clip has a scoring 'window'. You are marked on how quickly you have identified a hazard by clicking on a mouse. Each "scoring hazard" has a maximum of 5 points. Wihich means, you don't score points on all the hazards. Although you can click as many times as you want, you will score zero points if you click too rapidly.

Although I said earlier, that the HPT test has 14 clips, one of them has two hazards to identify. This double hazard is random. It could be at the start, or the last one.

The pass mark is 44 from a maximum of 75 points.

When you've finished you can leave the cubicle. Before you leave the centre, you will be given the results of your tests.

Tips on passing

• Do make sure that you're thoroughly prepared
• There are no short cuts to effective study
• Get some books or CD/DVD's to help you with your studies
• Don't take the tests unless you are 100% confident of passing - cancel it if necessary.
• Failure is not an option

You can visit this DSA web site to practice your theory knowledge.

Click here to book your Theory test.