Theory Test Advice From Weelz

Your theory test

You need to pass your theory before you book a driving test

You need to pass a Theory Test before the Practical Driving Test

You will be given a computer-based test containing 35 multiple choice questions which you have to complete using the touch-screen within 40 minutes

In order to pass you must get at least 30 correct out of 35

Included in the test is driver's attitude, traffic signs and regulations, effects of alcohol, drugs and fatigue on driver's behaviour, the safety and environmental aspects of vehicles

Learning to drive is just as much about knowing how to be safe on the roads as it is about handling the car. Therefore much of the Theory Test concentrates on 'reading the road' so that learners understand how to avoid accidents

What Happens During The Theory Test?

You'll take your Driving Theory Test using a touch-screen computer located at your local Driving Standards Agency Theory Test Centre

The instructions on how to use the computer test are clearly shown and there are some practice questions for you to try. Once you are ready to start the test the time will begin

You will have 40 minutes to answer the questions. You can choose to answer the questions using a mouse or by pressing the relevant section of the touch screen

All of the questions are multiple choice. The questions vary between straight text; text with graphics of road signs; and text with photographs of road and driving scenarios

Most will require one option to be selected from a choice of four, some will ask for two, three or four correct options to be selected from a range of up to six possibilities

Remember if you do not read the question very carefully and know how to recognise the key words, you will not choose the correct answer. When you are reading multi choice questions, try to avoid 'recognising' the question or the answer, because this often stops you from reading the whole question thoroughly. You should read the question carefully all the way through with each response

Usually there will be at least one response that is obviously not correct and so you can narrow the answers down. If you have no idea what the correct answer is, at least have a guess!

If you are not sure of the answer and decide to have a guess and return to the question later, you can remind yourself by using the 'flag' section. If you fail to answer a question, the computer will register it as incomplete

Once you have got to the end of the questions you will be given the chance to revisit your flagged and incomplete questions or to review the entire test if you wish. A clock on the system will advise you of how long you have remaining. The pass mark is 30 out of 35 correct answers. You will be able to collect your result from the invigilator at the reception desk

If you have time at the end of the test please take the chance to review your answers. People often make careless mistakes and find that they have, totally inadvertently, marked the wrong answer

After your main theory test you will have a short break, and then you will start your Hazard Perception Test. This will include 14 short film clips where you will have to identify 15 scoreable hazards

One film clip may only contain 2 hazards so you must concentrate on each clip

Each hazard will require you to take some form of action such as change speed or direction; this is done by clicking the left or right mouse button, you will only be able to see the film clip once there is no going back

You will be marked on the number of hazards that you correctly identify, each hazard is marked from one to five, the sooner you see the hazard the higher your score. If you randomly click the mouse button then you will receive a zero score

How To Prepare

You can use the following books to help you get ready:

• Highway Code
• Know Your Road Signs
• Official Theory Test

you can buy these books from your local book store (like WH Smith), you can also buy them from your driving instructor or on the Internet

Another good way to prepare for the test is to buy a CD-ROM (available from WH Smiths and online). You can practice on your computer interactively, which makes it much easier to learn

Buy Driving Test Success series of CD-ROMs produced by Focus Multimedia to gain the knowledge you need to answer all the theory questions and also pass the hazard perception part of the Theory Test with confidence

How To Book The Theory Test

You can book/cancel your theory test by Telephone:
0870 010 1372 using you debit or credit card. You will need your Provisional Licence number to book the test. You can also try to book the test online on Driving Standards Agency's web site

You have to pay a fee for your theory test

You’ll be given a booking reference number and sent an appointment letter that you should expect to receive within four days of your call. If you do not receive your appointment letter within five working days, please contact the booking office

email or call 0845 833 1143