Your Driving Tests
The Theory Test
The theory test is made up of a mutiple choice part and a hazard perception part. You need to pass both parts to pass it, once you have passed the theory test you can then apply to take your practical driving test.
Taking Your Theory Test
The multiple choice part is delivered using a touch screen computer and the hazard perception part records your responses through the use of a computer mouse button.
If you pass one part and fail the other you'll fail the whole test, and you'll need to take both parts again.
The questions in each multiple choice test vary according to the category of vehicle you're hoping to obtain a licence for, eg a motorcycle theory test will contain specific questions that don't appear in any other test.
For the hazard perception test there are no seperate versions for different vehicles, the items are drawn from the same pool, and each vehicle category takes the same test. However the pass mark is different for different categories of tests.
You will be allowed 57 minutes to take the part one test and the passmark is 43 out of 50 questions.
You will view 14 clips on part two test and there will be 15 developing hazards, the pass mark for this test is 44 out of 75.
Price of Theory Test
The price of the theory test for car and motorcycle is currently £31.00 (prices effective as of March 2011)
The Practical Test
Your driving test will start with an eyesight check and some vehicle safety questions. You will then start your practical driving test which will include some specific manoeuvres.
The driving part of your test will last about 40 minutes. Throughout the test your examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving, including when you are carrying out the set exercises.
Eyesight Check
The test will include an eyesight check. If you fail this, your test will not continue. The eyesight test requires you to read a number plate that is a certain distance away.
Vehicle Safety Questions
You will be asked two vehicle safety check questions. These are basic safety checks that a driver should carry out to ensure the vehicle is safe for use. Although some checks may involve the candidate in opening the bonnet to identify where fluid levels would be checked, pupils will not be asked to touch a hot engine or physically check fluid levels.
Candidates will be asked two questions, one 'show me' and one 'tell me'. One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault being recorded.
You can download the 'vehicle safety questions for car tests' from the link below (you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader) which you can download from the official Adobe website.
THE VEHICLE SAFETY QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICAL DRIVING TESTS
Driving Ability
After the question session you will be examined on your general driving and on a reversing exercise. The reversing exercise will be chosen from:
- Reversing around a corner
- Turning in the road
- Reverse parking
You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise.
During the driving test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. Test routes are designed to be as uniform as possible and will include a range of typical road and traffic conditions.
Throughout the test you should drive in the way your instructor has taught you. If you make a mistake, don't worry about it as it might be a less serious driving fault and may not affect your result. The examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving.
You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test. 16 or more faults results in failure. If you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. If at any time your examiner considers you to be a danger to other road users your test will be stopped.
Price of Practical Test
The price of the practical test for car is currently £62.00 for a weekday and £75.00 for a weekday evening and weekend (prices effective as of March 2011).