The Theory Test for Cars Explained
The theory test is made up of two parts; the multiple choice part and the hazard perception part. You need to pass both parts to pass the theory test. 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 ie a motorcycle theory test will contain specific questions that don’t appear in any other test
For the hazard perception test there are no separate versions for different vehicles, each vehicle category takes the same test, however the pass mark is different for different categories of tests
Part one – multiple choice
Before the test starts you’ll be given instructions on how the test works
You can also choose to go through a practice session of the multiple choice questions to get used to the layout of the test. At the end of the practice session the real test will begin
A question and several answer options will appear onscreen and you have to select the correct answer to the question by touching the screen. Some questions may require more than one answer
For cars and motorcycles you’ll be asked 50 questions in 57 minutes and the pass mark is 43 out of 50
You can navigate between questions and ‘flag’ questions that you want to come back to later in the test. After the multiple choice part you can choose to have a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception part starts
Part two – hazard perception
After the break you’ll then be shown a short tutorial video clip about how the hazard perception part works.
The hazard perception part is also delivered on a computer but you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. You’ll be presented with a series of 14 video clips which feature every day road scenes. In each clip there’ll be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards
To achieve a high score you’ll need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development. The maximum you can score on each hazard is five
You won’t be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test; as on the road, you’ll only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard
The pass mark for the car and motorcycle hazard perception part of the theory test is 44 out of 75
At the end of the test
At the end of the hazard perception part of the theory test you’ll be invited to answer a number of customer survey questions.
You don’t have to answer the questions if you don’t want to, and any information given is anonymous and confidential. The survey questions don’t affect the result of the test
When you have finished the test you may leave the examination room. Once you have left the room, you’ll not be allowed to enter it again. You’ll then be given your result by the test centre staff
To book your theory test online click here
It is also highly recommended to use a Theory Test CD-Rom to improve your chance of passing.