The Test

In order to gain a full UK driving license you will have to pass two tests, first a Theory test and second a practical test.

Theory Test

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. If you pass one part and fail the other you'll fail the whole test, and you'll need to take both parts again.

Preparing for Your Theory Test

I would recommend the following books/media to help you with your Theory test.

The Official DSA Theory Test for Car Drivers
Contain’s all the questions in the multiple choice part of the theory test, together with the answers and explanations.

Know your traffic signs
Explains most signs

Highway Code (current edition)
Essential reading for any road user. It explains the rules of the road and gives good advice about best driving practices.

The Official DSA Theory Test CD-ROM for Car Drivers
Contain’s all the questions and allow you to practise for the multiple choice part of the theory test.

The Official DSA Guide to Hazard Perception DVD
Will help you prepare for the hazard perception part of the theory test. This is also available as a video and workbook-based training pack.

All these media can be bought on the highstreet or online. They can be expensive so it maybe worth looking on ebay where current editions can be found at very cheap prices.

Taking Your Theory Test

Part one - multiple choice
For cars you'll be asked 50 questions in 57 minutes and the pass mark is 43 out of 50. You will be allowed a 3 minute break before the hazard perception part of the test.

Part two - hazard perception
After the break you'll then be shown a short tutorial video clip about how the hazard perception part works.

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 hazard perception part of the theory test is 44 out of 75.

Practical Test

The driving test is straightforward and has been designed to see if you:

You will be examined on your general driving and on two reversing exercises. The reversing exercises will be chosen from:

You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise.