You probably know that the Driving Test is divided into two parts: the Theory Test and the Practical Test. You must pass the Theory Test before you can take the Practical Test.
When you attend for either part you must have with you your provisional driving licence. If you don’t have this you will not be allowed to take the test.
The Theory Test
This in itself is divided into two parts: the multiple choice part and the hazard perception part. You will need to pass both parts to succeed.
For the multiple choice part you will be presented with 50 questions which you have 57 minutes to answer and the pass mark is 43 out of 50. You answer the questions using a touch-screen monitor. For some questions there is more than one answer required.
You can then have a short break, of up to 3 minutes, before the hazard perception part starts. In this, you will be shown 14 video clips, from the viewpoint of you being the driver, which present everyday traffic scenes. In 13 of the clips there will be at least one developing hazard and in 1 clip there will be at least two developing hazards. You will need to respond to these by clicking a mouse and, the sooner you respond to the developing hazard, the more points you will score. There is a maximum of 5 points to be scored for each hazard and the pass mark is 44 out of 75.
To be successful at the theory test it is essential that you achieve a thorough knowledge of the Highway Code. There are masses of resources available to help you: books & dvds, which you can obtain from good bookshops or buy on line, and web sites that give heaps of information and advice. Using these, you will be able to practice mock tests and hazard perception clips to help you prepare.
If you click the Links button at the top of the page you will find direct links to useful sites such as the Highway Code on line, the Driving & Vehicle Standards Agency, plus lots more.
The practical test - The Big Day!
I won’t say too much about this here as it is something covered in detail during the course of lessons. Suffice to say that the test lasts about 40 minutes. At the start, the examiner will ask you some “tell me” questions, such as: “Tell me how you would check your brake fluid level." You will then get underway, and the examiner will ask you some 'show me' questions, such as "Show me how you would open your window." and, before you know it, you will be driving back into the test centre car park. The examiner will be carefully assessing your driving for any errors that you make. These are divided into three categories: driver faults (often known as minors), serious faults and dangerous faults. You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test. But, if you make any one serious or dangerous fault you will fail.
Good Luck!
MY TOP 10 TIPS THAT WILL LEAD TO DRIVING TEST SUCCESS
- Listen to your instructor - you will get expert advice.
- Learn the Highway Code - you will know the rules.
- Mirror Signal Manoeuvre - you will make correct judgements and use correct signals.
- Look and plan well ahead - you will be prepared for what is happening ahead.
- Make effective observations - you will know what is going on all around you.
- Make appropriate progress - you will be travelling at the correct speed for the conditions.
- Be decisive at roundabouts - you will make correct judgements and avoid hesitancy.
- Be accurate with manoeuvres - you will be confident at doing them on your test.
- Think “Perfect Practise” - you will become a good driver.
- Be prepared by doing all of the above - you only want to take your test once!