Driving Test

The Theory Test

Multiple choice this involves you answering 50 random questions (5 of these will be based on a scenario) using computer touch screen technology of which at least 43 need to be correct to gain a pass.

The Hazard Perception Test

You will view a series of 14 one-minute video clips, each showing potential hazards involving road conditions, pedestrians or road users with 15 hazards to identify, and the quicker you can identify the hazard, the higher the score. You need to score a minimum of 44 marks out of a possible 75 to pass. You need to pass BOTH PARTS of this test at the same sitting otherwise you'll need to re-book and take the test again. Help and guidance for this test is available from your instructor. To study for this there are a number of publications and apps available.

• The Highway Code, a book that you must have.
• The Official Theory Test for Car Drivers, examples of questions and answers.
• The Hazard Perception - Roadsense DVD

The UK Theory Test requires more than just knowledge of the Highway Code, you must have a good knowledge of the following to pass it i.e. alertness, attitude, safety and your vehicle, safety margins, hazard awareness, vulnerable road users, vehicle handling, rules of the road, traffic signs, motorway rules, documents and accidents.

Once you have passed your theory test, a practical driving test can be booked.

The test will be conducted over a period of 40 minutes. You will be asked to complete one of the five manoeuvres, these are the straight line reverse on the right hand side of the road, reverse parallel park, bay parks: reverse and towards in to left or right. On test routes that are designed to include more high speed single and dual carriageways. An Emergency Stop which will be carried out at random during the test.

Show Me, Tell Me, the examiner will ask you to perform one simple basic routine maintenance check on your car e.g show/tell the examiner how you would check the oil levels etc. During your test you will need to operate one of the ancillary controls eg wash the front screen.

80% of tests will have 20 minutes using a satellite navigation device.

We use test centres at:

• Northampton
• Peterborough
• Kettering
• Wellingborough

You can choose the test centre that you wish to be tested at.