The Driving Test

The Driving Theory Test

Before you book your practical driving test you need to have passed your Driving Theory Test, this is easier said than done. The Driving Theory Test is made up of two parts – A multiple choice test and hazard perception videos. Although these are part of the same test and are taken together, they are marked separately and have to be passed separately. Failing one means you will have to take both parts again.

  • First part is a computer based multiple-choice test.
  • You have 57 minutes in which to answer up to 50 questions randomly chosen. The mark required to pass is 43 correctly answered questions.
  • Second part is the hazard perception test which consists of a series of 14 computer based video clips of real life driving situations.
  • There is a demonstration and explanation before this part of the test starts for real
  • 13 clips have one developing hazard, with one clip featuring two developing hazards. There is no set order for these clips and so it is not possible to know which clip is the dual hazard clip.
  • The pass mark for the hazard perception test is 44 points out of a possible 75 (max 5pts per developing hazard).
  • There are a selection of books and software available for purchase that will help you with this test
  • Help and advice is available from Driving Lessons Billericay Driving School

Driving Lessons Billericay Driving School are also able to provide you with Theory Test assistance and support if required, and we also provide guidance on the books and software that can help you pass this test.

Please note, you can start your Driving Lessons before taking the theory test providing you are over 17 years of age and have a valid Provisional Driving Licence.

Click here to Book a Theory Test

Click here to Practice a Theory Test

Click here to Check, change or cancel a Theory Test

Click here to see a list of Driving Test Centres

Click here for the Highway Code

Please use the links detailed above to book your Driving Tests. Please be aware that there are many agencies who offer to book your Driving Tests for you and then charge additional and unnecessary fees for doing so. We strongly recommend that you AVOID THEM!

The Practical Driving Test

Before you take your Driving Examiner to the car, he or she will ask that you read and sign a declaration that the car you are driving is insured for your Driving Test. The Examiner should also ask you if you would like your Driving Instructor to be in the car for your test. This is for you, the Learner Driver to decide, please ensure that you discuss this with your Driving Instructor prior to your test. Also you should be aware that, on rare occasions, the Driving Examiner will themselves be observed during a Driving Test by someone sat in the back of the car. In these situations, you have no choice but rest assured that they are only observing the Driving Examiner and not you. Once you are outside the Driving Test Centre, the examiner will test your eyesight before proceeding any further, so it is important that you have your eyes tested if you have any doubt about your eyesight. Your Driving Instructor should carry out a simple eyesight test during your Driving Lessons. Having checked your eyesight, the Driving Examiner will ask you some questions relating to the safety and maintenance of your car before you drive off. Your Driving Instructor should be able to provide you with a full list of all the questions that you may be asked in order to allow you to prepare for your test. The practical Driving Test normally lasts between 30 and 40 minutes and involves a general drive and will include 2 manoeuvres and possibly an emergency stop. When your Driving Test has finished you will be told immediately whether you have passed or failed. Either way, the Driving Examiner will provide feedback of how you drove during the test, and will highlight any areas of your driving skills that may require further attention. Ideally, your instructor should be present during this briefing.

Click here to Book a Practical Test

Click here to Check, change or cancel a Practical Test

Click here to find your nearest Driving Test Centres

Click here for Show me / Tell me questions & answers

Please note that from October 2010 the Driving Test is changing to include only 1 manoeuvre but an independent drive section is to be introduced

Recommended Reading

All of the following publications are available through any good booksellers. The prices shown are for your guidance only.

Driving Test Success All Tests- PC CD Rom (Driving Test Success contains both the multiple choice questions and training for the hazard perception part of the test. This book is recommended as an aid to help you pass your theory test.) £9.99

The Highway Code – Book (Every driver, learner or otherwise, should have a copy of this book in their glove compartment. It contains information relating to the law as it currently stands for driving in this country.) £2.50

DSA Theory Test – Book (The official, DSA Theory Test companion book. This book contains all of the questions that are currently used by the DSA in the theory test plus marking sections.) £12.99

DSA Driving The Essential Skills – Book (Is an invaluable guide to driving on today’s roads. This book contains many useful tips on how to apply the rules of the road. This version also includes the Highway Code.) £12.99

DSA Learning To Drive – Book (Some useful tips and information about learning to drive from the DSA.) £7.99

Know Your Traffic Signs – Book (Very useful guide to help you remember when and where you may find all of the different traffic signs used on the road.) £4.99

Some Useful Links

  • Book Theory Tests The quickest and easiest way to book your car or motorcycle theory test is to use the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) online booking service.
  • Check, change or cancel a Theory Tests The quickest and easiest way to check, change or cancel your car or motorcycle theory test is to use the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) online service.
  • Practice your Theory Test Practise for your Theory Test with the Driving Standards Agency – the people who set the driving tests.
  • Book a Practical Test The quickest and easiest way to book your car or motorcycle practical test is to use the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) online booking service.
  • Check, change or cancel a Practical Test The quickest and easiest way to check, change or cancel your car or motorcycle practical test is to use the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) online service.
  • Driving Test Centres Browse for your nearest Driving Test Centre
  • Highway Code An explanation of the rules and wording found in The Highway Code.
  • Applying for driving licences Where to go when you want to apply for your Drivers Licence