The Theory Test
Before you can take a practical driving test, you need to pass your theory test. It’s a really important part of learning to drive – when you get to your practical test, you’ll need to show that you can use what you learn for this test when you’re driving on the road.
The Highway Code
It’s extremely important that you study well for a theory test and learn the rules of the road. The better prepared your are, the more chance you’ll have in passing the test first time. Studying for the theory test is not just about learning the answers to the questions you’ll be faced with. Its about learning the knowledge to be able to apply an answer to any question you may get.
Simply downloading an app and practising answering the questions isn’t enough to prepare you for the theory test. You should start with the Highway Code. See more information below regarding the Highway Code
How the Theory Test works
The car Theory Test currently costs £23 and you should never pay more than this
There are 2 parts to the Theory Test:
Multiple Choice
Hazard Perception
Multiple Choice Questions
The multiple choice test consists of 47 multiple choice questions taken from these categories
- alertness
- attitude
- safety and your vehicle
- safety margins
- hazard awareness
- vulnerable road users
- other types of vehicles
- road conditions and vehicle handling
-motorway driving
- rules of the road
- road and traffic signs
- essential documents
- incidents, accidents and emergencies
- vehicle loading
There is also a video clip with 3 multiple choice questions that relate to the clip
Hazard Perception
The hazard perception test checks to see if you can recognise and respond to hazards that could happen while you're driving. being out on the road taking driving lessons will help you to prepare for the hazard perception test, and preparing for the test will help you with your driving lessons
In the test, you'll see 14 clips, each shown from a drivers point of view. You'll need to spot which hazard is developing in each clip - this is something that might need you - as a driver - to take action such as changing speed or direction. For example, a car pulling ou too a side road ahead of you is a developing hazard as you may need to slow down, stop or steer to avoid it.
You need to pass both parts to pass the theory test
The pass marks are;
Multiple Choice 47 out of a possible 50
Hazard perception 44 out of a possible 75
The Highway Code
The Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales. The Highway Code is essential reading for everyone.
The most vulnerable road users are pedestrians, particularly children, older or disabled people, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders. It is important that all road users are aware of The Highway Code and are considerate towards each other. This applies to pedestrians as much as to drivers and riders.
Many of the rules in The Highway Code are legal requirements, and if you disobey these rules you are committing a criminal offence. You may be fined, given penalty points on your licence or be disqualified from driving. In the most serious cases you may be sent to prison. Such rules are identified by the use of the words ‘MUST/MUST NOT’. In addition, the rule includes an abbreviated reference to the legislation which creates the offence.
Although failure to comply with the other rules of The Highway Code will not, in itself, cause a person to be prosecuted, The Highway Code may be used in evidence in any court proceedings under the Traffic Acts (see The road user and the law) to establish liability. This includes rules which use advisory wording such as ‘should/should not’ or ‘do/do not’.
Knowing and applying the rules contained in The Highway Code could significantly reduce road casualties. Cutting the number of deaths and injuries that occur on our roads every day is a responsibility we all share. The Highway Code can help us discharge that responsibility. Further information on driving/riding techniques can be found in ‘The Official DVSA Guide to Driving – the essential skills’ and ‘The Official DVSA Guide to Riding – the essential skills’.
gov.uk
The Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales and is essential reading for every road user. Applies to pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders as well as drivers. Many of the rules of the Code are legal requirements and you may be fined, given points on your licence or disqualified if you don’t obey them. In serious cases you could also be sent to prison.
Changes to the Highway Code - 29th January 2022
The Highway Code is set to change on 29th January 2022 with the new Hierarchy of Road Users being the most significant change, along with 8 new rules and 49 changes to existing rules.
Consolidate Your Study
Practising What You've Learned
When you’ve read and learned the Highway Code, it’s time to start practising what you’ve learned.
Check out the Theory Test 4-in1 But from Driving Test Success – The best app on the market. What’s more, they offer a FREE pass guarantee.
Download the app, sign up to the pass guarantee, follow the personalised learning program and if you don’t pass they theory test – Driving Test Success will refund the cost of your theory test to you so you can take it again.
If You're A Listener
Check out these podcasts below. The 5 minute theory podcast is from Terry Cook of TC Driv. Terry breaks the theory questions/test down into 5 minute bitesize chunks. Great for a quick update on the go. The Learner Driver Hub podcast from the guys at Driving Test Success is a comprehensive look at the theory test.
