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How
much is the theory test?
The cost is £20.50 for all categories of the
Theory Test.
The same fee will be charged regardless of the time
or day the test takes place.
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I
have trouble reading and writing. Can I have help?
Candidates
with special needs, arrangements are in place for candidates
with reading difficulties, including extra time allowance
and/or aural versions of the questions. Please give
details when you apply for the test.
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Is
the test only available in English?
No.
At no extra cost, car and motorcycle candidates can
listen through a headset to the test being read out
in one of 20 languages other than English.
These are: Welsh, Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese,
Dari, Farsi, Gujerati, Hindi, Kashmiri, Kurdish, Mirpuri,
Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Pushto, Spanish, Tamil,
Turkish and Urdu.
LGV and PCV candidates can listen to the test being
read out in Welsh at no extra cost.
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Will
I still be asked theory questions at the practical test?
No.
The practical test will cease to include oral Highway
Code questions. But the practical test for motorcycles
will include a question to assess the candidate's understanding
of factors affecting motorcycle balance, particularly
relating to pillion passengers.
The examiner will ask candidates 2 "show me/tell
me" questions at the start of the test. Should
the candidate fail to answer either one or both questions
correctly, this would be assessed as 1 driving fault
and would not therefore constitute a reason for failing
the test in its own right.
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Can
I take my Practical Test before the Theory Test?
NO because after 1st January 1997, it became necessary
to pass the Theory test before you can book for a practical
test.
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When should I apply for a Theory test appointment?
If an Approved Driving Instructor (i.e. through a driving
school) is training you, take your instructor's advice
on when you are ready to take the test. Make sure you
are well prepared before you attempt the test. Good
preparation will save you time and money.
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I've failed the Theory test. When can I apply to take
the test again?
You will have to wait a minimum of 3 clear working days
before you can take the theory test again. Although
you can apply the day after you failed your test. If
you fail you've shown that you aren't fully prepared.
Good preparation will save you time and money.
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Where will I have to go to sit this test?
Drivesafe Ltd., a newly created joint venture company,
will be responsible for running the Theory test. Drivesafe
will develop a national network of test centres in all
main centres of population and will run frequent test
sessions to suit candidates needs
There
are over 163 test centres throughout England, Scotland,
Wales, and Northern Ireland. You can find a list of
test centres from your Driving Instructor or phone the
information line: - 0870 0101 372
Nationally In 1998/99 about 1.2 million tests for car
drivers, over 62,000 tests for lorry and bus drivers
and over 95,000 motorcycle rider tests were carried
out. 1.1 million theory tests were carried out at the
158 centres.
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What times can I sit the Test?
Tests will commence Mondays to Fridays, from 9am to
5pm and from 6pm to 9pm;
Some test centres are open on a Saturday
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Will I use a Computer for the Theory test?
All driving theory tests are conducted using a computer
screen. No more paper, all you have to do is select
the answers by simply touching a computer screen. The
'touchscreen' system has been carefully designed to
make sure it is easy to use.
You will have a practise session lasting up to 15 minutes
to get used to the system before starting the actual
theory test. Staff will be on hand to help you if you
have any difficulties in using the new system. The screens
are easy to read. Only one question will appear on the
screen at a time and you will be able to move backwards
and forwards through the questions. You will also be
able to go back to any questions which you want to look
at again, and you should be able to change any answers.
The test questions will not change in any way. You will
still have 40 minutes to answer 35 questions. The pass
mark will remain at 30 correct answers.
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Who will set the questions?
Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is the Government organisation
responsible for all car, motorcycle, bus, and lorry
Practical Driving tests. DSA will also be responsible
for the development and updating of the Theory Test
questions and for related publications.
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What questions will I be asked?
You
will have to answer 35 multiple-choice questions based
on the Highway Code and road safety matters. They will
last about 40 minutes and will cover up to 12 topics
including driver attitude, traffic signs, the effects
of alcohol, drugs and fatigue and environmental aspects
of vehicles.
Most questions will require one option to be selected
from a choice of four, some will ask for two, three
or four correct options to be selected from a range
of up to six possibilities. The selected answer(s) are
to be indicated by touching the box (es) alongside on
a computer screen
The pass mark for the new theory test, will be 30 correct
answers out of 35. This pass mark will be kept under
review to ensure that those who are well prepared and
have a good knowledge of the subject will pass, and
those who have not will fail.
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I've got 35 minutes to complete the test, but how will
I know how long I have left during the test?
The computer will show the time in the right hand corner
of the screen. This shows how much time you have remaining
and will flash when you have 5 minutes left.
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If I'm late for the Test, can I still take it?
Late admission into the theory test exam room would
be distracting for other candidates, and cannot be allowed.
Appointments are given as 15 minutes before the start
of examination conditions. Candidates arriving after
the appointment time, but within the 15 minutes administration
period, are allowed in to take their test. No Admission
is allowed once the exam has started and will result
in the loss of the test fee.
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What is the current pass rates for the Theory Test?
Theory test pass rates are as follows:-
- Cars
62.9 per cent
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Motorcycle 55.9 per cent
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LGV 88.4 per cent
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PCV 87.8 per cent
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Is there a time limit on passing the practical test
after the theory test? Or once the theory test is passed
is that it?
You must pass the practical test within 2 years of passing
the theory test, otherwise you have to sit the theory
test again.
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Can I get my Theory Test results on the same day?
Yes, you will receive the test results before you leave
the test centre.
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How can I get help with the type of questions that will
be used?
Why not Visit our Test Page using
this link.
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Can I get help if I'm deaf or have other hearing difficulties?
A video of the test in British Sign Language is available
on the computer screen for candidates who are deaf or
have other hearing difficulties.
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Do Theory Test Centres have wheelchair access?
Most Theory Test Centres have wheelchair access. In
the event that your closest test centre does not, you
may be asked to take your exam at another centre. In
special circumstances the test may be taken at home.
If you have any special needs these can be catered for.
For more information on this please contact the Driving
Standards Agency on 0870 01 01 372
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What do I need to take to the theory test?
Before leaving home, make sure that you have all the
necessary documents you will need to bring with you
for your test appointment. You will need your signed
driving licence and suitable photographic ID, or both
parts of your signed photocard licence, and your appointment
card or booking number.
If
you don't bring the correct documents with you on the
day, you won't be able to take your test and you'll
lose your fee. If you have any queries about what photographic
evidence is acceptable, contact the enquiry line on
0870 010 1372 or 01232 681 831 in Northern Ireland.
Arrive in plenty of time so that you aren't rushed.
Good Luck
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O.K.
I'm ready to take the test, so how do I book an appointment?
There are many ways of booking the theory test
Have a look at our page
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Is it possible to get a replacement theory test certificate
if the original has been lost?
Can I book a practical test without the certificate?
You will need to contact the customer service team at
the DSA responsible for the theory test on 0161-868-3990
and they will be able to help you further.
You will need to prove to the examiner that you have
passed your theory test so you will either be issued
with a letter to say that you have passed or you will
be told what your certificate number is.
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