Theory and Practical Test Information
The driving theory test must be taken before you apply for the practical driving test.
The theory test is split into 2 phases; phase 1 is the multiple choice questions and phase 2 is hazard perception. You must pass both sections to pass the whole test
The multiple choice questions are presented on a touch screen computer, you will be asked 50 questions in 57 minutes and must achieve 43 to pass.
To achieve the highest score you must respond to the hazard as it is developing, the earlier you spot the developing hazard, the higher the mark you will get, the maximum mark is 5 for each clip. You need to get 44 out of 75 possible points.
Click here to book a theory test – https://www.gov.uk/book-a-driving-theory-test
The practical test is taken on the road, with the examiner directing you around a pre-determined route. The examiner marks you for driving faults, serious faults, and dangerous faults. A candidate will fail the test if he or she accumulates any serious or dangerous faults, or more than fifteen driving faults. If you accumulate several driving faults in the same category, the examiner may consider the fault habitual and mark a serious fault in that category. The test usually lasts 38 to 40 minutes in a standard test, or approximately 70 minutes when the candidate is taking an extended test after having their license revoked.
Before getting to the car, the examiner will ask you to read a car’s number plate at a distance of 20.5 metres. If you need glasses to do this then these must be the ones worn whilst completing the rest of the test. If you cannot correctly read the second number plate, then the examiner must use a tape measure to measure the correct distance between the candidate and a third number plate. If you cannot read the third number plate, then the candidate is deemed to have failed and the test will not continue.
Practical Test Criteria
Your general driving ability
You’ll drive in various road and traffic conditions, but not on motorways.
The examiner will give you directions that you should follow. Driving test routes aren’t published, so you can’t check them before your test.
Pulling over at the side of the road
You’ll be asked to pull over and pull away during your test, including:
- Normal stops at the side of the road.
- Pulling out from behind a parked vehicle.
- A hill start.
You might also be asked to carry out an emergency stop.
Reversing your vehicle
The examiner will ask you to do one of the following exercises:
- Parallel park at the side of the road.
- Park in a parking bay – either by driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out (the examiner will tell you which you have to do).
- Pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for around 2 car lengths, and rejoin the traffic.
Independent driving
You’ll have to drive for about 20 minutes by following either:
- Directions from a sat nav.
- Traffic signs.
The examiner will tell you which you have to follow. They’ll set the sat nav up for you. You can’t use your own sat nav.
If you can’t see traffic signs
If you can’t see a traffic sign (for example, because it’s covered by trees), the examiner will give you directions until you can see the next one.
Going off the route
The examiner won’t give you a fault for taking a wrong turning.
They’ll help you get back on the route if you do.
If you make mistakes during your test
You can carry on if you make a mistake. It might not affect your test result if it’s not serious.
The examiner will only stop your test if they think your driving is a danger to other road users.