About the UK Car Driving Test

At some point in their lives, most people will consider having driving lessons and sitting the driving test to get a licence to allow them to drive a motor car.

In the UK, the test for new car drivers is divided into two parts:

• Driving Theory Test
• Practical Driving Test

Driving Theory Test (including the Hazard Perception Test)

Since November 2002 the UK driving theory test has involved answering 35 multiple choice questions, followed by a check of hazard perception skills.  Both parts of the theory test need to be passed at the same sitting to get a theory test pass certificate.

There are a number of Theory Test Centres for the driving theory test around the UK, usually in major towns and cities.  (Note:  These are normally not the same centres that are used for the practical part of the driving test.)

The multiple choice part of the test requires 30 or more questions to be answered correctly in 40 minutes.  The test is carried out using computers with touch screens, and there is an option of working through a practice session lasting up to 15 minutes to get used to the system before starting the actual test.

After a break of up to three minutes after the multiple choice element, the hazard perception part starts.  First a tutorial video is shown. This uses sample video images and sound (headphones are supplied), to explain how to complete this part of the test. The tutorial may viewed twice before proceeding.

The hazard perception test consists of 14 video clips, each lasting around a minute, and from the point of view of a driver looking out through the front windscreen.  The clips feature various types of hazards relating to vehicles, pedestrians and road conditions.  The aim is to click a mouse button as soon as a hazard appears to be developing that may cause the driver to take action, such as changing speed or direction. The earlier the developing hazard is identified, the higher the score.

Candidates can score up to five marks on each hazard and the test contains 15 scoreable hazards.  For this part of the test, the pass mark is 44 out of 75 for car drivers.  Results are advised when both parts of the test have been completed.

Special arrangements can be made for learner drivers with special needs, who are deaf, or whose first language is not English.  Details can be found on the DSA's web site.

Theory tests can be booked by post, or online on the DSA web site.  When attending a test centre to site their test, candidates need to take both parts (photocard and paper counterpart) of their provisional driving licence.  Acceptable photographic proof of identity must also be provided if the licence doesn't include the candidate's photo.

Practical Driving Test

The practical driving test lasts around 40 minutes and is to check whether you drive safely and know the Highway Code.  The test will normally present a range of typical road and traffic conditions and the examiner will require that set exercises, such as reversing, be carried out.

Since 1 September 2003 the test has included two questions on basic vehicle safety.  These are typically about checking or maintaining tyres, brakes, fluids, lights, reflectors, direction indicators, and horns.  If candidates get the questions wrong it counts as one driving fault.  Collecting 16 or more less serious 'driving faults' constitutes a driving test failure. A single 'dangerous fault' also results in a failure.

Practical Driving Test Centres are situated across the UK, with many being located in major town and cities.  For the practical element of the driving test, a candidate must provide:

• An appropriately licensed and insured vehicle, displaying L- Plates.
• The theory-test pass certificate (or confirmation), unless exempt.
• The appointment letter from the DSA.
• A provisional driving licence (both parts if it is a photographic licence).  If the licence is not the 'photo' type, some alternative photographic evidence of identity must be provided, for example, a passport.  Other acceptable forms of evidence are listed on the DSA web site.

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