Everyone is required to pass the theory part of the driving test before they may take the practical part of the driving test. The theory part of the driving test is designed to test both situational awareness and hazard perception, knowledge of the roads, Highway Code and key driving facts. The theory part of the driving test is split into 2 parts:

1.Multiple choice test
2.Hazard perception test.

Multiple Choice Test

The multiple choice tests consist of a total of 50 questions and possible answers focusing on road safety. You will be required to correctly answer 43 out of the 50 questions within the 57 minutes allocated for the test.Before the test actually starts you will be shown a short video showing you the format of the test and giving you the opportunity to practice on some sample questions.

Hazard Perception test

The hazard perception part is delivered on a computer and you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. You will be presented with a series of 14 video clips which feature every day road scenes, in each clip there will be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards, so 15 hazards in total.

To achieve a high score you will need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development. The maximum you can score on each hazard is five. The pass mark for the hazard perception test is 44/75.

Recognition of available clues and perception of danger are skills that are necessary in all drivers and riders, irrespective of the vehicle used. For this reason, the same version of the hazard perception test is used for all categories of test (Car, Motorcycle, PCV, LGV)