Theory & Driving Test Information
What you need to Know
Theory Test Information
The theory test is made up of a multiple choice part and a hazard perception part. You need to pass both parts to pass it. Once you have passed the theory test you can then apply to take your practical driving test.
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The multiple choice part is delivered using a touch screen computer and the hazard perception part records your responses through the use of a computer mouse button.
If you pass one part and fail the other you'll fail the whole test, and you'll need to take both parts again.
The questions in each multiple choice test vary according to the category of vehicle you're hoping to obtain a licence for eg a Car theory test will contain specific questions that don't appear in any other test.
For the hazard perception test there are no separate versions for different vehicles, the items are drawn from the same pool, and each vehicle category takes the same test. However the pass mark is different for different categories of tests.
Part one - multiple choice
Before the test starts you'll be given instructions on how the test works.
You can also choose to go through a practice session of the multiple choice questions to get used to the layout of the test. At the end of the practice session the real test will begin.
A question and several answer options will appear on screen and you have to select the correct answer to the question by touching the screen. Some questions may require more than one answer.
Some car and motorcycle multiple choice questions will be given as a case study. The case study will show a scenario that five questions will be based on. The subject of the scenario focuses on real life examples and experiences that drivers could come across when driving.
You can navigate between questions and 'flag' questions that you want to come back to later in the test. After the multiple choice part you can choose to have a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception part starts.
Multiple choice test
Time allowed is 57 minutes and the passmark is 43 out of 50
Part two - hazard perception
After the break you'll then be shown a short tutorial video clip about how the hazard perception part works.
The hazard perception part is also delivered on a computer but you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. You'll be presented with a series of video clips which feature every day road scenes. In each clip there'll be at least one developing hazard, but one of the car/motorcycle clips will feature two developing hazards.
To achieve a high score you'll need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development. The maximum you can score on each hazard is five.
You won't be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test; as on the road, you'll only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard.
hazard perception test details
Their will be 14 video clips and one of the clips will have 2 developing hazards. The pass mark is 44 out of 75.
At the end of the test
At the end of the hazard perception part of the theory test you'll be invited to answer a number of customer survey questions.
You don't have to answer the questions if you don't want to, and any information given is anonymous and confidential. The survey questions don't affect the result of the test.
When you have finished the test you may leave the examination room. Once you have left the room, you'll not be allowed to enter it again. You'll then be given your result by the test centre staff.
THEORY TEST CENTER ADDRESS
Liverpool
Pearson Professional Centre
Lower Ground Floor
5 Covent Garden
Liverpool
L2 8TD
Practical Test
Book your practical driving test - book your driving test online with the DVSA
Change your practical driving test - check, change or cancel your DVSA driving test online
There will be 5 parts to the driving test:
an eyesight check
‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions
general driving ability
reversing your vehicle
independent driving
The changes apply to the ‘show me, tell me’ questions, reversing your vehicle and independent driving parts of the test.
The test will be the same for both manual and automatic cars.
How long the test lasts. You’ll drive for around 40 minutes.
You’ll drive for around 70 minutes if you’re taking an extended driving test because you’ve been banned from driving.
Eyesight check. You’ll have to read a number plate from a distance of:
20 metres for vehicles with a new-style number plate
20.5 metres for vehicles with an old-style number plate
New-style number plates start with 2 letters followed by 2 numbers, such as AB51 ABC.
You’ll fail your driving test if you fail the eyesight check. The test will end.
‘Show me, tell me’ questions. You’ll be asked 2 vehicle safety questions known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions. These test that you know how to carry out basic safety tasks.
You’ll be asked the:
‘tell me’ question at the start of your test, before you start driving
‘show me’ question while you’re driving - for example, showing how to wash the windscreen using the car controls and wipers
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 do.
Following directions from a sat nav The examiner will provide the sat nav and set it up for you.
You can’t follow directions from your own sat nav during the test.
Going off the route Your test result won’t be affected if you take a wrong turning, unless you make a fault while doing it.
The examiner will help you get back on the route if you do.
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.
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.
Pass Plus
The Pass Plus scheme is aimed at new drivers to help them become better drivers. To join Pass Plus you need to find an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) to train you. Your ADI will help you complete the six training modules to pass the training course.
Pass Plus is an established training course aimed at new drivers. It was designed by the Driving vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) with the help of insurers and the driving instruction industry.Statistics show that new drivers are more likely to have an accident in the first two years after passing their test, due to lack of driving experience.
Pass Plus builds on your skills and knowledge. It will teach you how to anticipate, plan for and deal with all kinds of hazards, to help you become a more confident driver.
Who can do Pass Plus training
You can take a Pass Plus course at any time, but it’s mainly aimed at new drivers in the first year after passing their test.
Pass Plus consists of six modules about driving in different conditions:
In Town
In All Weathers
On Rural Roads
At Night
On Dual Carriageways
On Motorways
The course takes at least six hours.
All local authorities in Wales, and some local authorities in England and Scotland, can offer you help with Pass Plus course fees, first check whether your local authority supports Pass Plus. If it does support Pass Plus, it will usually help you with course costs.
At the start of your course, your instructor will give you a copy of the 'Pass Plus Pupil's Guide'. This contains detailed information about all aspects of Pass Plus.
Pass Plus training will take at least six hours, though it can take longer if your instructor thinks it's necessary.
Pass Plus is a practical course and all modules should be practical sessions. However, local conditions and time of year may mean that some modules need to be given as a theory session. A theory session could be given if there is no motorway nearby. Generally at least five and a half out of six hours should be spent in the car. You will not have to take a test at the end of the course but you will be continually assessed during the modules.
Recording progress
Your instructor will complete a training report form that you’ll sign and date when you reach the required standard in each module. To pass the course you'll need to reach a satisfactory standard in all the course modules. You’ll be given a progress record to help you to keep track of your progress throughout the course.
On successfully completing your training you'll be sent your Pass Plus certificate to claim your discount on your car insurance policy.
You should also consider working towards your Advanced Driving Test. Passing this test would take your driving skills to a higher level, and provide you with further financial benefits.
Test Centers
We cover the following driving test centres
Norris Green Test Centre
Falklands Approach
Parthenon Drive
Norris Green
L11 5BR
Speke Test Centre
Unit 3 Dekota Business Park
Skyhawk Avenue
Speke
Liverpool
L19 2QR
Widnes Test Centre
Everite Road
Widnes
WA8 8PT
St Helens Mptc
1 Navigation Road
Off Pocket Nook Street
St. Helens
WA9 1NS