The Theory Test is taken in two parts, the multiple choice part, delivered using a touch screen computer and the hazard perception part that 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 a motorcycle 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, each vehicle category takes the same test, however the pass mark is different for different categories of tests. Lorry and bus multiple choice and hazard perception tests are booked and taken separately.

Section 1. Questions
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. For cars and motorcycles you'll be asked 50 questions in 57 minutes and the pass mark is 43 out of 50. From 28 September 2009 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.

Section 2. 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 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. 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. The pass mark for the car and motorcycle hazard perception part of the Theory Test is 44 out of 75.

The Hazard perception element of the theory test changed slightly on the 12th January 2015 so the clips are now computer generated (C.G.I.), take a look at the one of the new clips from the D.V.S.A. below.



There are a variety of hazard perception tests available online, just put 'free hazard perception tests' into your search engine and try some of the suggested websites, you will find some are better than others but you should be able to get a reasonable idea of how the hazard perception element works.

 

 

When revising for your Theory Test you could do a lot worse than invest in the software package pictured below on the left. It contains everything needed in relation to the Theory Test as well as some useful information relating to the practical driving test. Also below are online links to the 'FREE Online Highway Code' and 'Know Your Traffic Signs' books.

         

You can also practice some official DVSA theory test questions by clicking here.

Plus you could look at 'Theory Test Pro' which is an online service that allows you to practice theory test questions and hazard perception clips, read what the service offers here.

When you attend the Theory Test make sure that you know where the Theory Test centre is and you get there at about 20 minutes before the start of the test, also that you have your provisional driving licence photocard and it's a good idea to take the booking confirmation e-mail/letter.