Background

The Theory Test was introduced in July 1996, to bring the UK into line with other countries in Europe.

The first part of the Theory Test consists of 50 multi choice questions which must be completed within 57 minutes. It is computer based and a response is made by touching the screen at the appropriate place. The pass mark is 43 correct answers out of a possible 50.

The second part is a hazard perception test consisting of a series of video clips of typical road scenes. The objective is to click the computer mouse whenever a hazard appears. Marks are scored by correctly identifying hazards as early as possible. The pass mark for this part is 44 out of a possible 75.

Both parts of the Theory Test must be passed at the same sitting. The test is marked by the computer and the result is given to the candidate within a few minutes of completion.


How to Book Your Test

Telephone bookings can be made directly to the Driving Standards Agency on 0870 0101 372 or book your driving and theory test online at www.direct.gov.uk/motoring . The current Theory Test fee is £28.50 but may be changed from time to time by the DSA.


Theory Test Centres

The test centres within our normal operating area are:

* Stevenage
* Luton
* Watford

What to Take

It is vital to take

* Both parts of your driving licence
* Photo ID (e.g. your passport) if you a have the older type of paper licence
* Your appointment letter

For further information, go to the Driving Standards Agency website at www.dsa.gov.uk

How does the Driving Test work?

The test itself is around 45 minutes long and can be split into two sections:

* Section One:
Show Me Tell Me is around 5 minutes. After reading the number plate to check you eyesight is OK the examiner will as you some basic questions that may require you to demonstrate certain things on the car (such as 'show me how you would check your headlights'). Your Bradleys driving instructor can give you a sheet with these questions and the answers on it.

* Section Two:
Driving The Car is around 40 minutes. It's not enough just to drive the car. You must demonstrate that you are in control of the car and that you are aware of other road users, the rules of the road and can perform manoeuvres under control. You will be marked as you go around on things such as observations, use of mirrors, obeying road signs, interacting with other road users, etc.

Important things to remember during the test are:

Never give up
What you see as being a really bad thing you have done might only be a minor fault to the examiner. You're under pressure and things can seem a lot worse than they really are!!

Ignore the examiner writing
He might not actually be marking anything on the sheet. Don't let yourself get distracted else you will end up making mistakes.

At the end of the test the examiner will tell you whether you have passed or failed. In either case they will make sure to explain to you what you have done right and wrong throughout the test and it is important to pay attention to this. Your driving instructor may come to the car and listen to what they have to say.

You will be asked to do 2 out of 3 possible reversing manoeuvres (turning in the road, reversing around a corner and reverse parking).

One third of tests include an emergency stop.

At the end of the test the examiner will tell you the result of the test straight away.

In order to pass, you must not make any serious or dangerous faults, although you are allowed to have up to 15 minor mistakes. Don't worry! It is not that difficult, and examiners are very friendly. They know what it is like having to drive under pressure, and they really are on your side.

The driving test will include two questions about the routine car safety checks you should do on your car, to ensure it is safe to drive. Click here for examples

Booking Your Test

Telephone bookings can be made directly to the Driving Standards Agency on 0870 0101 372 or book your driving and theory test online at www.direct.gov.uk/motoring.

You should quote your instructor's ADI number when making a booking, so that the DSA do not schedule two tests for the same instructor at the same time.


How much does it cost?

The current fee is £48.50 for a weekday test and £58 for a weekend test, but may be changed from time to time by the DSA.


Where are the nearest Test Centres?

Our local Test Centres are in

* St Albans
* Stevenage
* Luton
* Watford

What do I need to take?

When you attend your test you will need to take with you:

* Both parts of your driving licence
* Photo ID (e.g. your passport) if you have the older type of paper licence.
* Your theory certificate
* Your appointment letter

For further information, go to the Driving Standards Agency website at www.dsa.gov.uk