The driving test is split into 2 parts, a theory paper and the practical test. Although typically we help with your practical test, we can help with the theory too if you want us to.

Theory & hazard perception

This test is also split into 2 sections. Both are computer based. • The first part is a multiple choice theory test, covering driving practice, the highway code, road signs and the law. The test consists of 50 randomly selected questions, and for each a selection of possible answers. To pass you need to score 43 or more out of a possible 50. • The second part is referred to as hazard perception. This consists of a number of videos that contain one or more hazards. As soon as you see what you consider a hazard to be, you click the mouse. As the hazard develops, you click again. For obvious reasons the system will detect “constant clicking” but the aim here is to spot a hazard at the earliest opportunity. The quicker you spot it, the more points you score. The total score needs to be above the pass mark (44 out of 75) in order to pass this part of the test. Once you’ve passed your theory test, well done! Remember, you have 2 years from the date you pass to complete & pass your practical driving test. If you don’t, you’d need to re-sit the theory test again first.

Practical driving test

OK, so you may consider this the main event, and certainly it’s the test you’ll more likely to have lessons for. It takes around 40 minutes to complete and will cover a route from the test centre. During the drive the examiner will explain where to go and any specific items they want to cover. These will typically include… • Local roads • Up to 2 manoeuvres involving reversing • An emergency stop • Show me and & tell me questions They will make notes along the way but don’t worry unduly about this. You are allowed to make a number of minor faults but no major ones. Major faults are considered dangerous and will mean you’d fail the test. Some minor faults are allowed and although they’ll be highlighted to you at the end, you can still pass the test with them. Either way, you’ll be given a full debrief at the end of the 40 minutes.

Driving test explained