The Driving Theory Test is a test which United Kingdom learners must pass to obtain a full driving license. The test was introduced in July 1996. There are two subtly different tests, one for car drivers and one for motorcyclists.

In Great Britain it is administered by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and in Northern Ireland by the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA).

The car and motorcycle theory test lasts 57 minutes and involves answering 50 multiple-choice questions about a wide range of 'driving topics', such as car or bike mechanics, the Highway Code and driving law. 43 of the 50 questions must be answered correctly in order to pass. For lorries and buses 60 questions are asked over a 70 minute period in which 51 out of 60 must be answered correctly to pass.

It is immediately followed by a hazard perception test. Having passed these two exams, a certificate is issued, which can then be used to book the practical driving test within two years of the theory pass. It is necessary to pass all three parts, theory, hazard perception and practical, in order to obtain a driving licence.

The theory test was last revised on the 3rd September 2007 to include 50 questions (with a pass mark of 43), instead of the previous 35.

Hazard Perception Test

Examinees watch fourteen one-minute clips filmed from the perspective of a car driver and have to indicate, usually by clicking a mouse button or touching the screen, when they observe a developing hazard. All of the clips will include one developing hazard, and one will include two such hazards. The sooner an examinee reacts to a developing hazard, the more points are scored, from five down to one, with no score if the examinee reacts too late. The maximum score possible is 75.

For the purposes of the test, a "developing hazard" is defined as something which requires the driver to adjust speed and/or direction. Potential hazards are hazards that no immediate action needs to be taken, but are worth observing in case their status changes. Clicking on potential hazards is acceptable, but the scoring window only opens if that hazard develops, thus examinees have to remember to react if the status of a hazard changes, and not just when the potential hazard is first spotted.

The hazard perception test and the theory test are taken together and must both be passed in the same sitting for the applicant to become elligible to take the practical driving test in order to obtain a full driving licence.

Practical Driving Test

A Practical Driving Test is a test which United Kingdom learner drivers must pass to obtain a driving licence. Different tests are available for users of different vehicles, from car drivers, to motorcyclists and HGV drivers. In Great Britain it is administered by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and in Northern Ireland by the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA).

It is necessary to have passed a UK Driving Theory Test and a UK Hazard Perception Test before sitting this exam. Passing this test then entitles one to hold a full UK driving licence.

Practical Driving Test Format

The practical test is taken on the road, with the examiner directing the candidate around a pre-determined (but unknown to the candidate) route. The examiner marks the candidate for driving faults (commonly called minor faults or minors), serious faults, and dangerous faults (collectively referred to as major faults or majors). A candidate will fail the test if he or she accumulates any "major" faults, or more than fifteen "minors". If a candidate acquires several (three or more) driving faults in the same category, the examiner may consider the fault a recurring and dangerous habit and mark a serious fault in that category. The test usually lasts 30 to 48 minutes in a standard test, or one hour when the candidate is taking a test after having their licence revoked.

Eyesight Test

Before getting to the car, the examiner will ask the candidate to read a car's number plate at a distance. The distance required is 20.5 metres for an old-style plate (A123ABC) and 20 metres for a new style plate (AB51ABC). If the candidate needs glasses to do this then these must be the ones worn whilst completing the rest of the test. If the candidate fails to read the first number plate correctly, then the examiner asks the candidate to read a second number plate. If the candidate cannot correctly read the second number plate, then the examiner must use a tape measure to measure the correct distance between the candidate and a third number plate. If the candidate cannot read the third number plate, then the candidate is deemed to have failed and the test will not continue.

Show me, tell me"

Before the candidate is taken out onto the road, the examiner asks two basic questions about car maintenance and safety. These are always phrased in the form "Show me..." and "Tell me..."; for example:

•Show me how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

•Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

A failure to answer one or both of these questions correctly would result in a minor driving fault being marked against the candidate.

Maneuvers

During the test, the examiner will ask the candidate to carry out any TWO manoeuvres from the following list:

Turn in the road

Reverse around a corner to the left or right

Bay park (only in test centre car park)

Parallel park by the side of the road

The examiner may also, optionally, ask the candidate to carry out an emergency stop exercise.

Maneuvers are selected at random by the examiner selecting a sheet at the test centre, which also determines the test route, and if an emergency stop is done (1 in 3).

Candidates taking the test after having their licence revoked must carry out ALL manoeuvres.

General driving

Usually, the time taken in finding an appropriate place for the candidate to carry out the two manoeuvres and driving to an appropriate stretch of road bearing the national speed limit satisfies the minimum amount of time required on the test. This naturally involves a certain amount of general town driving, during which faults can be gained. If the minimum amount of time has not been satisfied, the candidate may be asked to drive around to satisfy it. The candidate will also be asked to pull up on the left of the road and stop before moving off again on a gradient, on the flat and behind a parked car.

Feature Of Theory test

1.Driving Theory test questions will increase.

2.No. of questions in the exam currently 35 will increase to 50

3.Pass mark will be 43

4.Allotted time to complete test will be 57 min

5.DSA exam fees increase from £21.50 £28.50

6.No change in HPT.