The Theory Test

The DSA will be introducing case studies into the theory test for car drivers and moped/motorcycle riders from 28 September 2009, and the case study scenarios will be taken from the existing theory test question banks. The case study will comprise of five questions from the current question bank. For an example go to Theory test.
You will still need to answer 50 multiple choice questions that are broken down as follows:

5 multiple choice questions that relate to the case stud

At present the theory test is made up of two parts; the multiple choice and the hazard perception. You need to pass both parts to pass the theory test. Once you have passed the theory test you can then apply to take your practical driving test. Ask your driving instructor for details.

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 and fail the other you'll fail the whole test, and you'll need to take both parts again.

Multiple choice
Before the test starts instructions will be given on how the test works. A practice session of the multiple choice questions is available 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 onscreen 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.

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'll 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.

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.

There are over 150 test centres throughout Great Britain. Most people have a test centre within 20 miles of their home, but this will vary depending on the density of the population in your area.

I've never used a touch screen before - will I know what to do?

You can work through a practice session to get used to the system before starting your test. Staff at the test centre will be on hand to help you if you have any difficulties.

When will I know the result?

You should receive your result at the test centre within 30 minutes of completing the test.

What happens if I fail?

If you fail your test you’ve shown that you aren’t fully prepared. You will have to wait a minimum of three clear working days before you can take the test again. Good preparation will save you time and money.
To book your test online

The Practical Test

As of the 4 October 2010 your practical driving test will include a section of ‘independent driving’ which is 10 minutes of independant driving with no direction or assistance from the examiner. Now dont worry this isnt a pass or fail part of the test.

In the good old days examiners gave candidates step-by-step instructions during the test. For other parts of the test, this is still the same. During the independent driving section of the test, the examiner will ask you to drive by either following a series of directions, following traffic signs, or a combination of both eg follow the signs to margate! The examiner may show you a diagram and it doesn't matter if you don't remember every direction, or if you go the wrong way - that can happen to the most experienced drivers. 
Driving independently means making your own decisions - this includes deciding when it’s safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation about where you’re going.

The Independent Driving Route

1) You can ask for a reminder of the directions, the examiner will confirm them to you.

2) If you go off the independent driving route it won’t affect the result of your test unless you commit a driving fault. If you go off the route or take a wrong turning, the examiner will help you to get back on the route and continue with the independent driving.

3) Dont worry if there are poor or obscured traffic signs, the examiner will give you directions until you can see the next traffic sign - you won’t need to have a detailed knowledge of the area.

4) Dont think you can use a sat nav for independent driving as it gives you turn-by-turn prompts. Independent driving tests how you make your own decisions.

Test routes will no longer be published

To help make the driving test more representative of real driving you can no longer publish details of test routes.This change is being made to support the introduction of independent driving. The point is to allow you to demonstrate your ability to drive safely in realistic driving situations, rather than memorising a particular test route.

Newspaper reports

Some newspapers have claimed that independent driving would lead to a fall in the driving test pass rate. This claim is based on early research where conditions did not reflect the eventual design of the independent driving section of the test.

Points for taking your practical test

• Have your provisional driving licence with you (both Parts) – if old style licence take photo I.D e.g. passport
• Glasses if needed for eye test
• Theory pass Certificate
• Confirmation letter of test.

The Costs

Well i suppose its not that bad £31 for your Theory test and for your practical its £62 for a weekday but £75 for an evening or weekend. And for you naughty people out there that are having to do it again because od a disqualification well its a nice £124 for weekdays and £150 for evenings and weekends ! Nice!!

Car Maintenance Practical Test 

Click the question to reveal the answer

Q1: Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.
A: Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors etc, or ask someone to help.

Q2: Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
A: Check the manufacturer's guide for pressure values, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don't forget the spare tyre, so check all five. Use a reliable tyre pressure guage.

Q3: Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
A: No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference. Again check all five. Use a reliable tread depth gauge.

Q4: Tell me how you would check that the horn is working.
A: Take the car off the pubic road and sound the horn.

Q5: Tell me how you would check the hand brake for excessive wear.
A: Apply the hand brake and when it is fully applied it must secure itself, the working travel should not be excessive.

Q6: Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash
A: The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable

Q7: Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
A: Operate light switch to dipped head lights switch , I would walk round vehicle inspecting lights.

'Show me' Questions

Q8: 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: Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.

Q9: Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.
A: Identify the over flow tank and the high/low level markings on the tank

Q10: Open the bonnet and identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is.
A: Identify the reservoir filler cap.

Q11: Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
A: Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.

Q12: Open the bonnet, identify where the power steering fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of power steering fluid.
A: Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings. Note the New Corsa dose not have this unit.

Q13: Show me/explain how you would check that the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
A: If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively, turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.

Q14: Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
A: Apply the indicator stork switch both left and right and walk around the vehicle to check functioning of all indicators.

Q15: Show me how you would check that the hazard warning lights are working.
A: Turn on the hazard warning switch and walk around the vehicle to check functioning of all lights.

Q16: Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
A: Operate right had stork control, pull towards you, to wash and wipe windscreen.

Q17: Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens
A: Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction and heated rear window.

Q18: Show me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use them.
A: Turn on Dipped head lights then rear fog light button. Check warning light is on. Use fog lights only if visibility is below 100 meters

Q19: Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.
A: Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.

Q20: Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
A: Turn on dipped head lights, push left-hand stork away from you, check the blue main beam warning light is on.