About the Theory Test

You are asked 50 multiple choice questions. The pass mark is 43 or more and the time allowed to complete the test is 57 minutes.

The hazard perception test is the second part of the driving theory test and is taken a few minutes after completing the multiple choice questions.

For the hazard perception test the questions are made up of 14 clips, the pass mark is 44 out of a possible 75.

You need to pass both to pass your theory. Your theory certificate is valid for 2 years if within this time you do not pass your practical test you will need to retake the theory test.

About the practical driving test

There will be 5 parts to the driving test:

  • an eyesight check
  • ‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions
  • general driving ability
  • reversing your vehicle
  • independent driving

How long the test lasts

You’ll drive for around 40 minutes.

Driving faults

You can make 15 driving faults, anymore and you will fail. You can’t also make a serious or a dangerous fault.

Eyesight check

You’ll have to read a number plate from a distance of approximately 20 meters

 ‘Show me, tell me’ questions

You’ll be asked 2 vehicle safety questions known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions. These test that you know how to carry out basic safety tasks.

You’ll be asked the:

  • ‘tell me’ question at the start of your test, before you start driving
  • ‘show me’ question while you’re driving - for example, showing how to wash the windscreen using the car controls and wipers

Your general driving ability

You’ll drive in various road and traffic conditions, but not on motorways.

The examiner will give you directions that you should follow. Driving test routes aren’t published, but your instructor will ensure you are familiar with the areas.

Pulling over at the side of the road

You’ll be asked to pull over and pull away during your test, including:

  • normal stops at the side of the road
  • pulling out from behind a parked vehicle
  • a hill start

You might also be asked to carry out an emergency stop.

Reversing your vehicle

The examiner will ask you to do one of the following exercises:

  • parallel park at the side of the road
  • park in a parking bay - either by driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out (the examiner will tell you which you have to do)
  • pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for around 2 car lengths, and rejoin the traffic

Independent driving

You will have to drive for about 20 minutes by following either:

  • directions from a sat nav
  • traffic signs

The examiner will tell you which you have to do.

Going off the route

Your test result won’t be affected if you take a wrong turning, unless you make a fault while doing it.

The examiner will help you get back on the route if you do.

If you make mistakes during your test

You can carry on if you make a mistake. It might not affect your test result if it’s not serious.

The examiner will only stop your test if they think your driving is a danger to other road users.