What you will need and when:
In order to take a driving test
you will need to pass the theory test.
In order to do either and even to
learn to drive on the road
you will first need to obtain a provisional driving
licence and for it to become valid (as dated). Usually
this is at your 17th
birthday. You are able to apply for this licence up to 3 months before your 17th
birthday.
Getting a provisional licence
Before you can learn to
drive you will need to obtain a provisional driving licence.
You can apply for a provisional driving licence from the Driver and Vehicle
Licensing Agency (DVLA). The application form (form D1) can be obtained from
your local Post Office.
If you are receiving a disability
living allowance at the higher rate
your licence becomes valid from your 16th
birthday.
Preparing for your theory test
NB. You do not have to pass the theory test before you are able to learn to
drive on the road.
Although it is a good idea to
read through the Highway Code before-hand
you will learn much whilst taking
driving lessons.
Resource Materials
I recommend the following either
to purchase from a local bookshop or to hire for just
£5 once you begin having lessons
from Automatic Choice Driving School :
1.
The Highway Code
2.
Know Your Traffic Signs (the Highway Code does not contain
them all!)
3.
The Official DSA Theory Test for Car Drivers
4.
The Official DSA Theory Test CD-ROM for Car Drivers (FOCUS)
Special Needs
If your first language is not
English or you have difficulties in reading or understanding written English (e.g.
if you have dyslexia or other reading difficulties) you can request a voiceover
in English or in 20 other languages. You can request to have up to twice the
allocated time allowed to answer the questions after you have submitted
evidence of your reading difficulties. This allows you to hear the theory test
instructions and questions through your headphones as many times as you wish by
touching the text of the required question on the screen.
If deaf
you can take the test using
BSL www.dsa.gov.uk/Category.asp?cat=92
Booking a theory test
This can be done by completing a
form
available from your driving instructor and sending together with the
appropriate test fee to the Driving Standards Agency booking office or online
or by telephone (0870 01 01 372 from 8am until 6pm Mon - Fri):
http://www.dsa.gov.uk/Category.asp?cat=88
You will need your driver number
as on your provisional driving licence and a credit / debit card number to
hand.
3 clear days notice is required
to change / cancel / re-apply for your test without losing your test fee.
The theory test is in 2 parts
1.
The multiple choice theory questions
2.
The Hazard Perception (video clips)
You are required to pass each
part to pass the theory test.
On arriving at the Theory Test
Centre (15 minutes before the test time) you will be asked for your driving
licence (both parts – ID card and paper counterpart) or your old-style licence
plus your passport. If you have the old style licence only and no passport
you
will not be allowed to take the test. Please realise this and obtain a new
style photographic licence well before-hand. Forms are available from your main
Post Office.
You will not be able to take
anything into the test room at all. You will be required to put your personal
possessions in a locker. Mobile phones must be switched off.
The Multiple – Choice Theory Test
The multiple choice questions are displayed one at a time on the screen at the theory Test Centre near where you live.
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 will now be asked 50 questions and the pass mark is 43 out of 50.
You have 57 minutes to answer the questions and can “flag” a question to return to later within the time.
The Hazard Perception Test
After a short break from
answering the theory test questions
you will be shown a tutorial video clip as
to how this part of the test works.
You will be shown on the computer
screen 14 video clips of varying moving traffic scenes that have one or more
developing hazards within each clip. You score points by responding quickly to
these hazards by clicking the mouse button. You do not have to follow the
traffic scene with the mouse cursor on the screen. The scene is shown through the
windscreen of a car - as if you were the driver. You only have one opportunity
to respond to each hazard
but you may click the mouse several times as long as
it is not in a rhythmical pattern or click too many times in a very short space
of time
which will result in a zero score. You will need to practice.
You will need to score a minimum
of 44 points out of 75 over the 14 clips realising that one clip will show 2
hazards. The maximum score for each hazard is 5 points.
After this test;
follow the on screen
instructions
completing the survey if you wish.
Leave the examination room
quietly. You will be directed to the appropriate person who will provide you
with your results. When you pass you will be given a certificate with your name
and theory test number on it. Keep this in a safe place as you will need it
when booking your practical test and to take with you to your practical test.
Good luck!
