Driving Test Theory

Driving Theory Tests in the UK consist of two main sections:

  • Multiple Choice
  • Hazard Perception

It is required that you pass both sections in order to pass your theory test. You will then be able to book your practical test.

Because of the unique way we structure our lessons at Calm Driving, every lessons contains an element of driving theory and hazard perception to ensure that you know the facts before taking the test. Book Now to start driving and learning today!

We will help you from day one with your theory and hazard perception test, we have commentary driving techniques that will help you spot traffic signs whilst driving. We also use in car aids such as books, cd roms and mock test sheets to help you pass the Theory and Hazard perception tests.

The driving theory test is taken using a touch screen computer. You’ll have fifteen minute practice session before the theory test begins. Only one question will appear on screen at a time and you will be able to navigate backwards and forwards through the questions changing answers if necessary.

Booking your test

How to Book

Book your Theory test online   or call  0300 200 1122

You will need your:

  • Driving licence number
  • Date of Birth
  • Home address
  • Contact number.

What to take

Your driving licence (Card part and paper part) and your appointment letter.

Pass mark

You will need to answer 43 questions from a test consisting of 50 questions, you have 57 minutes and the computer will indicate how much time remains.

Cost- £23.00 (including Hazard perception).

Location

Roddis House (3rd floor)
Old Christchurch Road
Bournemouth
Dorset
BH1 1LG

Practice

Practice by reading the DVSA highway code and buy the official DSA CD ROM from us or at WH SMITH. Try the online services like www.2pass.co.uk.

You can go to the DVSA website and register to take two mock papers for free to get you up to speed – DVSA Theory Tests.

You will receive your test result before you leave the test centre.

Theory Test Categories

The D.S.A Driving theory test consists of:

50 multiple choice questions taken from a bank of over 1000 DSA theory test question. All based on the Highway code and all types of road safety issues. There are 14 categories:

1. ALERTNESS

  • Observations: Road users around you.
  • Anticipation: Based on what cars might do around you (LOOK, ASSESS, DECIDE…ACT).
  • Concentration: Staying alert and knowing what factors effect your driving.
  • Awareness: Understanding other road users intentions.
  • Distraction: Focus on your own driving.

2. ATTITUDE

  • Consideration: Treating other road users in a polite and correct manner.
  • Positioning: Knowing vehicle road positions.
  • Courtesy: Treating other drivers with respect.
  • Priority: Understanding the rules of priority when driving.

3. OTHER TYPES OF VEHICLES

  • Motorcycles: Knowing the problems facing motorcyclists.
  • Lorries: Understanding hazards larger vehicles can cause.
  • Buses: Showing consideration to buses ,their passengers and the problems they can cause.

4. SAFETY MARGINS

  • Road surfaces: being aware of different road surfaces and how they can affect the driving experience.
  • Skidding: How to prevent and deal with skidding whilst driving.
  • Weather conditions: being aware how different weather conditions can affect driving and road safety.
  • Stopping distances: knowing the distances required to stop a vehicle safely.

5 / 6. HAZARD AWARENESS

  • Anticipation: using forward planning in order to avoid rash, unsafe decisions.
  • Tiredness: knowing how tiredness can affect you whilst driving.
  • Attention: Remaining alert and looking for problems ahead.
  • Reaction time: understanding you need time to react.
  • Drugs and Alcohol: Knowing how drugs and alcohol affect you when driving.
  • Hazard awareness: recognising potential hazards and how to deal with them.
  • Speed and distance: understanding the correct speeds to use in all driving situations.

7. SAFETY AND YOUR VEHICLE

  • Fault detection: being able to detect vehicle problems and the consequences of them.
  • Vehicle defects: Understanding how and why a unroadworthy vehicle can endanger life.
  • Emissions: Understanding the regulations that govern vehicle emissions.
  • Noise: Preventing excessive noise.
  • Safety equipment: knowing how to use any safety equipment a vehicle might have.

8. VEHICLE HANDLING

  • Weather Conditions: Understanding how weather conditions affect your and other vehicles.
  • Road surfaces: being aware of how different surfaces affect your vehicle.
  • Time of day: knowing hazards caused by night time driving.
  • Speed: understanding the affects on your vehicle when driving at varios speeds.
  • Traffic calming: recognising and dealing with traffic calming measures.

9. MOTORWAY RULES

  • Speed limits: knowing motorway speed restrictions.
  • Lane discipline: Using the left-hand lane unless overtaking.
  • Stopping: Knowing where you can and cant stop.
  • Lighting: When and where to use lights to see and be seen.
  • Parking: Knowing that you can only stop on a motorway in an emergency and how to use hard shoulder emergency phones.

10. RULES OF THE ROAD

  • Speed limits: Knowing the different speed limits and when to use theses speed limits.
  • Parking: Where to safely park and knowing the different parking restrictions and regulations.
  • Lighting: Using car lighting effectively and safely to see and be seen when driving.

11. ROAD AND TRAFFIC SIGNS

  • Road signs: Knowing the meanings of different road signs.
  • Speed limits: being aware of planning for speed limit signs.
  • Road markings: Knowing the meaning of road markings.
  • Regulations: Knowing the regulations associated with road markings and signs.

12. DRIVING THEORY TEST

  • LICENCES: knowing what type of driving licences you need.
  • Insurance: Insurance cover types and what you need to drive legally.
  • MOT Certificates: Know the legal requirements for vehicle testing and what the test covers.

13. DRIVING THEORY TEST

  • First aid: basic first aid and dealing with road accidents.
  • Warning devices: knowing how and when to call the emergency services and knowing when you must report road accidents.
  • Safety Regulations: Understanding the warning signs and dangers for vehicles carrying hazardous loads.

14. DRIVING THEORY TEST

  • Stability: understanding how to correctly load vehicles, trailers and caravans and how towing can affect vehicle stability and safety.
  • Towing: Understanding the affects of towing a trailer and the relevant regulations.