If you are looking to book your driving theory test, you will find it the simplest part of the driving process. Find out more with our quick guide.Requirements
Computer with internet connection
Provisional Driving License
Valid bank card
Email Address
Booking Procedure
Driving theory tests are normally booked at centres certified by the UK Driving Standards Agency (DSA). The UK has more than 150 driving theory test centres, which makes you spoilt for choice.
There are two ways of booking a driving theory test. You can book by telephone or online. A telephone booking is done by calling DSA’s telephone booking line:0300 200 1122. If you experience issues with your booking, you can contact a customer care agent by listening to the options provided by the booking line number. Booking online is the easiest and most popular method. You only have to visit the DSA online booking service. For online booking, you will require a computer, tablet or mobile device that can access the internet.
Questions To Expect:
Personal Details
Driving License Details
Preferred Test Centre
Booking Time and Date
Credit/Debit Card Details
Booking your driving test online will take you less than 20 minutes. After picking your preferred test centre, you now have to choose your test date. If you opt for ‘no preference’ or ‘as soon as possible’, the DSA site will give you a series of dates to choose from. After picking your date, you will have to wait for your test to be ready. The average waiting time is normally 3 days. However, in big cities like London, you will have to wait a little longer. After you have picked your date and time, you are required to complete a form- this should not take longer than 15 minutes. The form will have areas for you to fill your personal details such as your name address and contacts. After that you will get a summary of your booking and you will be presented with a page to enter your payment details. The driving theory test costs around 31 pounds which you are required to pay when booking and not when going to the test centre. After you have submitted your payment, DSA will send you an email confirming details of your theory test i.e. the date, time and test centre. You should print this confirmation email and take it with you during the day of the test in case any complication should arise.
Can I Change the Date and Test Time For My Driving Test?
To change the time and date for your driving test, you have to allow a 3 working day notice- Saturdays are regarded as working days.
Cancelling Your Driving Theory Test
You can cancel your driving theory test and get a full refund. However, you have to allow a 3 working day notice. You cannot claim a refund unless the notice is given.
Failed Driving Theory Test
If you happen to fail your theory test, no need to worry. You can always retake the exam. You have to wait for 3 days before you can take another test.
Passing the Driving Theory Test
If you are anxious about passing the driving theory test, one tip that always works is reading the Highway code. This is a hand book that outlines precepts that are important for any driver. Some of the contents of this book include: road signs, first aid on the road, driving in adverse weather, rules for pedestrians, rules for animals, speed limits and general techniques and advice for drivers and riders.
One way of passing the theory test is to study the highway code and understand the precepts therein.
How Long Does the Theory Test Take?
The driving theory test takes about an hour for both the multiple choice and the hazard perception sections. During the theory test, the computer tracks time and shows you how much time you have left.
Theory Test Topics
The Driving theory test consists of 50 questions that are represented in 12 topics. The topics covered include: road traffic signs, driver attitude, effects of alcohol whilst driving, environmental aspects of cars, drugs and fatigue. Most of the questions in this test will require you to give 1 answer while some will require more than 1 answer. The number of answers required will be displayed on your computer screen.
When taking your theory test you will be provided with on-screen instructions on how to take the test. After the instructions you are offered the chance of a practice session. You can opt to skip this part. After the practice session, the real test begins.
You will be required to answer a question with several multiple choice answers. You have the option of flagging questions that you are not sure of and return later. You can also move between the questions that are easy. Some of the questions might be based upon a case study. For instance:
Focusing on real life experiences that one is bound to encounter when driving, show a short story.
For the hazard perception part of the test, you will be presented with 14 video clips. First, you will be presented with a demonstration video clip showing you how it works and what you are to expect. Afterwards, a series of 14 video clips will be played. The video clips feature scenes that occur on a daily basis. Each scene lasts around 1 minute and will have at least one developing hazard. However, there is one clip that will have two developing hazards. A developing hazard is simply a situation that requires you to change direction or speed. The earlier you detect a hazard and respond with a click of the mouse button, the higher the score you will attain. Be warned that the system will detect cheating by constant mouse clicking- a message appears showing that you scored zero for that clip.
Theory Test Expiry
When you excel in the driving theory test, you will be awarded a certificate. The theory test certificate proves that you are fit to drive vehicles. The test certificate expires after 2 years.
Theory Test Pass Mark
The driving theory test pass mark for the multiple choice section is 43 points- meaning you have to pass at least 43 questions out of the 50 questions in this section. For the section on hazard perception, there are 14 video clips and out of these clips there will be 15 developing hazards. When you spot a hazard you earn points. The maximum points for a developing hazard are 5 marks. Given that the entire hazard perception test has 75 marks, the pass mark for this category is 44.
Theory Test Results
The theory test results are instantaneous. You receive the results for your test the moment you are through with the test.
Loss of The Theory Test Certificate
In case you loose your theory test certificate, there is no need to fret. You can easily get another one by contacting DSA. You will either get a replacement certificate or a test pass number.
As you can see, to book a driving theory test is pretty simple. Provided you have all the requirements, you are good to go. Passing the test is not hard either, if you have studied the highway code and have gone through your driving lessons, then attaining the pass mark will be a cake walk. What are you waiting for, book your driving test theory and become a certified driver.
