Martin Wrights Driving School - Driving Test Information
FREE mock theory tests
If you are a learner driver you must take and pass your theory test before you book your practical test.
If you already have a driving licence you might not have to take another theory test if you want to start driving a different vehicle.
UK licence holders
You will need to take a theory test if you want a licence for a new category of vehicle, for example, if you have a car licence and you want a motorcycle licence you will need to take a theory test.
If, however, you want to upgrade within a vehicle category you will not normally need to take a theory test, for example, if you have a full automatic car licence and you want a manual car licence you will not have to take a theory test.
It is your responsibility to make sure you have the correct licence for the vehicle you are driving. If you are unsure if you need to take a theory test please contact the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) or the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
The Driving Theory Test
The first part of the theory test lasts up to 57 minutes, and is a 50 question multi-choice test based around the Highway code and road safety issues.
In order to pass test you will need to score at least 43 questions correctly.
Hazard Perception Test
This is the second part of the theory test which is taken after the multi-choice part has been completed. It consists of 14 video clips and is designed to measure your ability to recognize road hazards.
13 of the clips contain a single hazard and 1 contains two hazards.
The pass rate for the hazard perception test is 44 out of 75. You will need to pass both the multi-choice questions and the hazard awareness test in order to successfully pass the theory test.
The fee is £31. This won't be refunded if you fail
Practical Driving Test
The practical test lasts up to 40 minutes and will take you through a variety of roads and traffic conditions. There are no ‘daily quotas’ and if you complete the test without serious or dangerous errors and with no more than 15 minor driving errors you will pass.
The test will start with an eyesight check you must be able to read a number plate from a distance layed down in the highway code, also some vehicle safety questions taken from the Show Me Tell Me question bank.
There are a number of pre-determined routes. However the route may be varied by unusual congestion, road works etc. During the test you will be asked to carry out two of the following: turn the car around, reverse into an opening, or park the car in the street (or in some cases in a car park). On some tests you may be asked to stop the car suddenly under a controlled stop simulation (as in an emergency).
Try to forget the examiner and you’ll feel less nervous. Remember, they’re not going to ask you to do anything out of the ordinary. All they’ll ask you to do is drive around as you would during a lesson. Drive in a thoughtful, business-like manner. Keep up with the other traffic but be careful to obey speed limits at all times. If you are unsure about a direction, immediately seek clarification. Use good observation skills and don’t let other motorists put you under pressure. If you realise you are taking the wrong road, do what is safe and continue the turn that you are indicating. A sudden change of direction without proper observation and signaling will constitute a serious fault.
Documents Required
Both Parts of your Provisional Licence (Photo Card & Paper Counter Part)
If you have the Old Type paper licence you will also have to take a Valid Passport , with effect from 27 April 2010, candidates who do not have a photocard licence will be able to use a valid UK ID Card issued by IPS as an alternative to their passport (No other form of Photo ID will be Accepted)
The practical test costs £62 on a week day or £75 over the weekend.
