These are the most asked questions we receive from candidates requesting information about the theory and practical driving tests.
If your question hasn’t been answered below please e-mail us with your question and we’ll get a reply straight back to you. We’ll also add your question to the list in order to help others.
You will be sat in a small private area away from distractions with a very simple to use computer operated by touching the screen. You’ll have 15 minutes to get used to the feel of things. When your driving test starts you will read one question at a time displayed on the screen and touch the screen to select an answer from the option displayed below the question. When you have completed the theory questions part of the test, you will be prompted to start the hazard perception test. See below for details. At the end of both tests you will be given the driving theory test results almost straight away.
The driver theory test is divided into two parts. The first being a multiple choice section where you read a question select the correct answer by touching the computer screen.
The multiple choice questions are then followed by the hazard perception part of the test, comprising 14 video clips, which show developing hazards from a moving camera car. Hazards may invlove other vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists etc. Before this test starts you will be able to see an explanatory video showing you exactly how the hazard test works and how to react to the hazards as they are shown.
The computer screen displays one questions at a time along with the possible answers. All you have to do is touch the computer screen to select the right answer.
Yes you can. Just go back and change the answer from the options under each question.
If you are not sure about an answer, simply mark the question so your can go back to it later. If you forget and perhaps leave a question unanswered the computer will notify you on the screen.
Simply click the mouse button when a potential hazard has been recognized – i.e. anything that may cause you to slow down. The start and end of each hazard in each clip is defined by an electronic time line. Click at the start of the hazard equals a high score, click at near the end equals a low score. Clicking too early or too late may register no score.
Not at all. You get the results almost immediately.
The computer system is very easy to use – all you have to do is to point and touch the computer screen in the area of the correct answer. No experience of computers is necessary at all.
The question and answer part of the theory test lasts for 40 minutes and in that time you have to answer 50 questions. However, people with special needs can ask for 80 minutes.
In the first part of the test there are 50 multiple choice questions and in the second part there is 14 video clips with 15 scorable hazards which you must click on.
You must obtain 43 correct answers out of 50 to pass the questions part of the test, and score 44 out of 75 to pass the hazard part of the test.
You must pass both sections to achieve an overall pass of the test.
If you fail either of the two parts that make up the driving theory test then both parts will have to be taken again.
Dyslexic candidates may listen to the questions through a headset. Theory test Candidates with dyslexia can also ask for an extra 40 minutes to sit the test.
Candidates may listen to the multiple choice theory questions and tutorials through a headset. Deaf candidates will take the test signed in the British Sign Language.
If you haven’t passed your driving test within two years of passing your theory, then the theory test must be taken again!
Useful training materials are:
The Highway Code
DVSA Theory Test for cars
DTLR Know Your Traffic Signs
Alternatively, FREE and the most up to date theory training material, theory driving test questions and hazard perception practice video clips are available from Kinghams.theorytestpro online service. The actual theory driving test questions you’ll encounter on the test are no longer published but similar and up to date questions and video clips. Kinghams Driving School online theory test training is the best of allan it’s been verified by the DVSA.
You will finish the driving test from where you started or just around the corner. If you wish, your driving instructor can be present at the debrief so he/she can listen in on the driving examiners comments. The examiner will total up any minor or serious faults that occurred during the test and inform you of the result straight away. You are allowed a maximum of 15 minor faults and NO serious faults to pass. Whatever the result, your driving instructor will drive you home after the test.
This is one of the most often asked driving test questions. Unfortunately not! You must pass the theory test first before you can book the practical driving test.
If you have been taking driving lessons in Bournemouth from a qualified driving instructor then you will take your test in the car you took your driving lessons in. However, you may take the driving test in your own car as long as the tyres are legal, all lights and seat belts are working properly, door mirrors are intact, the vehicle is taxed and insured for the purpose of the driving test and has L plates clearly displayed on the front and back. An extra stick on mirror must also be supplied for the examiner to use. If there is a problem with your car meeting these requirements the examiner will give you five minutes to sort it out. If you cannot fix the problem the driving examiner will abort the test and your practical test fee will be lost. For more information view the DVSA rules for cars used to take the practical driving test.
When you arrive you will wait for the examiner. Once your name is called, the examiner will check your driving licence and ask you to sign the driving test marking sheet to declare your vehicle is insured for the purpose of the driving test. The driving examiner asks you to lead the way to the car, checks your eyesight and asks you to read a number plate at a distance of 20.5 metres. You will be asked a couple of show me/tell me driving test questions about basic car maintenance prior to getting in the car and starting the driving part of the test. The examiner tells you to follow the road ahead at all times, unless road markings or traffic signs tell you to do otherwise, or unless you are asked to do otherwise by the examiner. Directions will always be clear and well timed, so there is no reason to worry about this part of the test.
In order for your driving test to go ahead, you must take the plastic photo card part of your licence, plus your theory test pass certificate. Examiners have a device which detects forged driving licences. If you hold an older style licence, then you must bring a passport to validate your identity. No other form of photo identity in acceptable.
NO. If you drive to the required standard you will pass.
If you are unfortunate to get stuck in traffic for too long than the test may be recorded as a ‘no result’. You will be invited to resit the test at a later date at the expense os the DVSA.
No. If you drive safely and you meet the standards to pass then you will pass. If you go the wrong way then follow that route and the examiner will redirect you. Don’t panic – just drive safely.
Your driving instructor, a friend or family member may may go with you as long as they do not interfere in any way while the test is conducted. You may also bring an interpreter if you are concerned about understanding directions. The interpreter must be over 16 years old. Please note: Driving instructors are not permitted to be an interpreter.
Yes you can but your driving licence will only permit you to drive an automatic car. If you want to take a driving test in a manual car at a later date then the automatic licence gives you provisional entitlement until it is exchanged for a full Cat B Licence.
You are expected to drive to a very high standard, showing awareness of road safely and competency in a multitude of traffic conditions. The driving examiner will give you clear and timely directions allowing you to plan the hazards and route ahead. You will also be asked to carry out one reversing maneouvre, possibly the emergince stop and definately 10 minutes of independent driving.
The driving test is about 37 minutes long.
Note: The extended driving test lasts for 70 minutes.
You can book both the practical and theory driving test online or you can also phone the DVSA’s booking number on 0300 200 1122. Application forms may be sent by post including a cheque or postal order. To avoid delay, forms should be sent to: DVSA,PO Box 148, Salford, M5 3SY
Payments may also be made by credit or debit card.
The cost of the driving theory test is £25.00 and the driving test is £62.00 during weekdays and £75.00 during the weekend.
Since launching in 1993, Kingham Driving School has been delivering exceptional driving lessons in Bournemouth and is now expanding into Southampton and all surrounding areas. Every member of our team is up-to-date with the latest professional qualifications and driver coaching techniques and guarantee the very best driving lessons in Bournemouth.
At Kingham Driving School, we are also proficient in delivering exceptional automatic and manual driving lessons, pass plus courses, motorway driving courses, remedial and refresher courses, car parking lessons, and taxi test training. Whatever your requirements please get in touch via the form above.
After stop-starting driving lessons for almost two years I passed my test on the second try! Steve was always very encouraging and supportive and I couldn’t have asked for a better instructor – thanks a lot!
Clare Hillsmith
