Theory Test The theory test will cost £31.00 From March 30th 2009

 You can book the theory test by telephone paying by credit card. Please have the number from your driving licence ready when booking. Or by Internet (I provide this service free of charge).

The first part is 50 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 60 minutes using a touch screen computer. You must answer 43 questions correctly to pass. After you have completed this part of the test you may take a short break before sitting the second part. The second part is a hazard perception test. The hazard perception element consists of 14 video clips, which feature real road scenes and developing hazards of various types such as vehicles and pedestrians.

There are a total of 15 scoreable hazards in the test. Thirteen clips will contain one scoreable hazard and one clip will contain two scoreable hazards.

Each scoreable hazard has a marking window and a score is awarded when you respond in that window. The earlier the developing hazard is identified and a response is made the higher the score. You won't score any points if you respond outside the window. For this part of the test you will use a computer mouse.

You should click on the mouse as soon as you spot a hazard developing. The sooner you respond, the higher your score will be. The highest mark you can score for each developing hazard is 5 points. The pass mark is 44 points from a possible 75 points.

You must pass both elements to pass your test. If you fail either the multiple-choice section or the hazard perception element you will fail the whole test

 After you have passed the theory test you must pass the practical driving test within two years or you will have to retake the theory test. During the period 14 November to 12 January 2002/2003 the pass rate for the theory test was as follows:

The overall pass rate for the theory test was: 49.92% The pass rate for the multiple-choice element was: 58.03% The pass rate for the hazard perception element was: 80.33% During this period the pass mark for the hazard perception element was 38. It is now 44 Note: The pass rates for the overall test cannot be calculated from the two separate parts of multiple choice and hazard perception, as some candidates pass one but fail the other.