A-Class Driving Schools - Driving Test Info

Theory Test
The theory test is designed to improve the safety of newly qualified drives and riders by making them think carefully about the right attitudes needed to drive safely on today's busy roads and reduce the risk of accidents.

You'll take your theory test on a computer at one of the local Driving Standard Agency centres in your area. You will have to answer 50 multiple choice questions and have to correctly answer a minimum of 43 out of the 50 questions to pass. The test is available in a variety of languages other than English. Their is also the option of using British sign language for those candidates who are deaf. There is a brief introduction and you can practice a few questions before the test begins. You will have 57 minutes to complete this part. If you are not sure of an answer you can 'flag' the question to return to it later.

When the multiple choice section is completed, the hazard perception part will begin. Which will start with a short tutorial clip to show you how this part of the test works. The test comprises of 14 videoclips of everyday driving. It is your task to spot emerging hazards in each clip. 13 clips have one emerging hazard and one clip has 2 hazards. An emerging hazard being one which you may have to change speed or direction to avoid. Each hazard can attract a maximum of 5 points and you must score a total of 44 out of 75 to pass this section.

Practical Driving Test
The test starts wityh an eye sight test where you will have to read a number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres. If you fail this the test will not continue. The examiner will then ask you to answer two questions from the show me, tell me question bank.

For the driving part of the test you will be examined on your general driving and on two reversing exercises. The reversing exercises will be chosen from: Reversing round a corner, Turning in the road or a reverse parking. You may also be asked to perform an emergency stop exercise. A standard driving test will take around 40 minutes to complete.

During the test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. Test routes are designed to be as uniform as possible and will include a range of typical road and traffic conditions.

During the test you should drive as your instructor has taught you. If you make any mistakes don't worry about it, it might be a less than a serious driving fault and may not affect your result. You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test. (16 or more will result in failure). However if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. If at any point the examiner considers you to be a danger to other road users your test will be stopped.