Theory Test

An appointment for a practical driving test will not be granted until the candidate
has passed the Theory Test.

The theory test was introduced 1st July 1996 for all those wishing to obtain a full driving licence and the hazard perception component was added in October 2002.

It is a touch screen test and consists of a series of multiple choice questions and a test of your hazard perception skills.  

Multiple Choice - 50 questions - 57 minutes - Pass mark 43/50

The multiple choice section consists of 50 questions. You select you answers by touching a box on the screen alongside your answer. You can change your mind by pressing the box again and then selecting another answer. Contact Stuarts' for more information.

Hazard Perception - 14 video clips - Pass mark 44/75

The hazard perception section involves 14 video clips. In each video you are shown every day road scenes and must use your judgement to spot a developing hazard. There is at least one hazard in each video clip. You are scored on how early you spot the developing hazard and can score a maximum of 5 for each and only have one chance to respond.

Official Test Resources

There are a number of resources available for you to study for your theory test.

Official Theory Books, DVD's and CDRoms from Amazon...

Thinking Caps On

Just for fun here are a couple of questions to think about:

1. Alertness
Q. Whilst reversing into a side road you should look mainly

a) through the rear window
b) into the interior mirror
c) into the door mirror nearest the curb
d) into the door mirror furthest from the curb

2. Attitude
Q. You are approaching a pelican crossing with the amber light flashing. You must:

a) give way to pedestrians who are crossing
b) encourage pedestrians to cross
c) not move until the green light shows
d) stop even if the crossing is clear

3. Safety and your vehicle
Q. The legal minimum tread depth for a tyre is

a) 1.0 mm
b) 1.6 mm
c) 2.5 mm
d) 4.0 mm

4. Safety Margins
Q. Stopping in good conditions at 30mph takes at least

a) 1 car length
b) 2 car lengths
c) 3 car lengths
d) 6 car lengths

5. Vulnerable Road Users
Q. You see a pedestrian with a white stick and two red reflective bands.
This means the person is

a) deaf and dumb
b) deaf and blind
c) physically disabled
d) blind and dumb

6. Vehicle Handling
Q. How can you best control your vehicle when driving in snow?

a) by driving slowly in as high a gear as possible
b) by staying in a low gear and gripping the wheel tightly
c) by staying in first gear
d) by keeping the engine revs high and slipping the clutch

7. Motorway Rules
Q. You are towing a trailer on a motorway. The maximum speed limit is

a) 40 mph
b) 50 mph
c) 60 mph
d) 70 mph

8. Rules of the Road
Q. In which place may it be able for you to park or wait

a) at a bus stop
b) opposite a traffic island
c) on the slope of a hill
d) in front of somebody elses drive way
e) on a dual carriageway

9. Documents
Q. Before driving anyone else's motor vehicle you should make sure that

a) the vehicle owner has third party insurance cover
b) your own vehicle has insurance cover
c) the owner has left the insurance documents inside the vehicle
d) the vehicle is insured for your use

10. Accidents
Q. You are on the motorway and luggage falls from your vehicle. You should

a) stop your car, put on your hazard lights and pick it up
b) pull up on the hard shoulder and wave traffic down
c) reverse back down the hard shoulder and pick it up
d) stop at the next emergency telephone and call the police

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