Driving Test Information
The United Kingdom Practical driving test is a test which drivers must pass to obtain a driving licence.
Theory Test
A driving theory test must be passed before a learner driver can book a practical driving test. The theory test is in two parts; a multi-choice question test followed by a hazard perception test. It takes around one hour to complete the theory test.
LDUK pupils are provided with free access to Theory Test Pro, the very best online site available to learner drivers. Our instructors offer advice on making the best use of the software to help our pupils pass their theory test first time.
Because driving test waiting times have been up to three or four months recently, we would advise theory test candidates to prepare for and take their theory test soon after starting a course of driving lessons. In this way, a practical driving test can be applied for as soon as the theory test has been passed.
To pass the question part of the test a minimum score of 43 out of 50 is required. Usually there are four possible answers to each question, one of which will be correct. Questions are randomly selected from a bank of around a thousand on a selection of topics. You have 57 minutes to complete this part.
Hazard Perception
A score of 44 out of 75 is necessary to pass the hazard perception element. There will be fourteen film clips each lasting around one minute. Each clip will have at least one moving hazard for you to respond to. The faster you respond to the developing hazard, the higher your score for that clip. A maximum of five points are available for each of the fifteen hazards. In the theory test all film clips are now computer-generated imagery.
You must pass both parts of the test on the same day. You will receive your result very soon after completing the test.
Practical Driving Test
The practical driving test is conducted by a DVSA examiner around a pre-determined route and lasts around 38 – 40 minutes. Candidates are assessed fir driving faults. A maximum of fifteen are allowable to pass, however if a serious fault (potential danger) or a dangerous fault (actual danger) occur it will result in failure.
Candidates are asked to read a number plate at a distance of 20.5m and two vehicle safety questions before leaving the test centre. Failure to read the number plate will lead to a failed driving test. Failure to answer either of the questions will not result in a fault being recorded. Candidate’s driving is assessed in a variety of road and traffic conditions in both rural and urban environments.
The test comprises:
- An emergency stop (1 in 3 tests only)
- A manoeuvre exercise (one selected from a parking or reversing exercise)
- Two or three stops on hills and in urban areas
- A ten minute, independent drive following either a series of directions or a diagram or a combination of both
- A variety of junctions and traffic conditions in rural and urban areas
After returning to the test centre the examiner will give the result straight away and a debrief on aspects of the candidate’s performance.
