Harley's Driving School Hoddesdon - Test Information

The Driving Theory Test
The driving theory test is divided into two parts. You will sit them one after the other with a short break between.

Part 1 - 50 multiple choice questions answered in no more than 57 minutes.

Part 2 - The hazard perception test consisting of 14 video clips to watch on a screen where you are asked to respond according to developing hazards.

The Multiple Choice Questions
The multiple choice questions consist of the question and several answer options on a touch screen. The candidate selects an answer or answers by touching the box alongside it. To change the selection, touch again to deselect it and choose another answer by touching another box.

To pass the multiple choice section of the theory test, the candidate must achieve a score of at least 43 points out of a possible 50, which is 86%.

The Hazard Perception Test
After the multiple-choice part the candidates are allowed a 3 minutes break before a short video tutorial explaining the 2nd part of the driving theory test called the Hazard Perception Test, which is delivered on a computer and requires the use of a mouse.

A hazard is defined as a situation causing the driver to react by changing direction, speed or stop.

The Hazard Perception Test will consist of 14 video clips, each about a minute long, showing driving situations involving other road users and is shot from the car driver's viewpoint. Each of 13 clips will play one developing hazard which will cause the driver to react by changing direction, speed or stop. 1 clip will show two developing hazards. The test candidate is not told which of the clips contain 2 hazards and is expected to identify all 15 hazards onscreen by clicking the left or right mouse button.

Scoring is via a points system from zero to five points. The earlier the hazard is identified the higher the score. Several potential hazards will be within each clip, and most will remain potential, but one (or two) will develop into the actual hazard causing the driver to react by changing direction, speed or stop. These are the hazards which must be identified and clicked on in order to score the points.

The pass mark for the Hazard Perception Test section of the driving theory test is 44 out of 75, which is approximately 59%.

The Practical Test
The practical driving test is scored on a fault system. It begins with an eyesight check and some vehicle safety questions - the show me, tell me test.

The driving section of the test will last for about 45 minutes and include specific manoeuvres taught by the driving instructor.

The DSA examiner will expect an overall safe standard of driving throughout the test. 1 Serious or Dangerous fault will result in immediate failure of the driving test.

Candidates are allowed a maximum of 15 driving (or Minor) faults in order to pass the driving test, 16 or more faults will fail the test.