All HKF School of Motoring pupils get advice with theory test training and ongoing support from their instructor

Applying for the Theory Test  

Get full details about how to book and manage your theory test appointment
from the Directgov website by clicking here. https://www.gov.uk/driving-theory-test


To book online click here -  www.gov.uk/book-a-driving-theory-test

Note that this link is to
the official booking site. Other sites offer a booking service but might charge
an additional commission.


Alternatively, you can make a credit/debit card booking by phone:
 

• 0300 200 1122 (the DVSA booking line).


• Welsh language booking line - 0300 200 1133


• minicom booking line - 0300 200 1166


• fax booking line - 0300 200 1177

Phone lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm


 If you wish to book by post, application forms are available from theory and
practical test centres or from your driving instructor - you can download a booking form
here.


You are exempt from the theory test if you wish to upgrade your licence, for
example if you have a full licence for car with automatic transmission and wish
to take the test for a manual car - you can find more details at the Directgov
web site by clicking here.


There is no limit on the number of attempts you can make at the test - but
you will have to pay the full fee each time. There are no discounts for block
bookings!


Your test appointment

 As with all appointments, allow plenty of time. If you
are late you might miss the test.


You will register your arrival and must show both parts of your
Provisional Driving Licence (if you have an old style paper licence
you must also have a valid passport). You will then be shown to
your booth (privacy is ensured by individual 'booths' for each candidate) where
you can choose to do a practise session to get used to the touch screen system. 
 
 
After the test starts, there is a timer that lets you know how much time you
have left. If you finish within the 57 minutes allowed, use the remaining time
to go back and check your answers.  Answer all the questions - make
sure you answer all the questions, if you don't know the answer to a question and
you are running out of time, simply guess!


You must get 43 (out of 50) correct answers to pass. If you are well
prepared, the test should be easy, but as with any exam, you will have to do
some studying!


Case study questions

 Some of the questions will be given as a case study. The case study
questions show a short story outlining a typical driving situation based on real
life examples and experiences that you could come across when driving - this is
followed by five questions relating to the situation.


After the multiple choice part you can choose to have a break of up to three
minutes before the hazard perception part starts. 


At the end of the test you  will receive your result.  You will also receive
information about the areas of the test where you got questions wrong (if any).
Your pass certificate enables you to apply for your practical test - keep it
in a safe place!


The Hazard Perception Test

 The Hazard Perception Test (HPT) comprises a selection
of film clips, showing real road scenes and potential hazards.


You will be assessed on how soon you spot the dangers shown in  14 film clips
chosen at random from a series of two hundred.


Failure to pass the hazard perception test will result in failure of the
whole test even if you do well with the multiple choice questions - if this
happens you will have to take the complete test again.


It's estimated that with around three hours training, new drivers can achieve
scores equal to those of experienced drivers.


Your instructor will advise you about the best way to prepare for the
HPT using CD roms or DVD's.


The touch screen technology 

You don't have to know anything about computers to take
the theory test!


You simply read, and/or listen to the questions and then touch the screen to
indicate your choice of answers.


The easy-to-read screens show only one question at a time with simple
navigation than enables you to go backwards or forwards through the
questions.


  The questions have both text and pictures (for example, road signs) and you
can change your answers at any time. See the info panel on this page for a link
to the DVSA sample tests.


The test subjects

 The theory test covers a wide range of subjects with questions covering all
aspects of safe driving.


The list below shows the subject areas that the questions are taken from: 

•  
  • Alertness
  
  
  • Attitude
  
  
  • Safety and your vehicle
  
  
  • Safety Margins
  
  
  • Hazard Awareness
  
  
  • Vulnerable road users
  
  
  • Other types of vehicle
  
  
  • Vehicle handling
  
  
  • Motorway rules
  
  
  • Rules of the road
  
  
  • Road and traffic signs
  
  
  • Documents
  
  
  • Accidents
  
  
  • Vehicle loading
  
  Special Needs 
  
  Arrangements can be made to help people with
  special needs, but you must be sure to make enquiries at the time of
  booking.
  
  
  If you have problems reading, you can listen to the questions in English or Welsh
  
  
  A video of the test info in British sign language is available on screen for
  those with hearing difficulties. Check with the DVSA (Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency)
  for details of other ways that they can help.
  
  
   All centres comply with access regulations for people who have physical
  disabilities.
  
  
  Full details from the DVSA
  Here