You have to pass the theory test before taking an actual driving test, and it’s compulsory to pass the theory before the driving test. More than half the candidates fail the theory test because of several reasons. They don’t know about the timing of the theory test, what they are going to face, and how they can manage their time. The answer to “How Long is Theory Test” is around 60 minutes, broken into two parts. First is the 50 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) to complete in 57 minutes and 43 questions should be correct. After that, you will watch 14 Hazards perception videos and each will be around 1 minute long.
When you’ve completed the first section (MCQs) you will be allowed to take a 3-minute break.
How To Pass A Driving Theory Test in the First Attempt?
Before the test begins, most of the candidates get nervous and anxious about the end results, and they end up forgetting what they learned and studied for. To ensure you do your best, you have to know what you will expect at the test center and how you can deal with it.
What to Expect Before the Driving Test Starts?
First of all, we highly recommend that you arrive at the test center around 20 minutes before the actual time. This will help you get relaxed and used to the surrounding environment. Being late will only add stress to your overall performance. Just stay focused, committed, and stress-free and you’ll do just fine. Bring a water bottle and drink it before entering the exam hall and it will help loosen the tension on your shoulders.
After that, you will have to attend a reception for a provisional driving license for identity verification. They will not accept anything else for verification, and you will not be allowed to take your practical driving test. The reception admin will make sure that you have a confirmation of the driving exam, and you will have to sign digitally on a device. You will be given a locker to place all of your personal belongings like mobile phones, bags, jackets, etc. Then, the receptionist will give you a guidebook or a rule book, that you should read carefully and wait for your theory test time to start the exam.
How Does Theory Test Computer Work?
You will be directed to a computer where the Driving theory test will be conducted. Each testing station typically includes a computer and a monitor. The theory test is a multiple-choice exam to check your knowledge of road rules, traffic signs, and safe driving practices.
You will receive instructions on how to navigate through the test. This typically includes how to answer questions, how to review or change your answers, and how to submit your test when you’re finished. You will have a choice of 5 complete test works questions to get used to the overall interface (it’s optional and use can skip this part). You will begin the Driving theory test, which consists of 50 questions. You’ll need to read each question carefully and select the correct answer from the provided options.
If you are confused about any question you can “Flag” it and revisit it again when you want. Once you’ve answered all the questions, you will have the option to review your answers before submitting the test. When your Multiple Choice Question Driving test is completed your screen will be redirected to Hazard Perception Test. This phase will include 14 videos of 1-minute length each. You will have to watch the videos and answer the questions accordingly.
Just like in the previous phase, you will have a practice option to solve and watch some videos to understand the procedure efficiently. After one video is played, there will be a 10-second gap and countdown for the next video, and so on. These videos will have some developing hazards that you have to point out by clicking the mouse at the point.
The sooner you spot the hazards, the more points will be added to your overall performance score. Those 14 videos will have some hazards and you can get more than 5 points for pointing out each hazard. The pass mark for the hazard perception test is 44 out of 75.
Hazard Perception Test
When your Multiple Choice Question Driving test is completed your screen will be redirected to Hazard Perception Test. This phase will include 14 videos of 1-minute length each. You will have to watch the videos and answer the questions accordingly.
Each video will contain 2 hazards and you have to identify and click on the hazards. There are no maximum limits on clicks, but you should avoid excessive clicking. There is no standard or limit for counting the number of clicks. Which gives you enough margin to guess something wrong and click again.
The best strategy for clicking a hazard is to wait for it to actually appear and then point it out. For example, if you see a place where one potential hazard can occur, wait for it to properly become a hazard, then click on it.
When your test is completed you will be asked to provide feedback. It’s not compulsory, just to make sure that the candidates did not feel anything odd, or faced any ambiguity. Before exiting the exam hall, you will need to hand over your provisional license photo card to the receptionist, so that they can fetch your test performance and results from the computer.
Hazard Perception Test Passing Marks
Those 14 videos will have some hazards and you can get more than 5 points for pointing out each hazard. The pass mark for the hazard perception test is 44 out of 75. As the total possible points are 75, and you have to watch 14 videos to spot the potential hazards, that gives you an average of 2.93 scores per video.
Just like in the previous phase, you will have a practice option to solve and watch some videos to understand the procedure efficiently. After one video is played, there will be a 10-second gap and countdown for the next video, and so on.
These videos will have some developing hazards that you have to point out by clicking the mouse at the point. The sooner you spot the hazards, the more points will be added to your overall performance score.
What Happens After the Driving Theory Test?
Your test will be scored electronically. If you pass, you’ll typically receive immediate notification. If you fail, you will be informed of your score and given instructions on how to retake the test, which may involve scheduling a new appointment. If you pass your theory test, you will receive a theory test certificate. Then you have to book your practical test. To book your slot, you will need the following information:
- Your Email Address
- Driving Licence Number
- Credit or Debit Card
As you will know, the theory test costs £23, and the practical driving test will cost you £62 for a weekday, or £75 for an evening, weekend, or bank holiday. If you fail the test, know that you can always try again within 3 working days. For better results in your next attempt, you can check where you scored less, and how you can strengthen that phase.
Most candidates fail because they cannot manage theory test time. It does not matter about “how long does a theory test last”, but how are you going to spend your time in that seat. The next mistake that you can make is skipping the practicing option for both theory and video tests. This will surely help you sharpen your overall strength and understand the overall interface a lot better.
Conclusion
It does not matter how long a theory test is, it’s all about managing the time you have. If you can remain calm, and stay confident about your learning, then you will do just fine. Just give yourself at least 4 — 6 weeks to be prepared for the theory and video hazard test, and you will pass on the first attempt.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common is it to fail a theory test?
According to a report by DVSA, around 56% of the first attempts fail the theory tests, but around 90% of them get passing marks on the second attempt. Most of the candidates fail in MCQs paper, especially in Vulnerable Road Users and Road and Traffic Signs questions.
How many times can you book a theory test?
There is no maximum limit for this, you can fail as many times, and re-book the theory test again. Just make sure you stay calm, complete some practice questions and you will pass in the first attempt.
Can I drive before I pass my theory test?
No, it’s illegal to drive before you pass your theory test. But, if you have a provisional license, then you can drive without a theory test. But, you have to pass the theory tests as soon as possible.