Important Information
New official driving theory test books will be published this month to help candidates revise in preparation for changes to the test in January 2012.
Since theory tests began in 1996, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has published the questions and answers from the question banks for all categories of tests for cars, motorcycles, lorries and buses.
However, DSA announced last November that it was to stop publishing the multiple choice questions and answers, with unpublished questions being used from January 2012.
About your Theory Test
Your Theory test is in two parts the multiple choice test and the hazard perception test.
You must pass the theory test before you are allowed to take the practical test. You take both tests on the same session, you need to score at least 43 out of 50 to pass the multiple choice test, and 44 out of 75 on the hazard perception test.
Both tests are computer based, the multiple choice being touch screen and the hazard perception test using the computer mouse. you can buy theory test books like the one on the right, with all the information you need to learn for the updated multiple choice test, plus you can get hazard perception DVD's to help you practice.
The Multiple choice test
You take this test first, You are shown 50 questions each with 4 possible answers. You just touch the correct answer on the computer screen. You are given a practice session before the real test starts.
There are loads of websites where you can practice the multiple choice test and the hazard perception test online such as; www.Theory-test.co.uk
Some questions may be in the form of Case Studies.
These Case studies begin with a short story, you read the story then answer 5 simple questions based on the story, it's that simple: You answer by touching the screen as before.
Hazard Perception Test
Having completed the multiple choice test, you begin the hazard perception test, again you get a short practice session before the real test begins.
This test involves watching a series of 14 DVD clips on the computer. Each clip contains at least one developing hazard, your job is to identify when the hazard starts to develop and click the computer mouse.
There are 15 hazards to identify, each worth 5 points, this means one of the DVD clips will contain two hazards, so don't stop watching after the first hazard.
Warning !!! Don't keep clicking before you see the hazard, or the computer will disqualify you for cheating, and you will score nothing for that DVD clip.
Scoring Points
Your score will depend on how quickly you spot the developing hazard. So click once as soon as you spot the hazard, then click 2 or 3 more times as the hazard continues to develop, just in case the computer doesn't accept your first click. If you click too early i.e. before it's become a real hazard, the computer may not give you a score, that's why you need to click another 2 or 3 times. This is because the computer recognises clicks within a set time window, so it is possible to click before the window opens.
"The computer recognises clicks and scores within a preset time window" -----| 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 - 0 |-----
If you try to cheat the system by clicking the button repeatedly throughout the clip regardless of whether there's a hazard or not, the computer will pick this up and you will score zero for that clip. So don't click until you see a hazard.
Don't be frightened to click the mouse button when you see a hazard involving anything that may cause you as the driver to brake or change direction. If the hazard continues to develop continue to click the mouse button 2 or 3 times, but don't continue clicking if the hazard stops developing.
If you click the mouse just as the developing hazard appears you will score the maximum score of 5 points, this lowers 4,3,2,1,0 the later you click.
Good Luck!