Learning to Drive Testing
The Theory Test It’s best to start revising for your Theory Test at the same time as you begin learning to drive — or even better, in the months leading up to your 17th birthday. You can take your Theory Test from your 17th birthday, meaning you could pass it as early as possible and focus fully on your practical driving lessons. Studying theory alongside practical lessons works extremely well. The knowledge you gain will help you better understand road situations, hazards and decision-making during your driving sessions — making your learning smoother and more effective. What Does the Theory Test Involve? The Theory Test consists of two parts: 1️⃣ Multiple Choice Questions 50 questions Pass mark: 43 out of 50 Time limit: 57 minutes You can flag questions and return to them within the time limit 2️⃣ Hazard Perception 14 video clips Pass mark: 44 out of 75 You only get one attempt per clip You cannot review or change your responses Both parts must be passed at the same sitting. Cost of the Theory Test The current cost of the Theory Test is £23. The test is administered by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), and bookings are made through the official GOV.UK website. Passing your Theory Test early gives you a real advantage — it strengthens your understanding, builds confidence, and supports faster progress towards your Practical Test.
The Practical Driving Test The purpose of the Practical Driving Test is to assess your ability to drive safely and independently on public roads. During the test, you must demonstrate to a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) examiner that you can drive without supervision, make safe decisions, and control the vehicle confidently in a range of road and traffic conditions. If the examiner is not satisfied that you can do this safely, you will not pass the test. What You Must Bring on the Day You will need: Your UK driving licence Your Theory Test pass certificate A suitable car Most learners use their driving instructor’s car. However, you may use your own vehicle provided it meets DVSA test requirements. The 5 Parts of the Driving Test The test includes five sections: Eyesight Check You must be able to read a number plate from the required distance. ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ Questions Vehicle safety questions. “Tell me” questions are asked at the start of the test. “Show me” questions are asked while driving. General Driving Ability Driving in a variety of road and traffic conditions. Reversing Manoeuvre You will be asked to complete one reversing exercise. Independent Driving You will drive independently for around 20 minutes, either following: Sat Nav directions, or Traffic signs. Manual & Automatic Tests The test format is the same for both manual and automatic vehicles. However, passing your test in an automatic car means you will only be licensed to drive automatic vehicles. The goal of the practical test is not perfection — it’s safety, awareness, and consistent good decision-making.
During the Test The Practical Driving Test lasts up to 40 minutes under normal circumstances. The test begins and ends at the test centre. The test is conducted by an examiner from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Before You Start Driving At the beginning of the test, the examiner will: Ask you to read and sign a declaration confirming your eligibility Check your identity Ask to see your current driving licence You must bring your licence with you. Without it, the test cannot go ahead. The Eyesight Check As you leave the test centre building, the examiner will ask you to read a vehicle number plate from a distance of 20 metres. If you are unable to read the number plate correctly, the test will end immediately. ‘Tell Me’ Question Once at the vehicle, the examiner will ask you one ‘Tell Me’ vehicle safety question before you start driving. There are 14 possible questions, but you will only be asked one. The Drive The driving section will include a variety of: Road types Speed limits Junctions and roundabouts Traffic conditions You should be prepared to deal safely and confidently with major junctions and normal road situations. You will not be asked to drive on motorways during the test. ‘Show Me’ Question While driving, the examiner will ask you one ‘Show Me’ question. There are 7 possible questions, and again, you will only be asked one. This question requires you to demonstrate a vehicle control safely while continuing to drive. Reversing Exercise During the test, you will be asked to complete one of the following manoeuvres: Parallel park at the side of the road Bay park — either: Drive in and reverse out, or Reverse in and drive out (The examiner will tell you which one to complete.) Pull up on the right-hand side, reverse for approximately two car lengths, and then rejoin the traffic safely The examiner is not looking for perfection — they are assessing whether you can drive safely, independently, and with good judgement.
Independent Driving The independent driving section lasts up to 20 minutes and forms part of your Practical Driving Test. During this section, you will be asked to follow directions either: From a sat nav, which will be set up and operated by the examiner, or By following road signs In approximately one in five tests, a sat nav is not used, and you will instead follow traffic signs to reach a set destination. The purpose of this part of the test is to assess your ability to: Drive safely without turn-by-turn instruction Make independent decisions Follow directions calmly and accurately Maintain good observation and road awareness If you go the wrong way, don’t worry — as long as you do so safely, you will not fail for taking a different route. Test Fees The Practical Driving Test fee (set by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) is: £62 on weekdays £75 weekends and bank holidays Independent driving is simply about showing that you can drive safely and confidently on your own — exactly what you’ll be doing once you pass your test.