What’s it all about?
The Theory and Hazard Perception Tests aim to make you a safer driver by assessing your:
When you go to take your test you must have
both parts of your provisional driving licence with you (plastic id and paper) or you will not be able to take the test.
The
Theory Test requires you to correctly answer 43 out of 50 multiple-choice questions from a bank of several hundred. The test
is computer based and uses a ‘touch screen’ system. The time allowed for this part of the test is a generous 57 minutes.
The
Hazard Perception Test (HPT) follows the Theory Test after an optional three-minute break and requires you to identify 15 developing
hazards in 14 video clips filmed from a driver’s viewpoint.
Unfortunately the DSA are not very forthcoming as to the exact
workings of the test, so the following is our advice, based on practical experience of the test itself and the various training materials
available:
A hazard is anything, which will or might cause you to take some action. However it is safe to assume that the
HPT is concerned with moving hazards.
The hazards on which you are assessed will have a scoring window which opens at a predetermined
point in time as the hazard develops. When the hazard has reached its peak the window closes again. You can only score
when the window is open. You score the maximum 5 points if you click as soon as window opens and the score drops if you click
later in the window.
To pass the HPT, candidates must score at least 44 out of a possible 75 points.
Remember as well that one
of the clips has two scorable hazards so don’t relax when you think a scorable hazard has passed!
The DSA say that you will be
assessed on developing hazards which cause you to take action (steering and/or braking ), but if you study their official guide to
Hazard Perception and look at their sample clips you will find that in some instances the scoring window opens long before it is certain
that action will be required. On the other hand there are examples where a perceptive driver will know that action is required
and yet the scoring window does not open until a late stage in the developing hazard.
To help overcome this we have produced a number examples on when to click and why.
Both parts of the test must be passed or you will have to re-take the whole test again.
How should I prepare?
Begin studying
as soon as possible, the more you know, the better equipped you will be for driving. All the Theory Test questions and answers
are published and there are many books and CD’s/DVD’s available. But don’t settle for just learning the answers, make sure you
understand the answers and remember that there is a lot more to know than what is covered by the test. Ask your instructor to
explain anything you do not understand.
Your instructor will help you to understand the various types of hazards and will train
you to recognise and deal with them. Hazard recognition improves with experience and for this reason it is worth getting some
driving experience before attempting the Theory Test/HPT.
There are many study books relating to the Theory Test, but we recommend
as a minimum:
o The DSA publication The Official Theory
Test for Car Drivers available from most book shops. Price around £12.
o The Highway Code available from most bookshops. Price around £2.50
There is also a wide range of audio-video products on
the market and you can access a number of web sites, which offer the facility of taking a mock test on-line.
Warning: Beware of second-hand material. The questions used in the Theory Test change frequently and some of the early HPT training CDs do not use the DSA’s scoring criteria.
Where is the nearest Theory Test Centre for Poole?
How
long will I have to wait to get a test?
You can expect to be sitting your test in around 2-3 weeks from applying, although you
may of course specify a longer wait if you wish.
How long will I have to wait for the result?
Results are available as soon
as you finish the test and, assuming you pass, a certificate will be printed and given to you.