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Since its introduction, the driving theory test has helped to significantly improve road safety standards. It is used to assess the theoretical knowledge of prospective drivers, checking their understanding of the highway code, correct driving behaviours, and licensing regulations. The main purpose of the test is to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads. This is achieved by helping drivers to better understand road safety guidance, and exhibit safe driving behaviours. It also ensures learner drivers study the rules of the road in between practical sessions, and encourages them to apply this knowledge in real-world scenarios when they’re back behind the wheel.
To obtain your full UK driving licence, you’ll need to pass both a theory test and a practical driving test. You will first need to pass your driving theory test before you can apply to take your practical car driving test. You must be at least seventeen years old to sit the theory test, and hold a valid provisional driving licence. If you do not meet these qualifying requirements, you will be unable to take this exam.
What is the structure of the theory test?
The modern-day theory test comprises two parts: a series of multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception video test. You’ll sit both parts of the test at the same time. All candidates must sit the theory test at a DVSA-approved test centre. You’ll be able to access a list of authorised testing venues when navigating the online booking process.
The test takes approximately one hour to complete. It should take you roughly 45 minutes to tackle the multiple-choice section, and about 15 minutes to review the hazard perception clips. Before you start your test, you have the option of undertaking a practice session. This will enable you to familiarise yourself with the structure and layout of the test, and answer some sample questions. We would strongly encourage you to take this opportunity.
You must successfully navigate both parts of the theory test to earn your pass certificate. You must answer 43 of the 50 multiple-choice questions correctly, and acquire 44 points (out of a possible 75 points) in the hazard perception exercise. Providing you pass the test, you’ll receive a pass certificate before leaving the test centre. You must pass your practical driving test within two years of receiving your theory test certificate. If you don’t, this certificate will become invalid. If the validity of your certificate expires, you’ll need to re-take (and pass) your theory test before you’re able to book your practical test.
The history of the driving theory test
Although the theory test was introduced in the mid-1990s, the practical driving test has been around for almost a century. As the theory test has only been active for less than three decades, it can be considered a relatively recent invention in UK automotive history. Before its introduction, there was no such thing as separate theory and practical tests.
Prospective drivers previously only needed to take one all-encompassing driving test. This was similar to the modern-day practical test, but candidates were also required to verbally answer a series of questions about road safety. The examiner responsible for assessing your practical driving skills would ask you these questions at the beginning of your test, whilst your vehicle your stationary. Owing to the extensive nature of the Highway Code and increasing focus on public safety, it was deemed that there wasn’t sufficient time to conduct a theoretical-based assessment within the practical test. It was agreed that the most effective way to resolve this issue was to introduce a separate classroom-based assessment. This would need to be taken at an approved test centre.
On 1st July 1996, the theory test was formally launched. From this point onwards, all new drivers needed to pass this test – in addition to a practical exam – to obtain a full UK driving licence.
The theory test was originally conducted as a paper-based assessment, without the use of computers. Candidates were required to just answer 35 multiple-choice questions, 15 fewer than the modern-day test. There were no separate hazard perception exercises to tackle. To pass the test, candidates needed to answer 26 of these questions correctly. However, within four months, the pass threshold was increased. From 1st October 1996, candidates were required to correctly answer 30 questions.
Changing times
As computers began to play an increasingly important role in everyday life, it was decided that the format of the theory test should adapt. This enabled the DVSA to keep pace with technological advancements. The theory test would receive a digital makeover at the turn of the millennium; touch-screen computers replaced pens and paper workbooks.
This development would allow candidates and exam invigilators to enjoy an improved testing experience. Questions could be answered more efficiently, and test centre administration tasks became easier to deliver. Furthermore, the incorporation of touch-screen technology enabled the DVSA to explore new possibilities within the testing process.
Hazard Perception – an added dimension
The continued focus on technology-based testing methodologies resulted in a major new development. In 2002, the dedicated hazard perception assessment was introduced. This was (and still is) designed to assess a candidate’s responsiveness to ‘developing hazards’ on the road.
The format of the hazard perception assessment is the same today as it was when it was originally launched. Candidates are required to watch a series of short video clips, filmed from the perspective of the driver. As the video unfolds, candidates are required to identify any issues that undermine the safety of the driver or other road users. These ‘issues’ are referred to as developing hazards. The following situations are examples of developing hazards:
- a cyclist merging onto a busy road from a nearby junction
- a car braking suddenly
- the approaching presence of an emergency vehicle
- a child running into the road
All of the above scenarios would require the driver to take direct action, slowing down or changing direction to reduce the level of risk.
Candidates are required to click their mouse as soon as a hazard begins to materialise. The quicker the candidate’s response time, the more points they receive. By responding swiftly to the footage shown in the video clips, candidates can demonstrate how alert they are to road safety hazards. Therefore, it is inferred that candidates can also react accordingly when driving a vehicle.
Further updates
Although the format has remained consistent, technological developments have enabled the DVSA to enhance the visual element of the hazard perception assessment. The test’s original bank of videos was replaced in early 2015, as footage created using high-quality computer-generated imagery (CGI) was introduced. This provided an opportunity for the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to update video content. Now, these clips show modern roads, environments, and vehicles, increasing the realism and relevance of the testing environment.
Furthermore, the use of CGI clips enables the DVSA to portray a diverse range of situations that feature vulnerable road users. These situations would be extremely difficult to capture in real time and often too dangerous to film. In November 2018, the hazard perception video clips were updated to include driving scenarios in different weather and visibility conditions. Videos now regularly contain footage of fog, rain, snow, ice, and wind, and display day-time and night-time environments.
In addition to the changes seen in the hazard perception exercises, other aspects of the theory test have evolved in recent years. In an effort to make the examination more challenging, the DVSA increased the number of multiple-choice questions from 35 to 50 in 2007. Case Studies were added to the test in 2009. This development required candidates to analyse ‘real-life’ driving scenarios and provide answers to a set of accompanying questions. However, case studies were removed just eleven years after their introduction and replaced with short video clips. Utilising the same approach, candidates are required to review these videos before responding to a series of relevant questions.
Final thoughts
From a written, multiple-choice exam paper to a multi-faceted screen-based test using CGI, the format and content of the driving theory test have changed significantly since its inception in 1996. As new technologies are developed, we’ll likely see the theory test continue to evolve. Whatever these updates bring, the theory test will always be used as a tool to help create safer, more competent, and better-informed drivers.