About the test
Before you can take your practical driving test, you need to pass your theory test. It’s a really important part of learning to drive: when you get to your practical test, you’ll need to show that you can use what you learn for this test when you’re driving on the road.
It’s vital to prepare for your theory test: there’s a lot to learn about the rules of the road. The better prepared you are, the more likely you are to pass first time, which will save you the time and money that retaking the test will cost.
There are two parts to the test
- The multiple choice part
- The hazard perception part.
Preparing for the multiple choice test
The questions in the multiple choice test are taken from three books
- The Official Highway Code
- The Official DVSA Guide to Driving – the essential skills
- Know Your Traffic Signs
You’ll need to use all of these when you’re preparing. There are lots of products available that contain practice questions, but it’s really important you don’t just learn the answers without understanding fully why it’s correct because the questions on the actual test aren’t exactly the same as the practice ones.
The multiple choice test covers the following topics
- alertness
- attitude
- safety and your vehicle
- safety margins
- hazard awareness
- vulnerable road users
- other types of vehicle
- road conditions and vehicle handling
- motorway driving
- rules of the road
- road and traffic signs
- essential documents
- incidents, accidents and emergencies
- vehicle loading
Preparing for the hazard perception test
This part of the test checks you can recognise and respond to hazards that could happen while you’re driving. Being out on the road with your driving instructor will help you prepare for this part.
In the test you’ll see a variety of film clips, each shown from a driver’s point of view. You’ll need to spot the developing hazard in each film: this is something that might need you, as the driver, to take some action such as changing speed or direction. For example, a car pulling in to the side of the road ahead of you is a developing hazard because you’ll need to slow down and manoeuvre around it.
A Well-Established Driving School in Bedford
Asim Shah School of Motoring is a well-established driving school in Bedford, providing professional driving tuition to learners of all ages and abilities.
With over 20 years’ experience, we understand that learning to drive can feel very different from one pupil to the next. Whether you’re a complete beginner, have had lessons with another instructor or simply need help building your confidence, your tuition will be tailored around your individual needs and progress.
Our aim is to make every lesson productive, enjoyable and focused on developing the skills you need to become a safe and confident driver. You’ll learn at a pace that suits you, with clear guidance and plenty of encouragement along the way.