You can start your driving lessons before you pass your theory test, and indeed most
pupils find this beneficial as they experience, in real situations, what they are
studying.
You cannot book a practical driving test until you have a theory pass certificate
number.
The theory test is in two parts. If you fail either part you will need to take both
parts again.
The first part consists of 50 multiple choice questions. You need to answer a minimum
of 43 questions correctly to pass this part of the test.
The second part is the hazard perception test where you will have been shown 14 video
clips of real road situations on a computer screen. You will need to click the mouse
when you see a hazard developing. One of the clips will contain two hazards, the
others contain one in each. Each clip is about one minute long and you can score a
maximum of five points for each of the 15 hazards shown.
The earlier you respond, the higher you score. You need to score 44 out of a possible
75 points to pass this part of the test.
For those with reading difficulties or dyslexia you can request double time, for
the multiple choice part of the theory test. There is also voiceover available.
To help you study for the theory test we would recommend the following official DSA
publications:
The theory test for car drivers.
The official highway code.
CD ROMs are also available.
Available from the the official DSA bookstore (click logo below)