There are two parts to taking a driving test - the Theory test and the Practical test.
To take either one of these tests, you need to have applied for and obtained your Provisional driving licence.
For information on either of the two tests, please select a test type below:
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For more information on booking your test, click here to go to the official Directgov website.
Taking a test
Theory test
To be eligible to take your practical driving test, you must first pass the theory test.
The theory test is divided into two sections - the Multiple Choice test and the Hazard Perception test. Both are taken in the same sitting with a short break in between. Both the Multiple Choice and Hazard Perception parts of the theory test must be passed to pass the whole test - if either the Multiple Choice or the Hazard Perception part is failed, the whole test will be failed.
Practical test
The practical part of your driving test will take place in your car and will require you to carry out instructions from your examiner whilst on the road. It will be a test of you practical driving skills.
To be eligible to take your practical driving test, you will need to have passed your theory test. You will need to bring your theory test certificate to your exam as proof.
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To pass the practical driving exam, you must complete the test with no more than 15 driving (minor) faults. If you incur more than 15 such faults, you will fail the test. If you incur a fault that the examiner deems to be serious or dangerous, you will automatically fail the test.
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The test usually lasts around 40 minutes; this includes a sight test, "show me, tell me" questions, and driving assessment. You will be assessed by a single examiner, but you may choose to have your driving instructor present to sit in the back whilst you take the test.
Multiple choice test
You will be given 50 multiple choice questions to answer within 57 minutes using a touch screen. You must answer at least 43 questions out of 50 correctly to pass this part of the theory test.
The majority of the questions will test your theoretical knowledge about driving, the road, the car, signs and signals. For example, you may be asked some questions about the meanings of road signs, or about the safest way to respond to a given situation. In addition, some of the multiple choice questions will be presented as a case study, in which a scenario is given and you must answer 5 question based on this. The subject of the scenario focuses on real-life examples and experiences that drivers could come across when driving.
After passing the theory test, you will receive a certificate which the examiner of your practical test will require in order for your test to take place.
For more information please go to the official Directgov website by clicking here.
Hazard perception test
You will be shown a short tutorial video before attempting this part of the test. The Hazard Perception part will also be completed on a computer but you will respond by clicking the mouse button. You will be presented with 14 video clips from the point of view of a driver, each with at least one delevoping hazard. 13 clips will contain 1 delevoping hazard, and 1 will contain 2 delevoping hazards. Once a delevoping hazard is spotted, you must react by clicking the mouse button.
Each hazard is scored out of 5. The quicker you respond to each hazard, the higher score you will obtain. The overall mark for this part of the test is 75 - you must score at least 44 to pass.
"Show me, tell me"
The "show me, tell me" questions are verbal questions that your examiner will ask you before you begin to drive. You may be required to explain to your examiner how to carry out a safety check or procedure to your vehicle, or you may be required to show your examiner how you would go about checking these. For example, you may be asked to show your examiner how you would check that the oil in your car is at the correct level - you would need to open the bonnet and demonstrate how you would do so.
Sight test
The sight test will require you to read a number plate from approximately 20.5 metres. Your examiner will show you a number plate to read. If you need any visual aid to read the number plate (i.e. glasses), you will need to wear these at all times whilst you drive.
Driving assessment
The driving part of the practical exam will be directed by your examiner. You will be required to follow his instructions and demonstrate careful and conscientious driving, showing initiative and forward-thinking when it comes to potential hazards. You will also be required to execute 2 specific maneouvres, which the examiner will select from the following:
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Turn in the road
Reverse around a corner (your examiner will specify left or right-hand reverse)
Parallel (reverse) parking
Bay (reverse) parking
You may also be asked to execute an emergency stop, which your examiner will notify you of in advance.
If you pass your practical driving test, you will need to give your examiner your provisional licence. You will then be given a certificate confirming your pass, and your full driving licence will be sent to you via mail.
For more details of the practical exam, please go to the Directgov website by clicking here.
Please note that the above is for information purposes only. Information regarding driving tests may have changed since this website was last updated. Please refer to the Directgov website for up-to-date information.