Taking your driving theory test can be a pretty nerve-wracking experience. So to help you understand what happens on the day here we will explain what to expect at each stage of the test.
Before the test
It’s a good idea to arrive at least 10-15 minutes beforehand to give yourself plenty of time to find the test centre and register.
When you arrive you will need to register, show the staff your provisional driving license and sign a declaration.
Next, you will either be given a locker or a plastic box to store your belongings. You cannot take unauthorised items such as:
- Bags
- Jackets
- Mobile phones or tablets
- A watch
- Paper
- Notes
- Anything else you could use to cheat
If you are given a plastic box you may be asked to confirm to the staff that your phone is switched off. The box will be stored under your desk during the test and you must not touch it until you are ready to leave.
You will then be given a copy of the rules and guidelines that you need to follow during the test. The staff may also double check your driving licence.
Just before you enter the room in which you will take the theory test, a member of staff will give you some instructions and tell you where to sit. They will also check that you don’t have any unauthorised items and ask you to turn out any pockets. If you refuse you will not be able to take the test.
When I took my theory test, I was suffering from a slight cold so I had some tissues in my pocket. The staff confiscated them, checked them to see if I had written anything on them (which I hadn’t) and offered me some fresh tissues.
During the test
There will be other candidates in the room who are also taking the test. You will all be seated at individual desks with partitions so you cannot see each other’s screens. Headphones will be provided for you to use. At least one member of staff will be observing the test either from within the room or by watching from behind a glass window.
Once you are seated at your desk the screen will automatically switch on and general information will display I.e the duration of the test, how to answer the questions. You will be given the option to take a few practice questions to get used to the layout. It’s entirely up to you but I would definitely recommend taking the practice questions.
You will then sit the multiple-choice section where you have 57 minutes to answer 50 questions. Afterwards, you can take a 3 minute break before proceeding to the hazard perception section (or you can begin straight away). The hazard perception test has 14 clips lasting around 1 minute each.
Read more about the theory test questions here.
Receiving your driving theory test results
After the hazard perception test, you may be asked to complete a short customer satisfaction survey from the DVSA. It’s up to you whether you fill this out.
Once you have finished leave the room quietly and head to the main desk (usually just outside of the test room). A member of staff will tell you whether you have passed or failed and give you a letter (and hopefully your pass certificate). Depending on how many people are there you may need to wait a few minutes for your results.
You will then be able to retrieve your belongings from your locker and leave the test centre.
After your driving theory test
If you pass your test you will be able to book your practical driving test. You will need your theory test certificate number to do this.
If you have failed your test first of all try not to be too disappointed. Over 50% of people fail their theory test the first time.
Your results letter will tell you which area you did not perform well in so you do some more revision on this topic. Give yourself a couple of weeks to do some extra revision then you can rebook your test when you feel ready.
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