How to Pass
DVSA Theory and Practical Driving Tests
This must be booked, taken and passed before you can book your practical test.
The theory test has two parts; a multiple choice test and a hazard perception test.
1. Theory Questions
Available for FREE to all Flexdrive Driving School clients is an excellent resource called Theory Test Pro – using this will help you pass the Theory test. We believe in offering the highest quality products available to our clients.
Theory Test Pro is easily accessible on a smart phone, tablet or home computer and it has access to all the actual theory test questions and hazard perception clips available from the DVSA. You will be offered to sign up before or on your 1st lesson, an email address is all you need.
The complete test is done at a local test centre using a dedicated computer. To pass the Driving Theory Test you will have to answer 50 multiple choice questions and get 43 correct.
The test presents subjects like traffic signs, regulations, driver’s attitude and the effects of alcohol, drugs and fatigue and vehicle safety.
Whilst we recommend our application you can do it without and there are lots of useful resources available:
There is no substitute for thoroughly reading the Highway Code – that’s all of it!!!
2. Theory – Hazards
Called the Hazard Perception Test – its done at the same time as the questions test. Don’t worry our Theory Test Pro app helps you pass your DVSA hazard perception test.
You are presented with 14 short CGI video clips, 13 clips have 1 hazard and 1 clip has 2 – your response time(mouse click) to the hazard is measured. To pass the Hazard Perception Test you must score a minimum of 44 out of 75.
Note: Definition of a Hazard = anything which might make you change direction or speed.
Things of note:
The sooner you see the hazard the higher your score, marked from 1 to 5.
You will only be able to see the film clip once
If you randomly/rhymically click the mouse button then you will be deemed to have cheated and receive a zero score for that clip.
Note: To PASS the Theory Test you have to pass both parts in the same sittings before you can go onto to book the practical test.
2. The Practical Test
The National pass rate (all tests taken) is now 47%, so it is appropriate and cost effective that you are well prepared to pass first time. The test itself can be booked here. We would suggest that this is only booked with the agreement of your instructor as they are best placed to advise when you are ready.
The driving test is simply a test of your ability to drive safely, know and comply with the Highway Code and can validate this through your driving.
What will the test include?
The test will include a check on your Provisional Driving Licence and your theory certificate and an eyesight test. You will be asked to read a number plate at 20.5m so please ensure you wear your glasses. If you are unable to read the number plate the test will be terminated. You can use this to have a quick check for fun, your instructor will formally check your eyesight by reading a number plate on your first lesson.
After the eyesight test you will be asked 1 show me/tell me questions and later, on the move 1 more. You will be examined on your general driving, including 1 manoeuvre and an optional (chosen by the examiner) emergency stop and 20 minute independent driving element.
What Happens During the Test?
During the driving test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. You would normally drive for 35-40 minutes and should drive as you have been taught. Mistakes do happen – Don’t panic, it maybe a less serious driving fault which may not affect your result. You are allowed 15 driving faults and still pass (16+ is a fail). BUT, if you commit 1 serious or 1 dangerous fault you will fail. During the test, your examiner will terminate it if he thinks you are a danger to yourself or other road users. You are allowed to take someone with you on the test. This person must be over 16 years old and cannot take any part in the test. An interpreter may only interpret!
Driving Test Standard
Examiners test to the same standard, there are NO pass or fail quota. So as long as you demonstrate the required standard i.e you are safe, you will pass your driving test. If you decide to not finish the test, you will have to take another test at your cost.
Weather Conditions
The DVSA does not conduct tests in bad light or in adverse weather conditions for the safety of the candidate, examiner and other road users. They will reschedule the test at no cost to the candidate.
Ready to take the test?
This is sometimes difficult to determine by the candidate, not so by your instructor. Simply speaking, if you can drive for 35-40mins without intervention, verbal or otherwise from your instructor and carry out your manoeuvres consistently well i.e. 3 times on the trot – you’re ready. This would normally be confirmed by a successful Mock Test. book
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Show n tell
These questions will be asked at the start of the Practical Driving Test and are part of it. You get asked 2 questions. The examiners need to know that YOU know what YOU would do – not an expert car mechanic. So being technically word-perfect is not essential, you just need to convey the meaning of the answer clearly. Getting one or both answers incorrect will only be 1 driving fault – so don’t over worry.
If you want to see the want to check out the actual DVSA shoe me tell me question then follow this link. DVSA show me tell me
Independent Driving
As from December 2017 the independent driving element of your test will be for a full 20 mins. It takes the form of following directions for a full 20 mins and is presented in 1 of 2 forms:
- Sat Navigation
- Follow signs
This is a test of your driving ability whilst driving independently, it is NOT a test of your memory. So if you find you are going in the wrong direction or are travelling in the wrong lane for example, don’t panic it does NOT matter. You must at this point act safely which often just means carrying on in the incorrect direction. There is no fault here; the examiner will just re direct you back onto the route. Alternatively you can throw away your test by panicing and all of a sudden throwing it across lanes to carry on in “correct” direction.
The examiner will generally park you up and say something like:
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The 1995 New Drivers Act
After you pass your driving test, the New Drivers Act immediately kicks in:
New drivers need to continue to drive carefully and safely…..or else!
Flexdrive driving school | speed camera sign. If you accrue 6 or more penalty points on your licence within this 2 year period the DVLA will withdraw your entitlement to drive.
If this happens you will be back to square 1, new learner rules apply, apply for a provisional licence, take and pass your theory test and finally retake that driving test. You will probably take some lessons again to ensure you haven’t picked up any bad habits!!
There is no points reset. Any existing penalty points on your provisional licence before you passing will count towards the total of 6 points detailed above, so any more in that 2 year period would lead to our licence being revoked.
For more information please see the GOV.UK for more information on the New Drivers Act.