Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  How many lessons will I need before I am ready for my test?

A:   The time required to get to test standard can range from 20 hours of tuition to 55 hours (in a few cases less time has been known and in some cases many more hours may be required). The DSA has published on its website (to Jan 06) that pupils passing their test have had, on average, 45 hours of professional training, combined with 22 hours of private practice. In my experience Most my pupils have taken between  25 – 35 hours.

Q:  What does the theory test entail?

A:  The Theory Test is divided into 2 parts; Part One is a multiple choice test and Part Two is a hazard perception test.

Theory Test – Part One – Multiple Choice

• This part of the test is conducted using a computer with a touch screen and a mouse. Before the test starts you will be given instructions on how the test works and be given the opportunity of a practice test to get used to the layout of the screen. After the practice test the real test will begin.
• You will have to answer 50 questions in 57 minutes.
• You will be presented with a question and several possible answers. You must select the correct answer either by touching the screen or using the mouse. Some questions may have more than one correct answer and all correct answers must be selected.
• You may navigate between questions and ‘flag’ those you may wish to re-visit later in the test.
• The pass mark is 43 out of 50.

After the multiple choice questions you may have a break of up to 3 minutes before starting Part Two

Theory Test – Part Two – Hazard Perception

After Part One is complete and you have taken a break of up to 3 minutes you will be shown a short video clip explaining how the hazard perception part of the test works.

• In this part you will be shown 14 video clips, each of which has at least one developing hazard, but in one of the clips there will be two. To respond to each developing hazard you must click a button on the mouse. To achieve a high score you must respond as soon as possible to each developing hazard, the maximum for each hazard being 5 marks.
• You will not be able to review any responses in this part of the test.
• The pass mark for Part Two is 44 out of 75.

 

Q:  What does the practical driving test entail?

A:  Prior to going out on test you will be asked to read a number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres for an old-style number plate, or 20 metres for a new-style number plate. ( New-style number plates were introduced on 1 September, 2001 and are easily identifiable because they start with two letters ie AB51 ABC.) You will also be asked two "show me - tell me" questions.

The Driving test itself will take approximately 40 minutes and at the present time will include two reversing manoeuvres from a possible three - turn in the road, reverse around a corner or reverse park (this could be either behind a parked car or a bay park if the test centre has this particular facility). You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop during the test.

In order to pass the test you have to complete the drive with fewer than 16 minor driving faults and have incurred NO serious or dangerous major faults.

 

Learning to drive is fun

QUALITY
SCHOOL OF MOTORING

Guarantee to pass!