You must pass your theory and hazard perception test at the same time before you can apply for your practical test. We provide mock theory test sheets however click here to take an online theory test.

How the Theory Test works

The theory test consists of 50 multiple choice questions, of which you have to answer 43 or more correctly within 57 minutes. During the test you have the option to skip questions and return to them later.

How the Hazard Perception Test works

Immediately after the theory test, you will watch a series of 14 one minute video clips, each showing potential hazards on the road. There are 15 hazards to identify with each one giving a maximum of 5 points depending on how quickly you identify them. You are required to score 44 out of 75 points to pass.

Applying for a Test Date

You must have a valid provisional driving license in order to take the theory test. You can book your theory and hazard perception tests online (click here to book test) or by phoning 0870 0101 372, the same number can be used to apply by post. To download a driving theory test application click here.

The Practical Car Driving test

The driving test is straightforward and has been designed to see if you:

• can drive safely in different road and traffic conditions
• know The Highway Code and can show this through your driving ability

So long as you show the standard required, you'll pass your driving test.

What you need to take to your driving test

You need to bring your provisional driving licence, plastic and paper part to your driving test. You also need to bring a car (insured - fully comprehensive) that can be used for the test which must have an extra interior mirror and L plates displayed on the front and back of the car.

Before you start the driving ability part of your test

Before you start the driving ability part of your test, you'll have an eyesight check and be asked two vehicle safety questions. You should be able to read a car number plate at a distance of 20.5 metres.

Vehicle safety questions: 'show me, tell me'

You'll be asked two vehicle safety questions. These are also known as the 'show me, tell me' questions.

If you give the wrong answer for one or both questions, you'll be marked with one minor driving fault. Ask your instructor for a list of show me - tell me - questions and answers.

The driving ability part of your driving test

If you make a mistake

Don't worry if you make a mistake - it might be a less serious driving fault and might not affect your result

The driving part of your test will last about 40 minutes. Throughout the test your examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving.

Your general driving ability

During your test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. You'll drive in various road and traffic conditions. You should drive in the way your instructor has trained you.

You might also be asked to carry out an emergency stop.

Your ability to reverse your vehicle safely

You'll be asked to complete an exercise to show how well you can reverse your vehicle. The examiner will choose one exercise from:

• reversing around a corner
• turning in the road
• reverse parking - either into a parking bay, or parallel parking at the side of the road

Independent driving section of the driving test

Your driving test will include around ten minutes of independent driving. This is designed to assess your ability to drive safely while making decisions on your own, for example, he/she may ask you to follow the signs for Birmingham, or Wednesbury, or Wolverhampton, or Dudley, you will, therefore, not only drive but also read the signs and information boards. After all, once you pass your test you won’t have somebody sitting next to you giving you constant directions.

Your driving test result

Your result

You'll pass your test if you make:

• 15 or less driving faults
• no serious or dangerous faults

When the driving test has ended, you can call your instructor over if they didn't go with you on your test. This is so they can listen to the result and feedback with you.

The examiner will:

• tell you whether you passed or not
• explain how you did during the test

The different types of faults that can be marked

There are three types of faults that can be marked:

• a dangerous fault - involves actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property
• a serious fault - could potentially be dangerous
• a driving fault - not potentially dangerous, but if you make the same fault throughout your test it could become a serious fault

The pass mark for the driving test

You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test. If you make 16 or more minor driving faults, you won't pass your test.

If you make one serious or dangerous fault, you won't pass your test.

You will need to study the Highway Code and we strongly recommend you purchase the Essential Driving Skills manual which is endorsed by the Driving Standards Agency. Email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for orders and enquiries, or phone  0870 243 0123