Driving theory test examination process for learner drivers

Before you can learn to drive a motorcycle, car or moped, You must have a provisional driving licence. Your driving licence process starts with applying for your provisional licence. For this, you can go to DVLA office or local post office to get the appropriate form and fill it and attach a passport size photo and £50.00 fee for the licence.

DVLA aims to deliver your driving license to you within three weeks of receiving your application form. It might take longer if we have to check on your health or personal details. You will need to wait for your new license to arrive before driving. Please allow at least three weeks for your license to arrive before contacting DVLA.

When you will receive your provisional licence, you can drive your car with L plates with a driver who has held a full driving license for 3 years or more and his age is 21 years or more.

Once you have a valid provisional driving licence you can book driving test. Waiting times vary from region to region, but the target is that 95 per cent of theory test candidates receive an appointment date within two weeks of their preferred date.

Theory test appointments can be booked, and subject to three clear working days notice, be changed and cancelled using driving test booking online service or the telephone. You can also download an application form and apply by post.

You will need to book theory test and driving practical test separately through the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).

Driving test booking online:
To book a DSA theory test online on DSA website: www.dsa.gov.uk.

Booking driving test over phone:
You can book a theory test over the phone using the numbers below, from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm except on Bank Holidays.
Booking Theory test line - 0870 0101 372
Minicom booking line - 0870 0106 372
Welsh language booking line - 0870 0100 372
Fax booking line - 0870 0104 372

To book a theory test online and with an operator over the phone you will need:
A valid UK driving license
A valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, MasterCard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted)

Booking by post:
To book a theory test by post you will need an application form. Application forms are available online or on request from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) booking line.

Payment can be made by cheque or postal order, but cash payments are not accepted. Application forms for the theory test should be sent to the address shown on the form. The address on these forms is

Driver and Vehicle Agency,
Booking Department,
PO Box 381,
Manchester, M50 3UW

After Theory test booking you will appear for your theory test. The theory test is made up of two parts; the multiple choice part and the hazard perception part.

The theory test is a computer-based test at various tests centers around the country. For car and motorbike theory test you'll be asked randomly selected 45 multiple-choice questions and 5 marks case study style questions in 57 minutes and you need to get at least 43 right to pass. For Lorries and buses you'll be asked 60 questions in 70 minutes and the pass mark is 51 out of 60. You have 57 minutes to complete the test. There is a 15-minute practice session you can work through before starting the tests.

Hazard perception test:
This part of the theory test requires you to view 14 hazard video clips on the computer screen of approximately one minute each. You are required to watch these clips as if you were the driver. There will be 15 hazards to find - at least one on each clip. However, one clip will have 2 hazards. The hazard perception test clips will not contain any sound.

Candidates can score up to five marks on each hazard and the test contains 15 scoreable hazards.

You click either the left or right mouse button whenever you think you can see a hazard developing. The speed at which you click the mouse button as a hazard develops will determine your score for that particular hazard perception clips. You can score between 0 and 5 on each hazard.

The pass mark for this part of the test is 44 out of 75 (i.e. 15 hazards x 5) for car drivers and motorcycle riders. Those taking LGV or PCV (lorry or bus) tests must score at least 50 out of 75.

Motorcyclists, lorry and bus drivers Safety improvements

Measures to boost safety for motorcyclists and lorry and bus drivers have been put forward in Parliament.

The measures - which also strengthen requirements for driving examiners and impact on the rules for drivers towing trailers - will come in to force on 19 January 2013 as part of new European requirements aimed at improving road safety.

The changes are being implemented by the Department for Transport in conjunction with the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

The main aspects of the new rules are:

Motorcyclists - Access to more powerful bikes will be staged subject to competence, age and previous experience. The minimum age to ride the largest bikes without previous experience will rise from 21 to 24.

Licence renewals for bus and lorry drivers - At present, drivers of medium-sized and large buses and lorries need to renew their licenses every five years once they reach the age of 45. Over 45s also need to demonstrate their fitness to drive through a full medical report. From 2013, all new or renewed bus and lorry licenses will be renewable every five years. However, drivers under 45 will not require a full medical report and will still only need to renew their photograph every 10 years. All other drivers and riders will continue to renew their driving licenses every 10 years as is currently the case.

Driving examiners - Compulsory initial qualification, periodic training and quality assurance checks will be required for driving examiners. Britain already fulfills most of these requirements but the new rules will enhance the Driving Standards Agency's existing arrangements.

Trailer towing - Under the new rules car drivers will be limited to towing 3.5 tonnes.

DSA chief executive, Rosemary Thew, said:

"Britain already has some of the safest roads in the world. These changes build on our existing standards and recognize the importance of our examiners' professionalism. They will also help to ensure that new motorcyclists gain the right skills and experience before riding bigger bikes."

DVLA chief executive, Simon Tse, said:

"These changes will provide a useful additional reminder for bus and lorry drivers. They will help to ensure that drivers of these vehicles will continue to operate to high levels of levels of safety by ensuring that they are fit to drive."

The European requirements are being introduced in Great Britain in line with feedback from a public consultation, which included responses from driver and rider training bodies, trade associations and road safety groups.

Source: Driving Standards Agency

Driving theory test with touch screen computer

About driving theory test -

There are two parts of driving theory test i.e. multiple-choice test and the hazard perception test. Both the test must be passed in the same attempt to get theory test certificate. Once you clear driving theory test then only you will be allowed to appear for driving practical test.

Multiple-choice test is the first part of driving theory test which consist of 50 questions out of which you need to answer 43 questions right and the time limit is 57 minutes. You can also go for a practice session of the multiple choice questions to get used to the layout of the test. This session is being designed to test your understanding for the theory behind driving.

Hazard perception test is the second part of theory test in which you will be shown 14 clips of 1 minute each having 15 hazards in all (1 clip will have 2 hazards respectively). Once you are done with hazard perception you will be invited to answer few customer survey questions. This session is designed to test your alertness of potential hazards whilst driving.

Unlike multiple choice questions, for the hazard perception test there are no separate versions for different vehicles e.g. car, bike, heavy vehicle etc, each vehicle category takes the same test, however the pass mark is different for different categories of tests.

If you pass one part and fail the other you will fail the whole DSA theory test, and need to attempt for both the test again.

About touch screen system:

A touch screen is an electronic visual display that can identify the existence and position of a touch within the display area. The term in general refers to touching the display of the device with a finger or hand. Touch screens can also sense other inactive objects, such as a stylus. On the other hand, if the thing sensed is active, as with a light pen, the term touch screen is usually not relevant.

The touch screen has two main attributes:

Firstly, it enables one to cooperate directly with what is displayed, rather than indirectly with a cursor controlled by a mouse or touch pad. Secondly, it lets one do so without requiring any intermediate device that would need to be held in the hand. The touch screen system has been carefully designed to make sure it is easy to use.

• Candidate can also work through a practice session for up to 15 minutes to get used to the system before actually starting their test.
• To answer a question the candidate simply touches their choice of answer from the listed answers on the computer screen.
• To take online theory test for driving theory test candidate use touch screen computer system.
• Touch screen is preferred because it is easy to use or user friendly.
• During examination if a candidate faces any problem or finds difficult to use the new system staff will be on hand to help them.
• The system has been carefully designed so those candidates that are colour blind can use it.
• The system has the option for dyslexic candidate to listen to the test being read in English through a headset.

People with dyslexia can also apply to have up to doubled the standard time for the multiple choice part of the test. This accommodation must be arranged at the time of booking. Supporting documents such as a letter from your teacher will be required.

Driving theory test with touch screen computer system:

All candidates for the driving theory test are now using the new 'touch screen computer system' to take their test as it is easy to use.

• You need to select the answers by simply touching a computer screen for the multi choice element of the test and clicking a mouse button for the hazard perception test.
• The question/screens are easy to read on the screen. Only one question will be on the screen at any time, you will be able to move backwards as well as forwards through the test questions.
• You will be able to 'flag' any of the questions you want to go back to and look at again, you will also be able to change any of the answers you may feel need to be changed.
• Some questions will ask you to select more than one answer. You will be alerted by the system if you have not completely answered all the questions.
• Staff will be on hand to help you if you have any difficulties in using the new system.

Information about motorbike test

The Riders has to think that riding should be more enjoyable and fun loving by improving skills, knowledge and hazard awareness. The motorbike theory test is one which is entirely planned to test your riding skills. If learner riders want to pass the test in first attempt they need to learn and practice a lot. There are number of things you can do to pass your motorbike theory test.

The important thing to note is learner should be aware of rules and regulation. Riders should be aware of Highway Code rules. Learner should also be well prepared for the motorbike theory test.

All learner motorcycle and moped riders must complete a compulsory basic training (CBT) course before riding on the road. There are some changes in the rules of motorbike test for upcoming year ahead in 2013. Learners should be aware of these details

Rules for all mopeds and motorcycles test introduced by DSA:

• Be legal and roadworthy have no engine warning lights showing.
• The moped engine capacity should not exceed more then 50 cubic centimeters (cc).
• The speed limit should not be more then 32miles per hour (mph), which is 50 kilometers per hour (km/h).
• New learner should display L-plates ('L' or 'D' plates in Wales) on the front and rear
• Be fitted with a speedometer that measures speed in mph
• The motorbike capacity must be 75 cc or more.

People should be aware of hazard perception test. Hazard perception portion of the motorcycle theory test is very important. Hazard perception test was introduced to understand the motorbike driving theory test. This forms a second section of the DSA theory test and must be passed at the same time. This section is designed to tests your awareness of potential hazards whilst driving. The hazard perception part is also delivered on a computer but you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. You'll be presented with a series of 14 video clips each about a minute long, which feature every day road scenes. In each clip there'll be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards.

Many of the questions on the motorcycle driving theory test concern safety. Some questions are focused on the equipments, weather hazards, road markings etc. There are questions about the influences of drink driving, drug driving, tired, driving offenses etc. When you complete your test successfully, you will be given pass certificate which is valid for two years. This certificate is required if you wish to take your practical motorbike test.

If you let your certificate expire before you get a chance to take the motorcycle test, then you will have to take and pass the theory test all over again.

After passing the motorbike theory test you need to pass the driving practical test. The practical motorcycle test is made up of lots of different fundamentals, vehicle safety questions, an eyesight test, a test of driving ability, a test of specific maneuvers and a question about riding with a passenger. In order to obtain a motorbike license you need to pass the two modules With this bit information it will be helpful to ride the motorbike easily and pleasantly.

Driving theory test - nervous for the test

Many learners fail in their driving test because they get nervous and stressed out on their test day. Nearly everyone gets nervous about taking their driving test, no matter how well prepared they are. It has been observed that people who are usually cool and calm, they also get worried as the day of their driving theory test day gets nearer and their nervousness gets worse.

The online theory test is made up of two parts; the multiple choice part and the hazard perception part. If you pass one part and fail the other you'll fail the whole online test, and you'll need to take both parts again. Once you have passed the online theory test you can then apply to take your practical driving test.

How to prepare for hazard perception test -

Hazard perception test is not difficult at all, most of the learner drivers fail in this part of the test only because they do not understand the examination process.

So make sure you understand how would be tested in this part of the test.

People get nervous about taking their test because:

• Pressure from friends/family
• Fear of failure
• Self-doubts and lack of confidence in your driving
• Lack of preparation
• Previous test failure(s)

Things to remember while appearing for the test :

• Practice and practice and practice - The main reason of failure in a test is lack of preparation and practice. So don't rush into taking your driving test unless and until you're properly prepared and confident about your preparation.
• Before appearing for the test at least once have a mock driving test with your driving instructor.
• Avoid listening to 'failure stories'. This would make you more nervous. Just focus on your performance.
• Think positive about your driving test. Thinking can build an actual difference to overcoming driving test nerves
• It's ok if you make mistake - Your mistake could be minor driving fault, wont necessary fail you in test. If you make a mistake, keep calm and focus
  on your driving.
• Believe in yourself - Be confident in your own abilities.
• Don't panic - Say to yourself in your head 'I CAN do this test'.
• Don't take medicines to calm your nerves.
• One day before your test get a good rest.
• Don't drink too much coffee, tea and fizzy drinks; the caffeine will 'hype' you and make your thinking less clear.
• Taking test in the early morning will give you less time to worry about it.
• Do not spread the news - Don't tell your friends and other people that you've booked your driving test. This will build the extra stress of trying to
  live up to your friends and others expectations. Letting your parents know will do as they will give you all the support you want.
• Revise in mind - Perform coordinated tasks by imagining doing them, by practicing in your head.
• Perspective - Overall, remember that although exams are important, they are not the be all and end all. You can always re-take the test.

Be a safe and responsible driver.

We wish you good luck in your DSA theory test and practical driving test !

Motorcycle Riding Rules for 2013

The U.K. Driving test is all about making sure that people who pass theory test are competent and safe in the basic skills of driving. Driving theory test is design in such a way that people should pass the motorbike practical test and hazard perception test.

New law on driving license will be taken place from 19 January 2013. It will adversely affect the existing riders and learner riders. These changes include certain age limits, category of vehicles, types of vehicles. Even a bit change can make a large difference in driving unless and until if you are not aware of certain rules and regulation. Some changes might take place on 19 January 2013. This could affect the motorbike learner drivers.

Rules for all mopeds and motorcycles/ motorbikes used for motorbike test:

1. Be legal and roadworthy have no engine warning lights showing.
2. The moped engine capacity should not exceed more then 50 cubic centimeters (cc).
3. The speed limit should not be more then 32miles per hour (mph), which is 50 kilometers per hour (km/h).
4. New learner should display L-plates ('L' or 'D' plates in Wales) on the front and rear
5. Be fitted with a speedometer that measures speed in mph
6. The motorbike capacity must be 75 cc or more.

If your moped doesn't meet the rules:

• Your motorbike driving practical test will be cancelled and you may loose your fees.

Automatic or semi-automatic transmission

If you pass your driving test on a motorcycle with automatic or semi-automatic transmission:

• It will be recorded on your license
• Your full license rights will be limited to motorcycles in that category

Enclosed motorcycles, like the BMW C1, can't be used for the test.

Sub-category AM (moped)

The moped that is used for the bike test from 19 January 2013:

• Must be solo moped.
• Capacity should be 50cubic centimeters
• And speed should not exceed more than 28 mph.

Sub-category A1 (light motorcycle)

The sub-category A1 motorcycle you use for your test from 19 January 2013 must:

• It should be solo motorcycle
• Capacity of the motorcycle should be between 120cc and 125cc.
• The engine power should not be more than 11 kilowatts (kW) - 14.6 brake horse power (bhp)
• It must be capable of at least 55 mph.

Category A (unrestricted)

The category A unrestricted motorcycle you use for your test from 19 January 2013 must:

• Be a solo motorcycle
• Be at least 595cc capacity
• Have an engine power of at least 40kW (53.6 bhp)

Motorcycles with a sidecar

You can only use a motorcycle with a sidecar for your test if you have certain disabilities.

The rules for a motorcycle driving test with a sidecar are the same as for a solo motorcycle, but:

Categories A and A1 must not have a power to weight ratio of more than 0.16 kW per kilogram.

Passengers are not allowed to ride in the sidecar during the practical driving test.

The license you get from passing this test will only allow you to use a motorcycle with a sidecar.