You will have your own private booth with a computer.
The test consists of two parts; you will need to pass both parts in order to be successful.
Section 1: Multiple choice questions and answers
Section 2: Hazard perception, this is based on 14 video clips. Each clip is a minute long. Your job is simply to click the mouse when you see a hazard. Depending on how soon you spot it you could score anything from 5 to 0 points. Examples can be taken at www.theory-test.co.uk. This test must be passed before you can apply for your practical test.
Once you have passed the theory test it is valid for 2 years, if your practical test has not been passed within this time you will need to repeat it.
So you're now ready to take your final step to gaining your full driving licence.
On the day you MUST remember:
- Appointment letter/e-mail confirming the date and time of your test.
- Both photo and paper part of your licence.
- Theory test certificate.
Failing to remember all of these things could result in you not being able to take your test.
At the start of the test the examiner will give you an eye sight test. If you fail this the practical test will not continue.
Next he will ask you a couple of vehicle safety questions. These are also known as "show me/tell me questions"
Then you will go on a drive of approximately 40 minutes. This will also incorporate 1 of the following manoeuvres
- Turn in the road
- Parallel park
- Bay park
- Left reverse round a corner
- There is also a 1 in 3 chance of having to do an emergency stop.
As part of the test you will have to drive independently for approximately 10 minutes. This can happen one of two ways or a combination:-
- You could be shown a diagram with directions on, the directions will also be told to you verbally. It is then expected that you remember the directions; keeping your driving safe at the same time.
- The other possibility is that you are asked to follow the roads sign to a specific place such as Mersea this will normally last for 2 or 3 junctions.
Remember you cannot fail for going the wrong way as long as it is done safely as this is not a driving fault
On your drive the examiner will record any faults s/he sees. You are allowed a max of 15 minor driving faults. No serious or dangerous faults are acceptable and this will result in an automatic fail. You will not be told your result until the end of the test back at the test centre
There are 19 possible questions that can be asked and you will be asked 2; usually 1 show me question and 1 tell me question.
Question 1.
Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working?
Answer
Applying the hazard warning switch to activate all the indicator lights and then walk around the car to check they all work.
Question 2.
Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey?
Answer
Apply the brakes they should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off and the vehicle should not pull to one side.
Question 3.
Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level?
Answer
Identify the reservoir and explain how to check level.
Question 4.
Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car? (The examiner will help you if you ask)
Answer
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help.
Question 5.
Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey?
Answer
If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable
movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
Question 6.
Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked?
Answer
Look up the pressure in the manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge to check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget the spare tyre and remember to refit valve caps.
Question 7.
Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear? Making sure you keep safe control of the vehicle.
Answer
Apply the footbrake firmly to keep control of the vehicle. Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
Question 8.
Open the bonnet and identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil?
Answer
Identify where the dipstick is and check the oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.
Question 9.
Open the bonnet and identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level?
Answer
Identify the high/low level markings on the header tank and describe how to top up to the correct level.
Question 10.
Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash?
Answer
The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of
the head as is comfortable. Remember that some restraints might not be adjustable
Question 11.
Open the bonnet and identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid?
Answer
Identify the reservoir and check the level against high/low markings.
Question 12.
Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road?
Answer
They should have no cuts and bulges, a minimum of 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
Question 13.
Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only)?
Answer
The horn should be pressed to ensure a sound is made.
Question14.
Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers?
Answer
Operate the control to wash and wipe windscreen.
Question 15.
Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle).
Answer
Operate the switch then walk round vehicle. (As this is a "Tell Me" question, there is no need to physically check the lights.)
Question 16.
Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens?
Answer
Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows.
Question 17. Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them?
Answer
First turn on the dipped beam lights. Then press the fog lights. Check the warning light is on and explain use.
Question 18.
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system?
Answer
Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.
Question 19.
Show me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car?
Answer
Operate the switch and check with the main beam warning light.
Link to DirectGov site
