July 1, 2008

Book, change or cancel your theory test appointment

Theory test appointments should be booked direct with DSA, their policy states that subject to three clear working days notice you can chang or cancel your booking using their online or telephone booking service. You can also download an application form and apply by post.

The driving licence you need

Before you can take your theory test you’ll need to make sure you have a valid provisional driving licence. You can apply for a provisional driving licence from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The application form D1 can be obtained from your local Post Office.

Once you have a valid provisional driving licence you can book your theory 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.

Booking online

To book a theory test online you’ll need:

  • a valid UK driving licence
  • a valid debit or credit card for payment  (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted)

Click on the link below to book a theory test online.

Booking by phone

To book a theory test with an operator over the phone you’ll need:

  • a valid UK driving licence
  • a valid debit or credit card for payment  (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted)

You can book a theory test over the phone using the numbers below, from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm except on Bank Holidays.

Theory test booking line - 0300 200 1122

Welsh language booking line - 0300 200 1133

Minicom booking line - 0300 200 1166

Fax booking line - 0300 200 1177

Booking by post

To book a theory test by post you’ll 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 aren’t accepted.

Cancelling or rescheduling a test

You can reschedule or cancel a test over the phone via the booking line or you can do it online. Providing you give DSA three clear working days notice you can:

  • move or change your appointment
  • cancel your appointment
  • have a full refund of test fee

Source: direct.gov.uk

July 01st 2008 Posted to Theory Test Tips

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June 26, 2008

Hazard Perception FAQ’s

When did the hazard perception test start to become part of the theory test?

The new hazard perception test started from 14th November 2002
At what point is the hazard perception test taken?

The hazard perception test is taken the same time as the theory test. The theory test is made up of two parts, The multiple-choice Questions are exactly the same as the current theory test. You will select your answers via a touch screen monitor. After the multiple-choice Questions, The second element (the hazard perception) is made up of 14 video clips, these will feature real life scenarios and developing hazards of various types such as vehicles and pedestrians. In total there are 15 hazards in the test. Thirteen clips will contain one hazard and one clip will contain two hazards.

You must pass both elements to pass your theory test.

Why have we got a hazard perception test?
Improved hazard perception skills are expected to play an important part in reducing serious accidents through careless anticipation of potential danger. Driving at 10 MPH you are covering a road space of 15 feet per second In the time it takes to check both mirrors approximately 2 seconds you have covered a road space of 30 feet!! Young drivers aged 17 to 21 make up for around 7% of all driving licence holders, however they account for one in seven driving related accidents involving injury.

How will the hazard perception test work?
Each clip will contain one or more developing hazards.
Hazard awareness should result in the driver taking some action, such as changing speed or direction.

How will the test be marked?
There will be a toal of 14 different scenarios in the Hazard Perception Test. The scenarios will have one hazard for you to identify and one scenario will have 2 hazards for you to identify. The score is based on how fast you identify and respone to the hazard (by clicking the mouse) - the longer you take, the lower your score will be. You will score zero if you click either too late or continue to repeatedly (which the system flags as cheating).

What is the pass mark for the Hazard Perception Test?

Currently the pass marks are:-
Car and Motorcycle
Current pass mark - 44 out of 75
The hazard perception pass marks may be subject to further change.

What type of Hazards should i be looking For?

Hazard is any thing that will cause you to speed up, slow down change direction or deviate from normal driving. Not to mention adverse weather conditions, examples include:

  • Broken down or stationary vehicle on a bend
  • Lady with a pushchair waiting to cross the road
  • Parked vehicles / road works
  • Parked cars and oncoming car (pedestrians crossing between them)
  • Furniture vans parked on a bend (with a door open) with oncoming traffic.
  • Stray dog by kerb
  • Pedestrian already cross road / trying to cross road
  • Zebra crossing with pedestrians waiting to cross / crossing
  • Vehicles doing a turn in the road on the brow of a hill
  • Car looking as though it may join traffic from right
  • School crossing with a bus waiting (look out for children crossing the road )
  • Car suddenly stopping in the road to collect a passenger
  • Vans (i.e. delivery vans) parked with hazard warning lights on
  • A Cyclist on a country road or other narrow roads

What happens if I pass the theory test but fail the hazard perception test, will I have to pay the full fee again?
If you fail the multiple choice element or the hazard perception test you will have to pay the full fee and sit the whole test again

Where can I find help to prepare for the Hazard Perception Test?
Visit our online shop to see all the latest revision material for the Hazard Perception Test! (coming soon)

 

June 26th 2008 Posted to Theory Test Tips

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