Driving Test
To get your licence you need to pass a theory test and a practical driving test.
Steps of passing the test
Theory Test
The theory test is made up of multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception test. You need to pass both parts to pass the theory test. For car and motorcycle the number of multiple-choice questions are 50. To pass you will need to get 43 out of 50 answers correct. The time allowed is 57 minutes unless you have a special requirement.
Hazard Perception
The hazard perception test is made up of 14 minute-long video clips featuring various hazards – 15 in total, each of them with a maximum of five marks. To pass you will need to get 44 out of 75. The theory test pass certificate is valid for two years. You will need the certificate to book and take your practical test, so keep it safe.
Practical test
The practical test will last around 40 minutes, 20 of which, you will do independent driving:
- Directions from a sat nav
- Traffic signs
The examiner will tell you which one to follow.
NOTE: Independent driving is not a test of how you follow directions. Driving independently means you making your own decisions – this includes deciding when it’s safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation about where are you going. If you ask for a reminder of directions, the examiner will confirm them to you. Throughout the test, your examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving. The examiner will test your eyesight by asking you to read a number plate from a distance of 20 meters (or from a distance of 20.5 meters for old-style number plates). You will be asked two vehicle safety questions (“Show me, tell me”). You will be asked to complete an exercise to show how well you can reverse your vehicle.
Reverse movement exercise
The examiner will choose one exercise from:
Forward bay parking
Stop on the right side of the road, reverse two car lengths, and move off from the right side of the road.
Reverse parallel parking or bay parking
One in three tests performs an emergency stop exercise
You will pass your test if you make:
As soon as your practical test is over, the examiner will tell you the result.
Your full driving license will come as a plastic photo card, which includes your driving entitlement history and any endorsements. The photo card will tell you what type of vehicle classifications you are entitled to drive.