To pass the exam you must answer at least 30 out of 35 multiple-choice questions correctly.

To help you study and prepare for your theory test the Driving Standards Agency produce the Official Theory Test for Car Drivers containing the questions and answers. A CD-Rom containing all the questions in the question bank is also available.

The core material for the theory test questions are taken from the following DSA publications

The Highway Code
Driving - the Essential Skills
Know Your Traffic Signs

It is important that you study - not only to pass the test - but also to become a safe driver.

In November 2002 the Theory Test was changed to also include the Hazard Perception Test.

If you have already taken and passed the theory test only you will not have to take the Hazard Perception Test separately.

The test aims to give new drivers improved life saving skills as 1 in 5 newly qualified drivers are involved in an accident within the first year of driving. Research has also shown that new drivers take up to two seconds longer to recognise hazardous situations than more experienced drivers.

Before sitting the Hazard Perception Test, candidates will first be tested for their knowledge of the rules of the road by answering the multiple choice questions mentioned above. Candidates will need to pass this as well as hazard perception in order to gain the pass certificate needed to take the practical driving test.

You will be asked to indicate as soon as they see a hazard developing which may result in the driver taking some action, such as changing speed or direction. The sooner a response is made the higher the score.

There will be 14 different moving scenes on the Hazard Perception test screen. The scenes will have one or two hazards to identify. The 14 scenes will be taken from a bank of 200.

You will have to identify the moving hazard by clicking a mouse as quickly as possible. For example, a car pulling out in front of you. You will be given a 'window of time' in which to spot the hazard. The score will depend on how soon you identify the hazard - the longer they take, the lower their score. You will score a zero mark if you either click too late, or repeatedly.

The pass mark required for the Hazard Perception element is now 40 out of 75. If you fail either of the Theory or Hazard Perception elements you will have to sit both parts again and pay the £18.00 fee again also.

All the clips are real life video film to make the test experience as realistic as possible. The test will not require computer literacy, so don't worry if you are not familiar with computers. You will also see a short video of how the test works before you start.

The 'touchscreen' system has been carefully designed to make sure it is easy to use.

Look for events occurring in front of the car such as:-

• School crossing and bus waiting with children crossing road
• Breakdown vehicle on bend
• Vans parked with hazard warning lights on
• Cyclist on country road
• Vehicle doing U turn on brow of hill
• Furniture vans parked on bend (door open) with oncoming traffic
• Green traffic light turns on approach
• Parked vehicles/road works

Look for something joining the car's path such as:-

• Car emerging from left
• Stray dog by kerb
• Zebra crossing with pedestrians crossing
• Vehicle emerges from left in road dip
• Pedestrian trying to cross road
• Car looking as though it may join traffic from right
• Woman with pushchair ready to cross road
• Blind man with dog by kerb
• Vehicle edging out of side road from right
• Zebra crossing with pedestrian crossing
• Bus pulling out
• Car late stopping at left hand junction

Look for event occurring in the opposite traffic such as:-

• Vehicle turning right across traffic
• Car stopping in road to collect passenger
• Parked car and oncoming car

The list is endless!