DriverActive does not include Theory Questions or HPT practise clips, it focuses on practical driving skills... But we recommend the DTS app - Click Here
The information in this section explains how to apply for your test (avoiding scams!) and has important information about taking the test.
The Theory Test and Hazard Perception Test are taken at the same time.
After you have answered all of the multiple-choice questions you move on to the Hazard Perception Test. Before the test starts you will watch a video about how it works.
You have to pass the Theory & HPT Test before you apply for your practical test.
Although we don't offer preparation questions and clips for the Theory/HPT test all of the information in the DriverActive Online Course is relevant. Many of the topics covered in the Theory test are included. The more that you understand about driving and the driving rules and regulations, the easier the Theory Test will be - you won't have to try to remember the answers to lots of questions because you will know them instinctively.
The best way to prepare for the Theory Test is to follow the full DriverActive Course to deepen your driving knowledge and use the DTS app to practise multiple-choice questions and hazard-perception clips. The Highway Code is linked throughout the DriverActive course so that you can see how the rules apply to real-world driving.
Your driving instructor will give specific help and advice about theory test preparation and booking plus information about any extra study material that might be useful.
Get full details about how to book and manage your theory test appointment from the Government website by clicking here.
Important:
Make sure that use use the official booking site.
Other sites offer a booking service but might charge an additional and quite high booking fee.
The official booking site page has a helpline for issues with booking or advice about how to book if you don't have an e-mail address. For information about booking a test in Northern Ireland click here.
Exemptions:
You are exempt from the theory test if you wish to upgrade your licence, for example if you have a full licence for car with automatic transmission and want to take the test for a manual car - you can find more details at the www.gov.uk web site by clicking here.
There is no limit on the number of test attempts you take - but you will have to pay the full fee each time. There are no discounts for block bookings!
Arrangements can be made to help people with special needs, but you must make enquiries at the time that you book the test.
If you have problems reading, you can listen to the questions but they are only available in English and Welsh.
A video of the test info in British sign language is available on screen for those with hearing difficulties. An interpreter can go with you into the test centre if you don’t use BSL. This needs to be arranged through the theory test customer services section.
Check with the DVSA (Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency) for details of other ways that they can help.
All centres comply with access regulations for people who have physical disabilities.
Allow plenty of time. If you are late you might miss your test.
You must take your UK driving licence to your test. Your test will be cancelled if you do not have your licence with you and the test fee will be lost.
After registering at the desk you will then be shown to your test booth where you can choose to do a practise session to get used to the touch screen system.
After the test starts, there is a timer that lets you know how much time you have left. If you finish within the 57 minutes allowed, use the remaining time to go back and check your answers.
Answer all the questions. If you don't know the answer to a question and you are running out of time, just guess!
You must get 43 (out of 50) correct answers to pass. If you are well prepared, the test should be easy.
Some of the questions will be given as a case study. The case study questions show a short story outlining a typical driving situation based on real life examples and experiences that you could come across when driving - this is followed by five questions relating to the situation.
After the multiple choice part of the test you can choose to have a break of up to three minutes before the Hazard Perception part starts.
At the end of the test you will receive your result. You will also receive information about the areas of the test where you got questions wrong (if any). Your pass certificate enables you to apply for your practical test - keep it in a safe place!
Remember that you will need:
Your appointment letter or booking number (in case of booking errors)
Your UK photo-card driving licence to your test.
If you have a licence from Northern Ireland, bring the photo-card and paper counterpart licence.
Your test will be cancelled and you won’t get your money back if you don’t take the right things with you.
The theory test covers a wide range of subjects with questions covering all aspects of safe driving. You will find information on all the topics in the DriverActive Course.
The lists below shows the subject areas that the questions are taken from. (Full test info on the .gov website)
Alertness
Attitude
Safety and your vehicle
Safety Margins
Hazard Awareness
Vulnerable road users
Other types of vehicle
Vehicle handling
Motorway rules
Rules of the road
Road and traffic signs
Documents
Accidents
Vehicle loading
The Hazard Perception Test has a selection of video clips, showing road scenes and potential hazards.
If you fail the Hazard Perception Test you fail the whole test and you will have to take the complete test again, including the multiple-choice questions..
It's been estimated that with around three hours training, new drivers can achieve scores equal to those of experienced drivers.
Your driving instructor will advise you about the best way to prepare for the HPT using DVD's or apps such as the best selling app, DTS. Most instructors will have discs that you can borrow, rent or buy. If not there are several available in shops and online.
The HPT used to use film clips but new computer-generated imagery (CGI) clips replaced old filmed clips a few years ago (on 12 January 2015). However, you should still practise with old film clips in addition to CGI clips - this will give you a 'real life' sense of spotting hazards.
The new CGI clips show the same situations as the old film clips, but they:
look clearer on the screen
include updated vehicles, roads and surroundings so they look modern
Another good reason for using older film style clips is that the DVSA only release a limited number of CGI practise clips. Practise with older film clips will give you a wider experience than you will get from the official CGI practise clips alone - increasing your chances of a pass.
Practise 3 free HPT clips at the Government Safe Driving For Life website here.
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