ADVICE ON THE THEORY AND HAZARD PERCEPTION TEST

How to prepare for your theory test.
To prepare for the theory test the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) recommend that all candidates study the Highway Code, Know Your Traffic Signs and the relevant book from DSA's Driving Skills series. Regardless of driving experience, candidates should make full use of the available study material to prepare for the multiple choice and hazard perception elements of the theory test.

Preparing for the theory test
The driving theory test has two parts, part one is a multiple choice test of 50 questions and part two is a hazard perception test of 14 video clips in which you will have to identify 15 developing hazards.

To prepare for both parts of the theory test we recommend that all candidates, regardless of driving experience, use the resource material available. The resource material is available from most high street book shops and from the DSA official online bookstore.
With your first theory test booking confirmation letter, DSA send you a DVD called "Are you ready?" which you should watch as this explains the process of taking the theory test.

Practise multiple choice questions online (see link at bottom of page for DSA practice test)

DSA also provide an online service that allows you to test your knowledge and understanding of the Highway Code, Know Your Traffic Signs and the Essential Skills series of books. The practise theory tests only contain multiple choice questions and do not allow you to practise the hazard perception test online. Scoring more than 43 out of 50 on this test does not guarantee a pass when you take the real theory test under proper exam conditions.

Multiple choice
To prepare for the multiple choice part of the theory test, there are three books known as the source material, these include The Highway Code, Know Your Traffic Signs, and the relevant vehicle Driving Skills series.

The complete set of theory test questions and answers is also available in book and CD-ROM format.
Hazard perception
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has developed a modular, multi-media training resource for the hazard perception test. The resource is available in DVD and VHS video format and is called ‘The official guide to hazard perception’; this was formerly known as ‘Roadsense’.

This training resource adopts a structured approach to defining hazards, looking for clues, the ‘mirror- signal- manoeuvre’ routine, scanning and planning, prioritising, cutting down the risks and responding to hazards. The DVD also has a number of interactive, example hazard perception video clips.

The hazard perception training material has been developed, not as a ‘teach yourself’ product, but as one where guidance from a professional trainer is essential.

Integrating theoretical hazard perception training into the practical training sessions will ensure that as competence is achieved in each of the necessary skills, they can be strengthened and applied while you are on the road to increase the road safety benefits.

All of these products are available to buy from most high street book shops, they are also available to order over the phone and online through The Stationery Office

CLICK HERE: Practice DSA Theory Test