This article is all about what you need to know when considering taking your theory test.
Firstly, you cannot actually sit your theory test until you are 17 years or older and have your provisional licence. An application form ( D.1.) can be obtained from a post office or online at the DVLA website.
If have an Approved Driving Instructor (i.e. through a driving school) training you, take your instructor's advice on when you are ready to take the test. In most cases, we would actually advise taking booking your test whilst you are taking your lessons regardless of whether your instructor believes you’re ready or not. Remember, the theory test is a pre requisite for the practical test. So what would happen if you are ready for the practical without having the theory under your belt? Make sure you are well prepared before you attempt the test. Good preparation will save you time, money and having to resit. Do it now!
Late admission into the theory test exam room would be distracting for other candidates, and cannot be allowed by the DSA. Appointments are given as 15 minutes before the start of examination conditions. Candidates arriving after the appointment time, but within the 15 minutes administration period, are allowed in to take their test. No Admission is allowed once the exam has started and will result in the loss of the test fee. Treat it like an exam and get there early with plenty of time to prepare last minute as well if needs be.
Now, on the day of the test, make sure that you have all the necessary documents you will need to bring with you for your test appointment. Failure on bringing and providing the documents may lead to being unable to take the test – you don’t want that! You will need your signed driving licence and suitable photographic ID, or both parts of your signed photo card licence, and your appointment card or booking number. If If you have any queries about what photographic evidence is acceptable, contact the enquiry line on 0300 200 1122 or 01232 681 831 in Northern Ireland.
The DSA have developed a national network of test centres in all main centres of population and will run frequent test sessions to suit candidate’s needs. They all allow the opportunity of receiving your results on that very day, which can be exciting.
There are over 163 test centres throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You can find a list of test centres from your Driving Instructor or phone the information line: - 0300 200 1122
Nationally In 1998/99 about 1.2 million tests for car drivers, over 62,000 tests for lorry and bus drivers and over 95,000 motorcycle rider tests were carried out. 1.1 million
Since, January 2000, theory tests have been conducted using a PC. It’s very simple, touch the screen and answer correctly. You will have a practise session lasting up to 15 minutes to get used to the system before starting the actual theory test. Staff will be on hand to help you if you have any difficulties in using the new system. The screens are easy to read. Only one question will appear on the screen at a time and you will be able to move backwards and forwards through the questions. You will also be able to go back to any questions which you want to look at again, and you should be able to change any answers.
The theory test will be conducted under examination conditions, with a person supervising up to 30 candidates taking the test at a time.
Candidates will be at least 1.25 metres apart. Candidates sitting at adjacent desks are likely to have different test papers.
It is possible that every candidate will have different questions on a computer screen.
Good luck everyone!
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