Home | DSA tests  - Theory test


Theory test

DSA theory test explained


First of all the letters DSA stand for Driving Standards Agency & they are the agency that is responsible for overseeing all tests of vehicles including both the theory test & practical driving tests. The driving examiner on your practical driving test is employed by the DSA and all professional driving instructors have to be registered with the DSA. .

The theory test is the first test you have to pass in order to obtain your full driving licence. Once passed you have up to two years to pass your driving test. Seems a long time but in reality it can be very short. I have met many students who have only days to go before there theory test pass runs out. The DSA have issued figures to show that 250,000 people who passed their theory test never applied for a practical driving test, before their theory test pass finally ran out.

.

Suggestion: Do not take your theory test until you have had at least 20 driving lessons.

Your theory test is divided into two parts - the theory itself & immediately afterwards at the same sitting you have to complete a hazard perception test. You must pass both parts on the same sitting. Passing one part and failing the other part means you have to do a re-sit.



Theory test


DSA tests - theory test process

You can take your theory test anywhere and anytime in the UK providing you have a valid provisional driving licence. The location of the theory test centres are different from the practictial driving test centres. You can take your theory test whilst away on holiday, providing your holiday is in the UK.
You will have 57 minutes to complete your theory test by answering 50 questions of which you have to get 43 correct to pass. The theory test questions are presented to you on a computer screen. You will have one question showing at a time and there will be 4 possible answer to the question. On some questions you will have to select more than one possible answer, so read the question carefully.
The computer screen is what is termed 'touch screen', that means that wherever your finger presses on the actual screen itself will result in your selected answer. You can always change your answer later if you wish by touching the same answer again.



Theory test questions


Your theory test questions are divided into certain categories so that if you fail you will be given a print out of the categories that you failed to get right.

Tip: 75% of your theory test questions will be from the Highway Code.

Read the Highway code form cover to cover, understand it, & you are guranteed at least 75% of the marks. After reading your Highway Code you should go through your theory test study books and you will find that you can answer most of the questions straight away.
When you become a student of mine you will have full access to my Quantum learning strategies that will help you understand and remember at lot more than you would using the old methods of read and remember. To-date [July 2009] all of my theory test study students passed first time with marks of between 47 & 50 out of 50. The tip given above about the Highway Code is just one example that will help you a lot.


Theory test category topics


  • Alertness
  • Attitude
  • Safety & your vehicle
  • Safety Margins
  • Hazard Awareness
  • Vulnerable Road Users
  • Other Types of Vehicle
  • Vehicle Handling
  • Motorway Rules
  • Rules of the Road
  • Road & Traffic Signs
  • Documents
  • Accidents
  • Vehicle Loading


Try a Quantum learning theory test study session



Increase your chance of passing your driving test with a weekend intensive driving course in Birmingham or Scotland. Ideal to top up your driver training just before your driving test
Weekend intensive driving courses



For latest intensive driving course availability email

Intensive driving courses get results FAST


DSA tests

For latest intensive driving course availability email Malcolm