Theory Tests
When should I book my theory test?
We advise that you take your theory test within your first 12 hours (8 x 90min) of driving lessons. The content you learn in your theory test is very much relevant to your time on the road, and will stand you in excellent stead throughout your driving lessons, eg. knowledge of road marking and signs, stopping times and distances, hazard perception, and courtesy to other road users.
To book your Theory Test go to book-theory-test
How can I practice for my Theory Test?
Get someone to test you on your knowledge of road signs, stopping times and distances and speed limits.
Practice spotting hazards, road signs and road markings, guessing speed limits and maybe even try braking (silently!) at the right times when out and about as a passenger in somebody else's car or on a bus.
There are lots of websites and apps that give useful advice and have practice theory tests and practice hazard perception tests for free. There is no need to register with any site or pay a fee. If the site is asking you to register, then invariably they want something! You will either be asked for money or bombarded with unwanted spam. We have listed two good free websites below which have good advice and have free practice tests. If there is a padlock sign on the video simply don't use it, just use the free ones instead.
https://www.driving-test-success.com/theory/theory_test.htm
https://www.theorytestadvice.co.uk
There are also many free apps available but watch out for 'in app purchases'. Use the free apps as they are but don't part with your money!
How can I prepare on the day of my Theory Test?
On the day of your theory test of course you are going to be nervous, but try to remember that although this is a big day for you, for the staff at the centre, realistically you are just another person they will see today, another form to fill in, another face they will see this week. You are nothing special and have nothing at all to worry about. Saying this, the centre staff will still do everything they can to put you at ease.
Try to make sure you have had something to eat and drink before you arrive at the centre, and have been to the toilet. Ensure you take your provisional driving licence with you.
Arrive at the Theory Test Centre at least 10mins before the start of the test. If you are late your test may not go ahead and your fee will not be refunded.
The administrator will check your provisional driving licence and book you in for your test when you arrive, you will be asked to sign a digital display, then they will give you a locker key to lock away your belongings until after your test.
Before you lock away your mobile phone you must switch it off and confirm this to the administrator.
You will be given a rules document to read and hand back, and then be accompanied through to the examination room by the administrator.
You will be allocated a computer. All computers within the examination room are watched at all times to prevent cheating or fraud.
Once seated at your computer, the screen will turn on and you will be logged in ready for your test.
The first screen you see will show details of the test, how much time you have to complete the test etc.
The test is multiple choice. Before you start the actual test you have the chance to complete 5 practice questions. If you wish, you can skip these and go straight to the test.
During the test, you will have the option to flag some of the questions which you can go back to at the end before you submit your answers.
Once you have completed your theory test the screen will then bring up general information about the Hazard Perception Test.
You will be given the option of doing some practice videos on the hazard perception test, or you can skip these if you are feeling confident.
There will be a total of 14 hazard perception clips of varying lengths to complete but each lasts an average of 1min. Once one clip ends there will be a countdown timer of 10 seconds before the next clip starts
What happens after the test?
Once you have completed the test you may be asked to complete some feedback questions for the DVSA. You do not have to answer these.
When you have finished both your theory questions and the hazard perception clips and submitted all your answers, you will need to leave quietly and go back to the original administration desk.
You will need to hand in your photocard provisional driving licence again so that the administrator can obtain your results.
You will now be able to retrieve your belongings from your locker and hand back your locker key.
Once your results are ready the administrator will call your name and hand you your test results.
How long will I be at the test centre?
The time it takes to complete the theory test varies from person to person, but you should expect to be at the test centre for at least 90 minutes.
What happens if I pass?
If the paper you receive says you have passed then first of all congratulate yourself! Next it means you can start thinking about when to book your practical test.
DO NOT lose your pass certificate as you will need the certificate number from this when you book your practical test.
What happens if I fail?
If the paper you receive says you haven't managed to pass this time, don't worry, half of learners don't pass their theory test.
Check which part you didn't score enough on and make this the focus on your efforts going forward. You probably haven't done enough revision. Perhaps you need to try some different methods? Contact us at Unicorn Driving School, we can help!
Book in for another theory test in a few more weeks and get swotting, it will all be worthwhile in the end.
Good luck!