Theory and Hazard Perception Test Guide

Theory and Hazard Perception Test Guide from Sandwell Automatic Driving School

The Theory and Hazard Perception Test is a combined test, and both parts must be passed together.

If either the Theory element of the test, or the Hazard Perception element is failed, the whole test has to be retaken.

The Theory and Hazard Perception Test must be passed before it is possible to book a Practical Driving Test appointment.

You are allowed to take practical driving lessons before the Theory and Hazard Perception Test has been passed.

The Theory Test

The Theory Test consists of 50 multiple choice questions to be answered within a maximum of 57 minutes.

At least 43 questions must be answered correctly to pass.

The Hazard Perception Test

The Hazard Perception Test follows on immediately after you complete The Theory Test.

The Hazard Perception Test consists of watching 14 video clips, each lasting approximately 1 minute, and identifying 15 hazards. (14 video clips with 1 hazard and 1 video clip with 2 hazards).

Each video is from the viewpoint of the driver, driving along the road.

As you watch each video you will see various potential hazards (e.g. parked cars, side roads, driveways).

The hazards that you will be scored on are all Developing Hazards.

An example of a developing hazard could be seeing a child move across the pavement, behind a parked car and out into the road.

This hazard takes a few seconds to fully develop, and the earlier you click the computer mouse to show that you have seen a hazard the higher you score.

As each Hazard takes a few seconds to develop, the test is aimed to test, NOT your reactions, but your observation and anticipation.

Each Hazard has a maximum score of 5 points if you identify it early, decreasing to 0 points if you identify it too late.

There are 15 Hazards, so the maximum possible score is 75 points, and the pass mark is 44 points.

The Theory & The Hazard Perception Tests must both be passed on the same occasion.

The Theory Test has Changed

When the theory test was launched in 1996, the questions used in the real theory test were published.

Since January 2012 the real theory test questions are no longer published.

Previously, many people had prepared for the theory test by trying to memorise the answers to all the questions.

Whilst this could get them through the theory test, it didn’t necessarily mean that they had attained the knowledge needed to be a safe driver.

The theory test is still the same format as the previous test, it is not any harder, but it is necessary to prepare properly for it, by studying the relevant study material thoroughly

Thorough preparation will ensure that you will pass the Theory Test, it will also help you in your practical driving lessons and test, and it will also ensure that you have the necessary knowledge to use on the road after you have passed the Practical Driving Test.

Preparing for the Theory Test will need to be like studying for any other test or exam.

Firstly study the course material, and then afterwards use the example questions to test how well you have learned and remembered it, just like at School, College, or University.

Preparing for The Theory Test: Free Resources

Preparing for The Theory Test: Books

The Questions in the Theory Test are based on three Books:

There are also a lot of question and answer books, CDs, DVDs or websites to check that you have learnt and understood what you have been reading.

Do not try to just learn the questions and answers. The questions in the real theory test will be different.

Learning only questions and answers might result in you knowing the answer to the question, but not understanding it, or knowing anything else about the subject.

Learning well will help your practical driving lessons, and enable you to drive safely after you pass your driving test.

Preparing for Hazard Perception Test

Publications that might help you to prepare for the Hazard Perception Test include:

The best way to prepare for The Hazard Perception Test is to use these publications in conjunction with Practical Driving Lessons, so that you can develop your Hazard Perception skills in car, this will help with the on screen test, and also obviously help your driving skills as well.

Pages in the Theory and Practical Driving Tests Guide section of the Sandwell Automatic Driving School website:

Sections of the Sandwell Automatic Driving School website: