As a Progress Driving School pupil, you’ll get FREE help to pass your theory test, thanks to our partnership with online tuition provider, Theory Test Pro.
Passing your theory test is the first step towards getting your full licence – you cannot take your practical exam until you have passed it.
What is the driving theory test?
The driving theory test is series of multiple choice questions which tests your theoretical knowledge of the rules of the road – things like road signs, speed limits and stopping distances.
You’ll sit the test at your local test centre- details of this will be available on the Government website when you book. The test is 57 minutes long, and you’ll get 50 questions. You must get 43 of those right to pass. You’ll also take a ‘hazard perception’ test, in which you’ll watch videos of developing hazards on the roads. You must score at least 44 out of a maximum 75 to pass this part of the theory test.
How can Progress Driving School help me pass my driving theory test?
All our learners can register free of charge on the Theory Test Pro website, which offers online help with revision, mock tests and practice hazard perception video clips. Just ask your instructor for log-in details.
As well as allowing you to practice from the bank of multiple-choice questions that you can expect to come up on your real test, Theory Test Pro will show you which areas you are progressing well in and which you need to revise more thoroughly.
And with Theory Test Pro though Progress Driving School, your instructor will be able to see how you are doing – so he can support you on those areas which you are still unsure of, or need more practice with.
Remember, if you have any queries about the questions or answers whilst you study for the theory test, your Progress Driving School instructor will be happy to help explain or clarify anything in your next lesson.
How do I book my theory test?
You can book your theory test online. You’ll need your:
- UK driving licence number
- email address – you have to book by phone if you don’t have one
- credit or debit card
Do I need to ask my instructor before I book my theory test?
No – on the day of your theory test your instructor does not need to be present. However, please make sure you let your instructor know when you pass your theory test – you cannot be put in for your practical test until you have done so.
When it comes to booking your practical driving test, however, you must let your driving instructor know before you book – because you will need both your instructor and their car to be available on the day and time of the test!
Our top advice to help you pass your driving theory test
Some essential reading for learner drivers
Before taking either your theory or practical driving tests, it is wise to have a good knowledge of the Highway Code – every driver should own a copy. There are other official DVSA books including Driving: The Essential Skills and the Official DVSA Guide to Learning to Drive, which are also worth a read, and which will give you a good grounding in the theory you’ll need to know.
The Driving Standards Agency (DVSA) recommends that it will take at least 20 hours of revision in order to pass your theory test. So make sure you start studying as soon as you think about beginning to take driving lessons, and don’t leave it until just before the test to revise.
The best way to be sure of a pass is to put lots of practice in and complete plenty of mock tests. Use Theory Test Pro as a Progress Driving School pupil, and ask friends, family and your driving instructor to test you too.
Tips for the day of the test
- Make sure you know where the test centre is and how you’re going to get there. Arrive early – you need to be at the centre at least 30 minutes before your test is due to start.
- Remember to take your provisional licence with you – they won’t let you sit the test without it, but you won’t get a refund on the test fee.
- Use the practice time that is given. You get 15 minutes at the start of the test to try out the touchscreen computer and see how the test will look. Make sure to use this so that you know what to expect when the real test begins. If there are any technical problems, or if you are confused about anything, this is the time to ask and not during the real thing!
- Don’t waste too much time on questions you find really hard. On the test, you get 57 minutes to answer 50 questions. But you don’t have to do them all in the order they are asked – if you are stuck on one you can ‘flag’ it, and come back to it at the end.
- Once you have finished the multiple choice question part of the test, you’ll get a three minute break before the hazard perception part begins. Use this to have a quick relax, take deep breaths and have a little stretch. Remember, at that point, you’re halfway there and nearly all done!
Ready to start learning to drive with Progress Driving School?
We offer competitively priced driving instruction in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Atherton, Croft, Culcheth, Garswood, Glazebury, Golborne, Haydock, Leigh, Lowton, Newton-le-Willows, St Helens, Tyldesley and surrounding areas.
Check availability and book your lessons today.
Learn to drive with Progress Driving School
