Driving Tests: Mike's School of Motoring: Serving Perthshire

INFORMATION ABOUT THE THEORY TEST

A common misconception is that you have to pass your theory test before you can start taking driving lessons. This is not the case, you can start taking driving lessons before you take the theory test, however you cannot apply for the practical driving test before you have passed the theory test.

WHAT DOES THE TEST COVER?
The theory test is made up of two parts, Multiple Choice and the Hazard Perception. The Multiple Choice part is delivered using a touch screen computer and mouse, whilst the Hazard Perception part records your responses through the use of a computer mouse button. You need to pass both parts to pass the Theory Teat. If you pass one part and fail the other you will fail the whole test, and you will need to take both parts again.

PART ONE - MULTIPLE CHOICE
Before the test starts you will be given instructions on how the test works. You can also choose to go through a practice session of the Multiple Choice questions to get used to the layout of the test. At the end of the practice session the real test will begin. A question and several answer options will appear on-screen and you have to select the correct answer to the question by touching the screen. Some questions may require more than one answer. You will be asked 50 questions within 57 minutes. You can navigate between questions and 'flag' questions that you want to come back to later in the test. After the Multiple Choice part you can choose to have a break of up to 3 minutes before the Hazard Perception part starts.

Pass Mark Required 43/50

PART TWO - HAZARD PERCEPTION
You will be shown a short tutorial video clip about how the Hazard Perception test works. The Hazard Perception test is also delivered on a computer but you respond by clicking the mouse. You will be presented with a series of 14 video clips that feature everyday road scenes. In each clip there will be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards. To achieve a high score you will need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development. The maximum you can score on each hazard is 5. You will not be able to review your answers to the Hazard Perception test, as on the road, you will only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard.

Pass Mark Required 44/75

At the end of the Hazard Perception part of the theory test you will be invited to answer a number of customer survey questions. You do not have to answer the questions if you do not want to, and any information given is anonymous and confidential. The survey questions do not affect the result of the test. Upon completion you may leave the examination room. Once you have left the room you cannot re-enter. You will then be given your results by the test centre staff, including feedback about any topic areas you answered incorrectly.

When you take the Theory test everyone in the room may have a different test so don't try to ask anyone else for the answers! The Driving Standards Agency has compiled about 1000 different questions and your test paper will be made up of 50 of them. If you have any special needs or difficulties with English then help is available. You can apply for additional time when booking the test. You can also choose to listen to the text being read in English through the headset, which should help those with Dyslexia and other reading difficulties.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE PRACTICAL TEST

If you have passed the Theory Test, and if you and your Driving Instructor both agree that your driving has reached the required standard, you may apply for your Practical Driving Test. If you can drive and control your car safely and smoothly, with full awareness of other road users and consideration for the road, weather and traffic conditions, and can competently perform all the slow maneuvers with only the bare instructions from your Driving Instructor then the answer is probably 'Yes'. The car you use for the Driving Test must be fitted with appropriate mirrors, headrests, L-Plates, Tax and the appropriate insurance. The vehicle also needs to be in a clean and good working condition, capable of normal performance for that type of vehicle. If you are learning with Mike's School of Motoring you will normally have the opportunity to take the test in our car. Documents to take with you are your Theory Test Pass Certificate and both parts of your Provisional Licence (photocard and signed counterpart. If you do not have a photocard then a valid Passport of Great Britain is acceptable).

Arrive at the test centre in plenty of time and try to relax. If you have trained with Mike's School of Motoring you will already be to a good standard so have confidence in yourself. All the examiner wants to see you do is drive without being a hazard to any other road user.

THE DRIVING TEST
After a brief introduction the examiner will ask you to read a number plate from a distance. The examiner will then run through the 'show me, tell me' questions and then do a spot check around the vehicle, and then get into the front passenger seat and explain briefly to you how the test works. You will be asked to start the car and move away when it is safe to do so, and you’re off! You have approximately 35 - 40 minutes in the car, in which time you will be asked to complete any two of these four manouvres,

1. Turn in the Road
2. Reversing Around a Corner
3. Reverse Parallel Park Behind a Car
4. Reverse Bay Parking

You may also be required to demonstrate an Emergency Stop exercise. During the test it is also likely that you will be asked to demonstrate a Hill Start and an Angled Start. The rest of the time is taken up with general driving on the chosen test route. You will be expected to deal safely and competently with every situation that you encounter, but some minor driving faults are permitted. These are errors that do not in themselves create an actual or potential danger to other road users. They are recorded on the examiners test sheet and if you make 16 or more of these driving faults you will fail the test. You will also fail if you commit a serious or dangerous fault. This may sound an awful lot to do but if you have been trained to a good standard most of the above will be second nature. At the end of the test the Examiner will ask you to switch off the engine before telling you whether you have passed or failed. If you have passed, your Driving Licence will be needed for the Examiner to fill in the Pass Certificate. The Examiner will usually retain your Provisional Licence in order to have it updated to a Full Category 'B' Licence, which you will receive in a few days. You can drive on your own in the meantime providing you keep a record of your 'Driver Number'.

Mike's School of Motoring are committed to ensure your learning is as enjoyable as possible. Please continue to browse the website for more information on our services. If you have any queries, then feel free to contact us on 01738 447762.