The
DSA Theory test for car drivers is split into 2 parts.
The multiple choice test and the hazard perception test.
Part 1 – The multiple choice section
The multiple choice test for car drivers consists of 50 questions.
Each question has a list of potential answers. You need
to select the
correct answer, or answers, by touching the appropriate area of
the
computer screen. You are given 40 minutes to complete
the test. To
pass you need to answer 43 out of the 50 given questions correctly
( i.e. 86%).
Before you start you will see a short video explaining how the
test
will be undertaken. You will be given the opportunity
of some trial
questions so you become familiar with the screen.
You move from one question to the next by touching the arrowed buttons
at the bottom of the screen.
A
review screen enables you to check your results and go back to
any
flagged or answered questions at any time throughout the test.
Once
you have completed the multi-choice part of the test you will
go on to the Hazard Perception section.
Click
the car to shop
Hazard Perception Test
This
part of the theory test will start with a short video played on
a computer screen, explaining how the hazard perception test works,
and what is required from you. You will be shown 14 video
clips of approximately one minute each. There will be 15
hazards to find, at least one on each clip, one clip will have
2 hazards on it. There are no sound effects.
Each
clip will start with a freeze frame at the beginning of the video,
a countdown from 10 will commence. At the end of the count
down the clip will start to play, you will need to click the mouse
each time you see a developing hazard. The programme
will let you know it has registered your click by showing a red
flag, which will appear at the bottom of the screen – one
flag for every click you make. At the end of the clip the
flags will be removed before the next clip starts. Each
clip contains several potential hazards, only the one that turns
into a real hazard and involves other road users is marked.
The
score you get will depend on how quickly you spot the developing
hazard. The time from when the hazard could be potentially
seen on the screen to when the vehicle arrives at the hazard is
the time frame or window used to determine your score. This window
of time is divided into 5 equal segments, if you click the mouse
while in the first segment you will gain 5 points, in the second
segment 4 points, then 3 then 2 then in the last segment 1.
This
is accurate to one twenty fifth of a second. If you don’t
click the mouse within this window of time you will score nothing
in respect to that hazard.
If
you try to cheat by repeatedly clicking the mouse the system is
designed to deal with this, so only click when you really see
the hazard developing.
When
the clip ends the screen will turn black for a moment until the
next video clip appears, this will continue until all 14 clips
have been shown. You will be given the results of both parts
of your test shortly after completion. The maximum that
can be obtained for the hazard perception section is 75. To pass
you need to obtain a score of 44. To pass this test you
must pass both parts if you fail one part you will be expected
to take both parts again on your next attempt.
You
can obtain a theory test application form from your driving instructor
or you can go direct to online theory at DSA by clicking .
