DSA Tests

Theory

I can provide advice and assistance to any pupil regarding the 'Theory' part of the driving test procedure.

This is a two part process both of which must be passed at the same time and a failure on either partwill require the candidate to re-sit the whole exam again.

Part 1; is an 'assessment' of knowledge based upon the Highway Code using the multi-choice question format. There are 50 questions in total and the candidate/pupil must achieve at least 43 correct answers to pass this part of the test.

Part 2; which is referred to as the 'Hazard Perception' part of the test,is made up from a selection of actual pre-shot video driving sequences amongst which will be both potential and readily identifiable situations/hazards which are designed to assess the pupils ability to recognise situations as they develop and subsequently identify them with the 'click' of the computer mouse. Pass rate for this section is 44 out of 75 to be successful.

The 'pass' certificate is valid for two years during which you must pass the practical test. After two years have elapsed your theory test expires and you would have to re-sit the test again.

Practical Driving

Prior to the actual test you will be required to undertake an eyesight test, which if you fail will result in your test being cancelled. At this point in the test you must be able to read either, an old style car number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres or the new style from 20 metres.

You will then be asked two vehicle safety questions, referred to as the; “Show me”, “Tell me” section of the test which is conducted prior to leaving the test centre. Once this has been completed you will embark on the driving test itself.

This will consist of an assessment of your general driving ability, around a pre-determined route for approximately 40 minutes. During this time you can expect to carry out two reversing exercises involving either;

i) Reversing around a corner

ii) Turn in the road

iii) Reverse Parking

iv) Bay Parking

You may also be required to carry out what is referred to as an ‘Emergency' stop.

At the end of the practical test your examiner will confirm whether you have passed or failed. If you have passed he will issue a certificate that is forwarded to the DVLA for a Full licence to be issued. In the event that you fail, the examiner will issue a document outlining the areas that were not up to the required standard.

In both instances, the examiner will debrief the test and may provide advice in the area's where they consider you could improve. In the event of a fail, it is this information that both you and your instructor will need to consider prior to you re-sitting the test.

NB: According to the DSA, Pupils who pass their driving test have had, on average 45hours of professional training combined with 22 hours of private tuition. In essence, learners who undertake a combination of professional instruction and private practice are also more successful on the practical test.