Skip to navigation

The driving test

What to expect when it’s time to sit the test

Argus School of Motoring will help you to prepare properly for your driving test, and will not recommend that you apply for a test before you are ready

The UK driving test is taken in two stages: first, a theory test; and later, a practical test. This page gives some key facts about

Theory test

The theory test is a computer-based test in two parts, which you sit one directly after the other:

  1. Multiple choice. This part is arranged as a set of multiple choice questions. You must select the correct answer for each from a number of options presented to you by touching the computer screen or using the mouse. There are 50 questions, and you must get at least 43 of them correct to pass this part of the test. You have 57 minutes available in which to answer the questions, which cover the following topics:
    • alertness;
    • attitude;
    • safety and your vehicle;
    • hazard awareness;
    • vulnerable road users;
    • other types of vehicle;
    • vehicle handling;
    • motorway rules;
    • rules of the road;
    • road and traffic signs;
    • documents;
    • accidents;
    • vehicle loading.
  2. Hazard perception. This part comprises fourteen video clips in which you will have to identify fifteen developing hazards. The hazards involve pedestrians, other vehicles, and animals. Based on the clues in each clip, you must press the computer mouse button as soon as you think that you would have to change your speed or position on the road. You can score up to five points for each hazard, depending on how quickly you see it. You must score at least 44 points out of a possible 75 to pass this part of the test. Before taking your theory test, you need to develop skills in the following areas:
    • looking for clues;
    • “mirror–signal–manoeuvre” routine;
    • scanning and planning;
    • prioritising;
    • cutting down the risks;
    • responding to hazards.

If you fail either the multiple choice or the hazard perception part, then you automatically fail the theory test and you will have to re-sit both parts at a later date. Once you have passed the theory test, you have two years in which to pass the practical test, otherwise you will have to take the theory test again before being allowed to attempt the practical test.

You can find some practice theory test questions on the Directgov web site.

Practical test

Before you attempt the practical test, you must have sat and passed the theory test.

The practical test is intended to establish that you can drive safely, and that you know the Highway Code and put it into practice when driving.

You will first be given an eyesight test. If you fail this test, you will not be allowed to continue with the practical test.

The practical test lasts for about 40 minutes, during which the examiner will give you directions to follow. The route will include a range of typical road and traffic conditions. The examiner will monitor your performance in your general driving and in set exercises you will be asked to carry out. These will include two from three possible reversing exercises:

  • reversing around a corner;
  • turning in the road;
  • reverse parking.

You may also be asked to carry out an “emergency stop” exercise.

You may make up to fifteen minor driving faults and still pass the test (sixteen or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. If at any time your examiner considers you to be a danger to other road users, your test will be stopped.

The practical test now includes a “show me / tell me” element, where you will be asked two questions (one “show me” and one “tell me”) related to vehicle safety checks. Answering one or both of these incorrectly counts as one driving fault in the test. You can find out more about the practical driving test and download the vehicle safety questions from the Directgov web site.

Learning materials

In addition to professional instruction from Argus SOM, there are several books, CDs and DVDs that will help you to prepare for your test. You can order all of the official DSA learning materials online at The Stationery Office web site.

The Highway Code is an essential publication for learners. An online version of the Highway Code is available at the Directgov web site.

Fees and test centres

The current fee for the theory test is £31.00. The theory test centre for Edinburgh is located at:

Cairncross House
25 Union Street
Edinburgh
EH1 3LR

The current fee for the practical test is £62.00 on weekdays, or £75.00 on Saturdays or weekday evenings. There are two practical test centres for Edinburgh, at Musselburgh and Currie:

Musselburgh (Edinburgh North & East)
Driving Test Centre
Newhailes Industrial Estate
Newhailes Road
Olivebank
Musselburgh
Edinburgh
EH21 6SL
Currie (Edinburgh South & West)
Driving Test Centre
13–15 Bryce Road
Edinburgh
EH14 5LT

Booking your test

You may book a theory test or book a practical test online on the Directgov web site. Note that you can’t book a practical test unless you have already passed the theory test.

Why your test might be cancelled

You should be aware that for safety reasons, the DSA won’t go ahead with a practical test on a day when weather conditions are severe or the light is poor. If your test is cancelled for one of these reasons, the DSA will arrange a new date for your test at no further cost to you. It’s wise to call the test centre on the day of your test to make sure it will proceed as scheduled.

You also need to know that your practical test may be cancelled if the examiner considers that the car in which you intend to take the test is not in a fit and proper condition. Of course, this won’t be a problem if you sit the test in one of Argus’ cars, which are regularly serviced and maintained in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations at all times. But if you plan to take the test in another vehicle, you should make sure that it is in full, roadworthy condition. If the DSA cancels your test because your vehicle is not suitable, you will have to arrange and pay for a new test.

If you should choose to cancel or postpone your test, you may do so at no cost if you give the DSA ten working days notice. If you don’t give the necessary notice, you will forfeit your test fee.