• The Driving Theory test contains 35 multiple-choice questions for you to answer on a variety of driving and road safety areas. It costs £15.50 per test and must be passed before you can take your practical test.

• There are 11 topics which questions are definitely asked upon and 3 other topics where only one will have questions upon it in the test. These topics are,

• The test is now computer based so you don’t have to worry about filling in boxes on forms or forgetting your pencil. It really is sooo simple all you do is touch the screen or click with the mouse, on the answer you think is right in a multiple choice test.

• To answer the questions you have 40 minutes and pass to, you need to get at least 30 out of 35 right. Example learners with special needs may be allowed double the time to complete the test, there is also the possibility to take it orally for people with severe reading difficulties or those who can’t understand the any of the 7 languages it is written in.

• However nobody I know has ever needed the full time or failed on their first attempt (unlike the Practical Test) so know your stuff and I’m sure you’ll be fine.

• The Theory Test emphasises that; safety on the roads is just as important to consider, when learning to drive, as handing the car itself.

• The ability to ‘read the road’, as it were, is an incredibly valuable skill that can mark you out as a really good driver.

• Some drivers with licences have not fully grasped this concept and therefore the theory test focuses on this area so better drivers come through the test process.

• The questions in the test will aid your ability to avoid accidents and act the right way in any situation that arises. Not only that it will add to your Road knowledge that will help you in your final test.

• Your instructor will definitely aid you on this, and make sure you’re ‘finely tuned’ for the test.

• Also there are books available that help you in your preparation, such as ‘Pass Your Theory Test’ and ‘Theory Test Questions’ which are published by the British School of Motoring (BSM). Along with the Highway Code, these are actually a ‘must have’ because they have all you need know and nearly every example of the questions you will face in the test.

• Additionally BSM offers, in their local centres, ‘Theory Online’, which provides you the chance to take a ‘mock’ Theory Test on the new computer system, along with interactive challenges that test your hazard perception skills and your reactions to real life situations. You are told how well you did and are told the reasons why you got anything wrong. This is available free and exclusively to BSM learner drivers only.

When you do feel that you’re ready then you have to apply for the Theory test, by filling in a TT26 form which you can get from,

• Theory & Practical Test Centres

• Your Driving Instructor, if he is approved

• Or from the National Test Booking Line, where you can also book the test by debit or credit card, on 0870 01 01 372

There are theory test centres all over the UK, your driving instructor/driving school will inform you which is closest to you, so you know where to book for.

Tests are generally available (though some places may vary):

• On Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm, and from 6pm to 9pm