PART 1: THEORY TEST
The test for prospective driving instructors’, calls for a higher standard of knowledge than the expected of a learner driver. The test is carried out in two parts – multiple-choice section and a hazard perception part – which are taken at the same sitting.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
This is a test of your knowledge of The Highway Code, the rules of the road and your knowledge of instructional techniques, among other things. You select your answers by simply touching a computer screen. The test is also available in Welsh.
You can work through a practice session lasting up to 15 minutes to get used to the system before starting the actual test. Staff at the test centre will be on hand to help with any difficulties in using the system.
This part of the test will last 90 minutes, during which time you will be asked 100 questions split into four bands. This purpose of the banding is to ensure candidates have a comprehensive knowledge spread across the whole of the syllabus.
The four bands are:
1. Road procedure
2. Traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge
3. Driving test, disabilities, and law
4. Publications and instructional techniques
Questions are answered by touching a computer screen to select the answer from the options shown.
HAZARD PERCEPTION
After a break of up to three minutes, the hazard perception part will start. This is designed to test your ability to identify hazards, which arise while you are driving. You will be shown a tutorial video first. This uses sample footage with a soundtrack (headphones supplied), which will explain how to complete this part of the test. You may repeat the tutorial more than once if you wish.
The test itself consists of 14 video clips, each lasting about one minute. The clips feature various types of hazards, such as vehicles, pedestrians and road conditions. You should respond by pressing the mouse button as soon as you see a hazard developing that may result in you, the driver, having to take some action, such as changing speed or direction.
The earlier the developing hazard is spotted, and a response made, the higher the score.
The test contains 15 scorable hazards and candidates can score up to five marks on each hazard.
PASS MARKS
You need to pass both parts of the theory test at the same sitting to obtain an overall pass result. The overall pass mark for the multiple-choice part of the test is 85% (85 questions answered correctly). However, you must achieve a minimum of 20 correct answers (ie 80% of 25 questions) in each of the four bands given above. It is therefore possible for you to get an overall mark of 85% or higher but still fail the examination because you have not gained the minimum of 20 correct questions in any one or more of the four bands.
For the hazard perception test the pass mark is 57 out of a possible 75.
The results of the theory are usually given before candidates leave the test centre, along with details about applying for the test of driving ability if you are successful. You will be advised of the bands in which any errors have been made. You will not, however, be given details of any individual questions.
There are no restrictions on the number of attempts you have at the theory test.
HOW TO PREPARE
The DSA has completed a number of books, which cover many aspects of driving and driving instruction, which you may find useful to help you study for the multiple-choice part of the theory test. The Highway Code, The Driving Instructors Handbook, The official DSA guide to Driving – the essential skills, The official DSA guide to Learning to Drive, The official DSA Theory Test and Know your traffic signs.
PLEASE NOW GO TO PART 2: DRIVING ABILITY
OR BACK TO: THE QUALIFYING EXAMINATION
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