The Theory Test for Car Drivers and Motorcyclists was introduced in July 1996. It was designed to improve road safety.
Included in the test is driver's attitude, traffic signs and regulations, effects of alcohol, drugs and fatigue on driver's behaviour, the safety and environmental aspects of vehicles. As from 14th November 2002 the Hazard Perception Test will be added to the Theory Test.
The first part of the Theory Test consists of 35 randomly picked multiple-choice questions from the DSA question bank, in which you must get at least 30 questions correct to pass, you have 40 minutes to complete this section. No two theory test have the same questions, and can be about any of the above subjects.
Once you have completed this part of the test you will have around a 3 minute break, at which time you will then start your Hazard Perception Test. This will include 14 short film clips where you will have to identify 15 scoreable hazards. One film clip may only contain 2 hazards so you must concentrate on each clip. Each hazard will require you to take some form of action such as change speed or direction; this is done by clicking the left or right mouse button, you will only be able to see the film clip once there is no going back.
You will be marked on the number of hazards that you correctly identify, each hazard is marked from one to five, the sooner you see the hazard the higher your score. If you randomly click the mouse button then you will receive a zero score, to pass the Hazard Test you must score 38 marks out of a possible 75, this will increase to 44 out of 75 in September 2003.
You must pass both the Hazard Perception and the multiple-choice questions to pass the Theory Test. Once you have passed your Theory Test you must pass your Practical Test within 2 years, if this is not achieved you will have to retake the Theory Test.
Contrary to popular belief the Theory Test is not easy and does not just consist of identifying road signs. The only way to pass first time is to thoroughly study the material available.