The theory test is a computer-based test and consists of two parts: multiple choice and hazard perception. You must pass both sections at the same time.

If you fail one section, you will have to take the whole test again. You must pass the theory test before you are allowed to book your driving test.

1. The DSA's Official Theory CD Rom – buy, beg borrow or steal this CD! It covers all you need to know for both the theory and hazard perception parts of the test. All the test questions in their exact format are on this disc, so revising with this aid means you'll be familiar with all the questions and answers.

2. Take a minimum of 10 driving lessons with an instructor before attempting the theory test so you are familiar with being on the road and can apply what you are learning to practical situations and can recognise hazards.

The pass mark is 43 out of 50 and the time allowed to complete the test is 57 minutes. Some questions may ask for two or more correct answers from a selection of four.

            i)          Read every question very carefully. Read every answer very carefully. Don't skip words, don't jump to conclusions and don't assume the question says something it doesn't.

            ii)         Don't skip words. Don't jump to conclusions. Don't assume the question says something it doesn't.

            iii)         Initially, answer those questions that you can do easily. Flag the ones you are not sure about, and then go back to the flagged questions. Often, other questions will help you remember the correct answer.

            iv)        Adopt the following criteria to help you choose the correct answer:

• Two answers will be a distracter or a red herring.
• One answer could be correct under some circumstances.
• One answer will be correct under all circumstances. (If two correct answers are required then two questions will be correct under all circumstances).
• Answer all the questions.
• You should have ten minutes or so to spare at the end of the exam. Use this time to re-read your questions and answers – you may spot errors you have made.

Take a three minute break before attempting the next part of the examination. You are allowed this break and you need this time to focus your mind for the next task.

The pass mark is 44 out of 75. There are 15 scorable hazards – 13 clips containing one scorable hazard and one clips contains two. You can score up to 5 marks for each hazard depending on how quickly you identify it.

i)          Anything that could cause a driver to reduce speed, swerve or stop is a hazard. The HPT is only concerned with developing hazards, e.g. a pedestrian about to cross the road, a car emerging from a junction on the left, a parked car getting ready to pull out, a van turning right across traffic, a green traffic light that changes as you approach it, roadworks.
            Click your mouse button as soon as you spot the hazard.

ii.)        To achieve a high score you must press for all hazards you spot AND any time something moves, be it vehicular or pedestrian.

iii)         You should be OK with several clicks per hazard as long as you don't click rhythmically. Making several clicks per hazard is important, because even if the first one is "too early", ".
the others will be noted within the "scoring window".

iv)        Don't overanalyse the clip, just click if you see any hazards and then click again but don't click rhythmically. Some drivers tend to see the hazard in advance and click before the official "scoring window" opens, thus scoring nothing. That is why we recommend two clicks per hazard.