Before you can sit your Driving Test, you must first pass the DSA Theory Test and Hazard Perception Test.

It is recommended that you at least have some practical driving experience before you sit the Theory Test and Hazard Perception Test, as this will aid in your all-round understanding of driving and will be excellent preparation for the Hazard Perception Test.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) strongly recommends that you study the books from which the Theory Test and Hazard Perception Test questions are taken, as well as the questions themselves. The most relevant Theory Test and Hazard Perception Test books are:

Additional Theory Test study aids are also available, as follows:

The DSA Theory Test is undertaken at test centres located throughout the country.

The first part of the test is the Theory Test and consists of 50 multiple choice questions. The answers are selected by using a touch screen monitor.

The Theory Test questions presented cover a wide variety of topics relating to road safety, the environment and driving related documentation. The test lasts no longer than 57 minutes and the pass mark currently sits at 43 correct answers out of a possible 50.

After the multiple choice part of the test, you then have a three minute break before you sit the Hazard Perception test.

The Hazard Perception test itself consists of 14 film clips, each containing one or more developing hazards. As soon as you see a hazard developing, you press the mouse button of the PC. You are marked on your response time, therefore, the earlier you see the developing hazard, the better score you will receive.

The hazard perception test lasts no longer than 20 minutes and the pass mark currently sits at 44 out of a possible 75.

You are normally presented with your Theory Test results about 10 minutes after completing both parts of the test. You need to pass both parts of the test. If you fail one part of the test, you need to resit the entire test again at a later date.

When you pass the Theory Test and Hazard Perception Test, you will be given a certificate that needs to be presented when you take the Driving Test.