For driving instructors or those thinking about becoming a driving instructor.
The
Tests
Theory Test and Hazard Perception Test
Information can be found in:
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The Highway Code
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The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) book - The Official Theory Test
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Know Your Traffic Signs
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CD-ROM's containing Hazard Perception Test (HPT) video clips can be hired for a small fee from DorWey Driving School
The Theory Test takes place over 40 minutes* and consists of 50 multiple-choice questions of which the candidate must answer at least 43 correctly. The test is taken in Weymouth.
The Hazard Perception Test consists of 14 video clips, which include 15 (scoreable) developing hazards. Each clip lasts about a minute. The earlier the candidate recognises the hazard, (registered with a click of the mouse button), the higher the score. There is a maximum of 5 points for each hazard. The minimum pass mark is 44 out of a possible total of 75.
You must pass both elements in order to pass the Theory Test, after that the Theory Pass Certificate is valid for two years.
You can book the theory test by telephone, or over the Internet. You will need to have your driver licence number available when booking. Please click 'Driving Standards Agency', on the 'Links' page, for more information.
* People with special needs may apply for additional time (up to 80 minutes) when they are booking their test.
In the majority of cases it should be unnecessary to pay an instructor to help with the Theory Test. For most, the Theory Test is just a matter of studying and reading the right books. Some with special needs may require assistance, but friends and relatives will probably be willing to help. If there is no alternative I will happily assist, and I am always ready to answer any specific test-related questions during the driving lessons.
With DorWey Driving School, training for the Hazard Perception Test starts almost from the first lesson. Students are taught to recognise hazards and build them into their ‘driving plan’. (In fact hazard perception was a keystone of DorWey training, well before the Hazard Perception Test was introduced into the Theory Test.) CD-ROMs, covering the HPT, are available for loan from DorWey.
NB. The Theory Test has to be passed before you can apply for the Practical Driving Test.
Practical Driving Test
Revising material can be found in:
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The Highway Code
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Driving - The essential skills
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DorWey Training Modules
The Driving Test lasts for about forty minutes and takes place in Dorchester. Once the documents (both parts of the driving licence and theory pass certificate) have been inspected by the DSA Examiner, the candidate will be taken outside where eyesight is checked.
Before the driving part of the test commences the candidate will be asked two questions about the car. These questions come under the heading of 'Show me/Tell me'. For example the candidate could be asked to demonstrate ('Show me') how to open the bonnet, and explain how they would check the oil level. They may also be asked to explain ('Tell me') how they would check the brake lights are working.
All the questions and answers will be found in the DorWey Logbook. Using the logbook, and with the help of family or friends (plus any available car), the pupil will be able to get a firm grasp on the subject, in their own time, and at their own pace. This knowledge will be thoroughly checked before the Driving Test, and at the same time the pupil will be made aware of the engine bay layout of the school car. *
The Driving Test may cover routes through town, on dual-carriageways and rural routes. The Driving Test will also incorporate two reverse manoeuvres and possibly the emergency stop.
The examiner will be looking for a very high standard of driving before he/she is able to give you a pass. At DorWey you will be thoroughly prepared for this test!
You can book the test by telephone, or over the Internet. You will need to have your driver licence number, and your theory pass certificate number available when booking. Please click 'Driving Standards Agency', on the 'Links' page, for more information.
* This way the time/cost for the pupil is kept to a minimum. These checks are very straightforward and most pupils will know someone who can help them. However if this is not possible the pupil will be taken through the full Show me/Tell me syllabus during normal driving lessons.