Modern Driver Training

Theory and Hazard Perception

How to book, change or cancel your theory test appointment

The theory test in Loughborough can be booked, and subject to three clear working days notice, be changed and cancelled using the online booking service or the telephone. You can also download an application form and apply by post. Before you can take your theory test you will need to make sure you have a valid provisional driving licence from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The application form D1 can be obtained from your local Post Office.

Once you have a valid provisional driving licence you can book your theory test. Waiting times vary from region to region, but the target is that 95% of theory test candidates receive an appointment date within two weeks of their preferred date.

From September 2007 the number of questions contained within the multiple choice part of the car and motorcycle theory test will increase from 35 to 50. The pass mark will change from 30 to 43 for this part of the test.

PRICE: The current Theory Test Fee is £31.00

Booking online

To book a theory test online you will need:

• A valid UK provisional driving licence
• A valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted).

To book online anytime go to www.direct.gov.uk/motoringor www.dsa.gov.uk

Booking by phone

To book a theory test with an operative over the phone you will need:

• A valid UK povisional driving licence
• A valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted).

You can book a theory test over the phone using the numbers below, from 8.00am to 16.00pm except on Bank Holidays.

Theory test booking line - 0300 200 1188
Fax booking line - 0300 200 1177

(The application form can be downloaded from the above websites).

Booking by post

To book a theory test by post you will need an application form. Application forms are available online or on request from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) booking line. Payment can be made by cheque or postal order to the

Driving Standards Agency,
Booking Department,
PO Box 381,
Manchester, M50 3UW.

Postal orders and cheques must be made payable to: Driving Standards Agency. Also, please note you will need to write your Driving Licence Number on the back of the cheque or postal order. Cash payments are not accepted.

Cancelling or rescheduling a test

You can reschedule or cancel a test over the phone via the booking line or you can do it online. Providing you give the DSA three clear working days notice you can:

• Move or change your appointment
• Cancel your appointment
• Have a full refund of the test fee

Preparing for your theory test

The theory test is made up of 2 parts, the multiple choice part and hazard perception part. To properly prepare for the multiple-choice part you should study the source material. This is made up of the "Highway Code" "The Essential Skills" series of books and "Know Your Traffic Signs." The Official Theory test" series of books contain all the official questions and answers.

"The Official Theory Test" CD ROM allows you to practice mock tests. The hazard perception part of the test looks at skills such as scanning, planning ahead and having good anticipation. Talk to me about the "Roadsense" training material which is designed to help you to prepare for this part of the theory test. These products are available at a range of bookshops, from DSA's Merchandising Team DSA Website on www.dsa.gov.uk or www.dsa.gov.uk/motoring

UK residency requirments

You cannot take a test or obtain a full licence unless you are normally resident in this country. Normal residence means the place where you reside because of personal or occupational ties. However, if you have moved to the UK having been permanently resident in another state of the EC/EEA (European Economic Area), you must have been normally resident in the UK for 185 days in the last 12 months prior to your application for a driving test or a full licence.