The theory test is made up of a multiple choice part and a hazard perception part. You need to pass both parts to pass it. Once you have passed the theory test you can then apply to take your practical driving test.

Part one - multiple choice

Before the test starts you'll be given instructions on how the test works. You can also choose to go through a practice session of the multiple choice questions to get used to the layout of the test. At the end of the practice session the real test will begin.

A question and several answer options will appear onscreen and you have to select the correct answer to the question by touching the screen. Some questions may require more than one answer.

Some car and motorcycle multiple choice questions will be given as a case study. The case study will show a scenario that five questions will be based on. The subject of the scenario focuses on real life examples and experiences that drivers could come across when driving. You can navigate between questions and 'flag' questions that you want to come back to later in the test.

After the multiple choice part you can choose to have a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception part starts.

The time allowed for car and motorcycle tests is 57 minutes and you need 43 out of 50 to pass.

Part two - hazard perception

After the break you'll then be shown a short tutorial video clip about how the hazard perception part works. The hazard perception part is also delivered on a computer but you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. You'll be presented with a series of 14 video clips which feature every day road scenes. In each clip there'll be at least one developing hazard, but one of the car/motorcycle clips will feature two developing hazards. To achieve a high score you'll need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development. The maximum you can score on each hazard is five. You won't be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test; as on the road, you'll only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard.

The pass mark is 44 out of 75

.© Crown copyright