Theory test preparation
Who needs to take a vocational theory test?
You will need to take a theory test if you want a licence for a new category of vehicle. If you have a car licence and you want a bus or lorry licence you will need to take separate theory tests.
To upgrade within a vehicle category you will not normally have to take the test, for example, if you have a category C licence (rigid body lorry) and you want a C + E licence (articulated lorry) you will not have to take a theory test. You will however have to take the relevant practical test.
Anyone with sub-categories C1 and D1 entitlement who obtained those categories when they passed their car test and wants to upgrade to a C or D licence will have to obtain the correct provisional entitlement and pass a theory test.
Preparing for the theory test
The driving theory test has two parts, part one is multiple choice questions and part two is a hazard perception test of video clips in which you will have to identify developing hazards.
To prepare for both parts of the theory test we recommend that all candidates, regardless of driving experience, use the resource material available.
With your first theory test booking confirmation letter, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) send you a CD ROM which you should watch. This explains the process of taking the theory test.
The DSA also provides an online mock multiple choice test for lorry and bus candidates.
Practise theory test questions online
Multiple choice
To prepare for the multiple choice part of the theory test, there are three books known as the source material, these include The Highway Code, Know Your Traffic Signs, and the relevant vehicle Driving Skills series.
The complete set of theory test questions and answers is also available in book and CD ROM format.
Hazard perception
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has developed a modular, multi-media training resource for the hazard perception test. The resource is available in DVD and VHS video format and is called ‘The official guide to hazard perception’; this was formerly known as ‘Roadsense’.
This training resource adopts a structured approach to defining hazards, looking for clues, the ‘mirror- signal- manoeuvre’ routine, scanning and planning, prioritising, cutting down the risks and responding to hazards. The DVD also has a number of interactive, example hazard perception video clips.
The hazard perception training material has been developed, not as a ‘teach yourself’ product, but as one where guidance from a professional trainer is essential. Integrating theoretical hazard perception training into the practical training sessions will ensure that as competence is achieved in each of the necessary skills, they can be strengthened and applied while you are on the road to increase the road safety benefits.
All of these products are available to buy from most high street book shops, they are also available to order over the phone and online through the DSA bookshop.
Page last updated: 07/03/2007