The theory test is made up of two parts; the multiple choice part and the hazard perception part. The multiple choice part is delivered using a touch screen computer and mouse and the hazard perception part records your responses through your mouse click. You must pass both parts to pass the theory test. If you pass one part and fail the other you will fail the whole test, and subsequently will have to take both parts again.
The hazard perception test is the same for each vehicle category, however the pass mark will be different depending on which vehicle category test you are doing.
Download Theory Test Application Form (pdf 80kb, opens in new window)
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The theory test is available at six theory test centres throughout Northern Ireland and is available on demand folowing application to DVTA and the necessary check being carried out.
View Theory Test Centre Locations (Will redirect you to Driving Theory Test Section of website)
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In this part of the test you will be asked 100 questions split into four bands. For every question there will be four possible answers. You answer the questions by touching the computer screen to select the answer from the selection shown. To pass the test you must answer at least 85 questions correctly with a minimum of 20 correct answers in each band. This part of the test will last one and a half hours. You will have the option to work through a practice session lasting 15 minutes to help you get used to the system before you start the actual test.
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After an optional break of up to 3 minutes the hazard perception test will begin. To start with you will be shown a tutorial video, showing a sample of test clips and a recorded explanation of how the test works. You may repeat this session once if you wish.
The test consists of 14 video clips, each lasting about 1 minute and containing at least 1 hazard. The clips feature normal driving situations which involve other road users. As soon as you see a hazard developing which may result in you as the "driver" taking action, such as changing speed or direction, you press the mouse button. Each test contains 15 hazards.
You can score up to 5 marks for each developing hazard. The marking for each scoreable hazard depends on how early in the clip you detect the hazard. If you fail to respond within the scoring area of the clip, you will score 0 points. If you continually press the mouse throughout the clips in the hope of getting some points, a warning message will appear advising that you responded to the clip in an unacceptable manner and you will score 0 points. What matters is when you click on the mouse. It does not matter where on the screen you click. You must score at least 57 out of 75 to pass this part of the test.
Additional facilities will be available for people with special needs.
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You must pass both parts of the test at the same time. You will be given your result once you have completed both parts and have returned to the waiting room. DVTA will be advised of the result of your test and you may apply either for your Part I again (if you have not been successful) or your Part II (if you have been successful). You will be given the appropriate form when you receive your result at the theory test centre. Only 3 attempts at the Part I are permitted within a two year period from the date of the first test.
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The theory test calls for a higher standard of knowledge than for a learner driver. The questions are based on all or any of the following:
- principles of road safety generally and their application in particular circumstances;
- techniques of driving a car correctly, courteously and safely including control of the vehicle, road procedure, recognising hazards and taking proper action, dealing properly with pedestrians and other road users, the use of safety equipment;
- the theory and practice of learning, teaching and assessment;
- tuition required to instruct a pupil in driving a car, including the items set out above, the correction of pupils errors, the manner of the instructor, the relationship between instructor and pupil, and simple vehicle adaptations for disabled drivers;
- the HMSO booklet "The Highway Code" which you can get from most bookshops;
- the DSA publication "The Official Driving Test";
- interpretation of reasons for failure given in Form DL9A Driving Test Report;
- knowledge, adequate for the needs of driving instruction, of the mechanism and design of a car; and
- the official DSA publication "Driving the essential skills" published by HMSO, which you can get or order from most bookshops.
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How to become an ADI: Theory Test