The first step, before you book your theory test, is to apply for a provisional driving licence. You can either apply online or by completing a D1 application form which is available at most post offices. The cost of a provisional driving licence is currently £38.00.

The easiest way to book your driving theory test is to use the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) online booking service . Alternatively, you can book by phone on 0300 200 1122.

The theory test has two parts. The first part consists of 50 multiple choice questions, chosen at random from a bank of over 1,000. You are given 57 minutes and you must answer at least 43 questions correctly in order to pass this part of the test.

The multiple choice questions are followed by the hazard perception test, which consists of 14 one-minute video clips. In each clip, you are asked to identify potential hazards to you as a driver in real time. Each clip contains at least one hazard. There are a total of 15 hazards in the 14 video clips and depending on how quickly you identify each, you will be given a score between 0 and 5. You will need to score at least 44 out of 75 in order to pass the hazard perception component. In order to pass your theory test as a whole, you must pass each of the multiple choice and the hazard perception components separately.

Many driving schools offer their own reading materials and online test simulations. This can often be confusing for learner drivers as such materials are often inconclusive. We recommend you use "The Official DSA Theory Test", which is the only book that includes the entire bank of theory test questions and also gives full explanations of the answers. It is written by DSA, the people who set the tests. You can either buy it online at Amazon.com or at most high street book sellers.

We are all different in the amount of practice we require in order to pass an exam. It is generally recommended that you allocate enough time to read through the DSA Theory Test book at least once and attempt to answer all the theory test questions. As most people who take their theory test are also working or studying full time, it makes sense to start studying for your test at least one month in advance.

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