Theory Test Questions - Theory Test Hazard Perception - Hazard Perception Video Clip - Mouse Clicking Tips

Theory Test

Theory Test Fees (includes the hazard perception) - All test times - £30.

Question section - first part of the Theory Test.

• What's involved? - using a touch screen computer, answer 50 theory questions in a time of 57mins.
• What's a pass? - answer a minimum of 43 questions correctly to pass. Results given on the day.

Hazard Perception section - second part of the Theory Test (taken on the same day).

• What's involved? - a series of 14 video clips will be shown on a computer screen. One of the clips will contain two developing hazards while the other clips will contain only one. You will be scored on how soon you respond to the hazards by clicking on the computer mouse.
  Note: you only need to click the computer mouse and DO NOT need to move the mouse pointer.
• What's the scoring - the scoring starts at 5 at the beginning of the hazard then quickly counts down to zero therefore the maximum score is 75.
• What's a pass? - score 44 or more to pass. Results given on the day.
• Tips On Clicking - as soon as you recognise a potential hazard click on the mouse button, then if the hazard develops quickly click the mouse button again. You will not be penalised for clicking the mouse button two or three times for the hazard and the system will always take the click that has the highest score for the hazard. So, for any hazard, if you click too soon (=0), then click on 5, then click again on 2, the system will give you a score of 5. Note: Do not just simply keep clicking all the way through the clips or click in a regular pattern as the system my think you are trying to cheat and present you with a score of zero for that clip. I have clicked as many as 9 times during a clip (three times for the actual hazard and three times each for what looked like two other potential hazards) and did not get penalised for clicking too often. This is because I only clicked when I saw a potential/developing hazard.

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Study material - the study material can be found in book, DVD or CD-ROM formats.

• Where to buy - from various stores as well as from the DSA website.
• Recommended Study material - The best option is the PC DVD-ROM as this now contains all the necessary info for all the tests (Theory Questions, Theory Hazard Perception and the Show & Tell) plus information on driving skills.
• Recommended buy - Your driving instructor can supply the 'Focus Driving Test Success All Tests PC DVD-ROM' for you (I've tried others but prefer the Focus format) OR you can simply pop into a supermarket (Asda, Morrisons, Tesco, etc.) where they are usually under £10.
  Make sure to chose the 'All Tests' disc.
• Tips On CD-ROM Use - The Theory Test Question Book section can be slow in turning a page. The smaller the book the quicker the pages will turn, therefore reduce the size of the on-screen book to that which is still comfortable to read. Better still, start at the back page and work forward. While the page is turning you will be able to start reading one of the next questions (this really helps).

Ayrshire Theory Test Centre - 7A Boswell Park (1st flr), Ayr, South Ayrshire, KA7 1NP - Map

Documents needed on the day of the test: - (the test WILL NOT take place without these documents)

• New licence? - the photocard & counterpart (paper part) of your valid drivers licence
• Old licence with no photo? - your drivers licence plus a valid passport.

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Special Needs - The DSA recognise that some people require alternative/extra information for their test and, if necessary, they will allocate extra time for the test. When booking your test you should inform the DSA of any of the following.

• The need for wheelchair access
• If you have hearing difficulties or are deaf and need:
• signed on-screen British Sign Language (BSL) for your test; or
• if you do not use BSL, to bring a lip speaker or signer with you.
• If you have reading difficulties or are dyslexic and need:
• an audio English version of the test; or
• additional time to take the multiple-choice part of the test.
• If you do not understand or read English and need:
• in one of 20 languages, an audio version of the test, or you would prefer to take the test in your first language;
• to bring a translator (DSA-approved) with you, if we cannot provide, in your preferred language, an audio version of the test; or
• the multiple-choice part of the test to be readable in Welsh.

Driving Test

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Driving Test Show & Tell Questions And Answers - Vehicle Safety Checks

Driving Test

Driving Test Fees (includes the Show & Tell) - Monday to Friday normal business hours - £56.50, otherwise £67 (e.g. weekends).
Those requiring an extended test the fees are - Monday to Friday normal business hours - £113, otherwise £134 (e.g. weekends).

Show & Tell section

• What's involved? - on the day of your driving test, the examiner will ask you two questions about your vehicle before you drive off.
• What's the score? - answer any one (or both) of the questions incorrectly and receive one minor fault toward your driving test. Results given on the day.
• What are the questions, (and the answers)? - Show & Tell questions (and answers).

Driving section

• What's involved? - meet your examiner in the test centre waiting area where he/she will ask for your documents and require you to sign the top of the test report to declare your residency and vehicle insurance (Glencor Driving School cars are fully insured for learner lessons, tests and post test lessons). You will then leave the waiting area and you must take your documents with you when going out to your car.
• Once outside, you'll be asked to read a car registration plate and if glasses or contact lenses are used at this point then they must be used whilst driving (the test will not continue if you are unable to read a vehicle registration plate from a distance of approx 20.5mtrs. Note: you will also not receive reimbursement for the test and will therefore have to pay for your next test).
• You will then go over to your car and be asked two of the show & tell questions.
• Finally, before driving off (with your examiner of course) to complete the driving section of your test the examiner will say:-
  • "Follow the road ahead unless road markings or road signs indicate otherwise."
  • "If I want you to turn I will tell you in plenty of time."
  • "Move off when you are ready."
• During the driving section you will be required to execute a minimum of two of the three manoeuvres.
• What's a pass? - complete approx 40 mins of driving and accrue less than 16 minor faults with no serious or dangerous driving faults. Results given on the day.
  A serious fault is one where the learner driver created the possibility of an accident but no action was taken by the examiner or any other road user.
  A dangerous fault is one where the examiner or any other road user took action to avoid an accident due to the learner drivers actions.

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Study material - your best option is to find a good driving school instructor, and if possible, drive between your driving school lessons (this helps to build your driving skills and more importantly, your driving confidence). Study material can also be found in book, DVD or CD-ROM formats.

• Where to buy - from various stores as well as from the DSA website.
• Recommended Study material - The best option is the PC DVD-ROM as this now contains all the necessary info for all the tests (Theory Questions, Theory Hazard Perception and the Show & Tell) plus information on driving skills.
• Recommended buy - Your driving instructor can supply the 'Focus Driving Test Success All Tests PC DVD-ROM' for you (I've tried others but prefer the Focus format) OR you can simply pop into a supermarket (Asda, Morrisons, Tesco, etc.) where they are usually under £10.
  Make sure to chose the 'All Tests' disc.

Driving Test Centres used by Glencor Driving School: -

• Kilmarnock - 71 Whatriggs Road, Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, KA1 3RB. Note: there is no toilet available for candidates at this test centre
- Map
• Ayr - 161 Whitletts Road, Ayr, South Ayrshire, KA8 9JQ. A toilet is available for test candidates
- Map
• Have used other Test Centres (Saltcoats and Cumnock) when, for example, pupil's from another driving school have phoned because their instructor has let them down just before their test.

Documents needed on the day of the test: - (the test WILL NOT take place without these documents)

• New licence? - the photocard & counterpart (paper part) of your valid drivers licence plus your theory pass certificate
• Old licence with no photo? - your drivers licence plus a valid passport plus your theory pass certificate.

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Special Needs - The DSA recognise that some people require alternative/extra information for their test and, if necessary, they will allocate extra time for the test. Categories considered are: -

• an interpreter with you on your test
• dyslexia
• special learning needs
• epilepsy
• deaf (profoundly or otherwise)
• heavily pregnant
• a condition which affects your body movement
• arthritis
• any missing limbs
• paraplegia
• any other special needs

Further Driving Test Related Information:-

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Can I Ask The Examiner To Permit My Driving Instructor To Sit In On My Driving Test? - YES
Although this option is available, your Glencor Driving School instructor would only ever sit in at your request and would NEVER insist on sitting in.

At the end of the driving test your examiner will give you a debrief. At this point your driving test is completed therefore it could be beneficial to ask the examiner to permit your driving instructor to listen to the debrief. Your Glencor Driving School instructor recommends this option rather than the option of sitting in on your driving test.

Do I pay my instructor two hours for the day of my driving test? - YES
Your Glencor Driving School instructor (like all other instructors) will pick you up one hour before your test (for a final recap). At the end of this hour you will be taken to the Test Centre to start your driving test (approx 40mins driving followed by the examiners debrief then the drive back home), thus making two hours on the day.

Can minor faults accumulate into serious faults during the driving test? - YES
Repeating a minor fault several times can be deemed as serious and therefore result in a test fail.

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For my driving test, can I use the car I have used for my driving lessons? - YES
The Test Centre does not supply cars for test.

For my driving test, can I use my own car? - YES
Currently, cars presented for a driving test do not require dual controls but the following criteria must be satisfied.

Cars (or vans) presented for test must be: -

• a four wheeled vehicle of no more than 3500 kilograms (kg) maximum authorised mass (MAM)
• capable of a speed of at least 100 kilometres per hour (km/h) or 62.5 miles per hour (mph)

The car (or van) must also be fitted with: -

• a seatbelt for the examiner
• a passenger head restraint, this needn't be adjustable but must be fitted as an integral part of the seat - 'slip on' type head restraints aren't permitted
• an interior mirror for the examiner's use (your Glencor driving school instructor can provide you with a suitable mirror)
• L-plates displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle but not interfering with the driver's or examiner's view
• a speedometer that measures speed in miles per hour and kilometres per hour.

The vehicle must be legal and roadworthy and have no warning lights showing e.g. the airbag warning light.

Some convertible vehicles are unsuitable for the driving test – e.g. the Ford KA convertible and Mini convertible due to the lack of all-round vision for the examiner. If you propose to use a convertible vehicle for the driving test please check its suitability when you book.

Can a Senior Examiner (SE) sit in during my driving test? - YES
Like driving instructors, the examiners are regularly checked to ensure that they keep to a high standard. If this happens for your driving test then simply remember that the SE is not assessing your driving. The SE is only assessing your examiner.

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Weather conditions/ mechanical problems etc
For the safety of the candidate and the examiner, the DSA do not conduct tests during bad light or adverse weather conditions (e.g. frost, high winds, etc.). Another appointment will be arranged at no further cost, but other compensation is not payable for these circumstances. Candidates should call the telephone number quoted on the appointment letter to check whether their test will go ahead.

If however, your test is cancelled at short notice by the DSA for circumstances other than bad light or adverse weather conditions then reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses will be considered for: -

• travelling expenses to a test centre (this is usually for theory tests but occasionally for practical tests)
• car hire cost (or the cost of your instructor) for up to 2hrs
• lost earnings through taking unpaid leave (usually for a half day).

If you are unable to complete the driving test for reasons that are attributable to you or your vehicle, then you will have to take and pay for another test.

Illegal Number Plates
The DSA has agreed with the DVLA that examiners can report any number plates which appear to be illegal.

Theory Test

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Show & Tell Questions And Answers - Vehicle Safety Checks

Show & Tell Questions (and Answers)

The following are the official DSA 'Questions' for the driving test 'Vehicle Safety Checks'.
By reading the Glencor Driving School 'Answer Details' you should be able to give the correct answers.
The four diagrams that follow will make it easier for you to identify items on your Glencor driving instructors car.

     

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Engine Oil
Question - Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Answer Details - The engine oil should be checked when the engine is cool AND switched off, if the engine has been running then it should be checked several minutes after the engine has stopped thus giving time for the oil to drain down into the engine sump. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean, then push it fully back in and leave it there for approximately 5 seconds. Pull the dipstick back out and check that the oil level is showing between the maximum/minimum levels. If low, then remove the oil filler cap and top up with the appropriate oil and amount. Do Not over fill, and, make sure the filler cap is replaced securely.

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Power Assisted Steering
Question - Show me/explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
Answer Details - With the engine switched off, use your left hand to turn the steering wheel approximately one inch and then hold it there. When the engine is now switched on the steering wheel should give a slight movement against the left hand i.e. lighten. Alternatively, as you drive off, turn the steering wheel and check that it is not ‘heavier’ than usual.

Engine Coolant
Question - Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.
Answer Details - Note: Do Not remove the coolant cap while the engine is hot as there is a danger of being scalded by hot water escaping under pressure. Check the coolant level against the maximum/minimum markers on the coolant expansion tank. If low (and only when the engine is cool AND not switched on), remove the coolant cap and top up with coolant (or clean water). If frequent topping up is required then there is a leak in the system. Have this checked and repaired.

Parking Brake
Question - Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
Answer Details - Check that the parking (hand) brake lever does not travel excessively, (the parking brake lever should not reach the end of it’s travel). Check that the parking brake holds the car stationary (particularly on a hill) and that the parking brake releases properly i.e. it does not hold the car back when trying to move off. Note: Make sure to keep your brake pedal applied while checking the parking brake, otherwise your car may move when the parking brake is momentarily released.

Windscreen Washer
Question - Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
Answer Details - Windscreen washer reservoirs generally don't have a maximum/minimum level indicator, the reservoir should simply be topped up sufficiently for your journey. If required, top up the windscreen washer reservoir with windscreen washer liquid or clean water.

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Horn
Question - Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
Answer Details - Press the horn button and listen for the horn sounding. Where possible do this when off the road but if this is not possible then make sure you will not alarm any other road users whilst testing the horn.

Brake Fluid
Question - Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Answer Details - Check the brake fluid level against the maximum/minimum markers on the master cylinder reservoir. If low, remove the reservoir cap and top up with the appropriate brake fluid (refer the manufacturer’s handbook). If frequent topping up is required then there is a leak in the system. Have this checked and repaired.

Direction Indicators
Question - Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
Answer Details - Switch on the ignition then switch on the left indicators. Walk round the car checking that the indicator bulbs, front, side (fitted on your Glencor driving instructor's car), and rear are flashing at between once and twice per second. Switch over to the right indicators and check them for correct operation. Do this off road so as not to confuse other road users.
Note: The indicator lights can also be checked by turning them all on at the same time using the hazard warning switch.

Brake Lights
Question - Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.
Answer Details - Either reverse the car up to a reflective surface so that you can check each bulb or have someone check for you. Switch on the ignition and then press the brake pedal to activate the brake lights.

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Brakes
Question - Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Answer Details - When stationary, press on the brake pedal. It should move down freely then become firm. The brake pedal should never travel to the floor of the car. Once the car is moving, press on the brake pedal and check that it is working properly and stopping the car in a straight line. The brake pedal should not feel spongy and there should be no unusual or grinding noises. If there is anything incorrect with the brakes then have a mechanic check them. Do not drive with faulty brakes.

Headlights & Tail Lights
Question - Show me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working.
Answer Details - (The ignition is not required for your Glencor driving instructor's car). Switch on the headlights then walk round the car checking that the lights are working correctly. Switch off all lights when completed (except in conditions where they will be needed while driving).

Tyre Pressure
Question - Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Answer Details - Check the tyres for obvious signs of low inflation. If low, inflate to the recommended pressure (refer the manufacturer’s handbook) using a pump and pressure gauge. Do Not over inflate.

Tyre Condition
Question - Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
Answer Details - Do not use faulty tyres. Check the tread depth of the tyres for the minimum of 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tyre and all the way round. Either use the nodules that are moulded into the tread to check the tread depth or use a depth gauge. Check both the inner and outer walls of the tyres for cuts and bulges, (cuts must not penetrate through to the webbing inside the rubber of the tyre).

Theory Test     Driving Test

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Instructions To Expect During Your Driving Test And During Your Driving Lessons

Instructions Given By The Examiner And What They Mean.

Your Glencor Driving School instructor uses these instructions during driving lessons.
The roundabout instructions listed herein are for two lanes on approach to the roundabout.

List of driving instructions that require clarification.

"Follow the road ahead unless road markings or road signs indicate otherwise."
"If I want you to turn I will tell you in plenty of time."
"Move off when you are ready."
This instruction is given just before you drive off on your driving test.
From the first line you should note that if you approach a crossroads and the examiner has not told you which way to go then you should prepare for and (when it is safe) take the road ahead. If you come to a junction and the road signs or road markings indicate that there is only one direction to turn then the examiner will expect you to be aware of this and will not tell you which way to turn.
The second line is to assure you that the examiner will always endeavour to NOT give late instructions therefore giving you appropriate time to prepare.
The third line states 'when you are ready' i.e. don't hurry. Simply make yourself comfortable and move off in good time.

"Move off when you are ready and at the end of the road turn left"
"Move off when you are ready and at the end of the road turn right"
This is used when you have stopped close to the end of the road, usually after the 'Left Reverse Round A Junction'. Remember, if you have been told to turn left then do NOT signal left until just after you move off.

"Pull up at the side of the road."
"Find a convenient place to park at the side of the road."
Etc.
Note that for these instructions you are NOT asked to park at a specific place e.g. "just before the junction", etc. therefore you should choose a place where it would be safe and legal as if you were going to leave your car there.

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"Pull up at the side of the road just before that parked car."
"Pull up at the side of the road just before the next junction on the left."
Etc.
Note that for these instructions you ARE asked to pull up at a specific place, this is usually because the examiner is going to ask you to do something e.g. a manoeuvre, therefore you should park at the specified location and not worry about whether it is a safe location to park and leave your car.

"Pull up at the side of the road just before that parked car and leaving enough space to pull out."
This instruction is usually given when the examiner is going to check your 'Angled Start'.

"Take the second road on the left, this being the first."
"Take the second road on the right, this being the first."
These instructions are used to give you time to prepare for the junction when two junctions are not far apart. If the examiner waited until you were past the first junction and then said "Take the next road" you would not have sufficient time to prepare for the junction.

"Follow left."
"Follow right."
"Veer left."
"Veer right."
These instructions are used where there is a fork in the road and there are no road markings at the fork. You should observe appropriately for the direction you will be taking and a signal is usually not necessary.

"At the next roundabout, take the road ahead."
On approach to the roundabout do not signal. After entering the roundabout, observe and signal left appropriately for exiting the roundabout.

"At the next roundabout, take the second exit to the left."
Just as for the road ahead at a roundabout do not signal on approach. If you signal on approach then other road users would interpret that as you taking the first exit on the roundabout. The instruction used 'left' therefore you should approach in the left hand lane. After entering the roundabout, observe and signal left appropriately for exiting the roundabout.

"At the next roundabout, bear left first exit."
Just as for the road ahead at a roundabout do not signal on approach. The instruction used 'left' therefore you should approach in the left hand lane. As soon as you enter the roundabout observe and signal left appropriately for exiting the roundabout.

"At the next roundabout, bear right second exit."
Just as for the road ahead at a roundabout do not signal on approach. The instruction used 'right' therefore you should approach in the right hand lane. After entering the roundabout, observe and signal left appropriately for exiting the roundabout.

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List of driving instructions that are self explanatory.

"Move off when you are ready."

"At the end of the road turn left."

"At the end of the road turn right."

"Take the next road on the left."

"Take the next road on the right."

"At the next traffic lights, turn left."

"At the next traffic lights, turn right."

"At the next roundabout, take the road to the left, first exit."

"At the next roundabout, take the road to the right, second exit."
For this instruction the examiner can also say "third exit", "forth exit", etc.


Note: Some test areas will have instructions that are applicable to those areas only therefore not all instructions are listed herein. Your driving instructor should make you aware of any specific instructions for your test area.

Be prepared and understand the examiner's instruction.