Taking Your Theory Test: What to Expect & What’s Changed

By Blind Spot DriveBlog

Taking Your Theory Test: What to Expect & What’s Changed

Practicing in England or Wales and looking to take the theory test? There have been a number of changes in recent times to the process and requirements of the theory test itself, as well as new health and safety protocols due to the COVID-19 situation. This guide will explain everything you need to know about how the updated process of the theory test goes, what one would expect on the test day, and how you fully prepare for both test content and introduced changes.

Whether it is for the first time, or just a refresher course of the latest guidelines, let us see the details.

Key Changes to the Theory Test

The process of taking the theory test has changed in various ways to improve accessibility and to conform to social distancing measures. Here are how the major updates develop:

New Video Clip-Based Questions: From September 2020, the multiple-choice format will be different. You will no longer read a case study and then answer questions based on the given scenario. You will view a video clip and answer three questions about the viewed scenario. Apparently, this makes the test more accessible, particularly for those with reading difficulties, such as dyslexia, or other learning and development conditions, like autism.

Social Distancing and Health Guidelines: New health guidelines mean that test centers have implemented a range of measures to protect test-takers and staff alike. These include the wearing of face coverings, social distancing within the center, and enhanced hygiene procedures.

So now, let’s have a look at what to expect before, during, and after your theory test, based on these new rules.

Arrival at the Test Center:

What to Know and Bring When arriving at the test center, expect a somewhat different experience than in the past. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Arriving Alone: You must enter the testing center yourself to help facilitate social distancing. No friends or family will be allowed into the facility with you.

Face Coverings: These are highly advisable, but if you medically exempt, this is okay. In Wales, face coverings are optional you can do what feels most comfortable for you. You may be asked to remove your mask for a short time to check your identity by the staff.

Identification Check: Bring a form of identification with you; this is usually your provisional driving license. This will be needed and checked before beginning your test.

Important Note: If you have a medical condition which prevents you from being able to wear a face covering, then the DVSA should be contacted well in advance of your test date by email.

Exemptions from Wearing a Face Covering

If you cannot wear a face covering, follow these steps after you have booked your test:

Email DVSA: You will be expected to write to the DVSA by email and explain why you cannot wear a face covering.

Include Essential Details: In the subject field, ensure that you mention “face covering exemption”; in the body, include your name, driving license number, and your test details.
It’s essential that you contact the DVSA in advance; otherwise, you might as well not turn up unless you are wearing a face covering, or your test may be cancelled. Wherever possible, you will be offered an alternative test appointment at a different test centre.

Safety in the Test Centre

Once you get into the test centre, be aware that there are a number of safety protocols to help protect everyone. Here’s an overview of what to expect:

Social Distancing: Floor markings will direct you through maintaining a two-meter distance from others.
Hand Sanitizer: Hand sanitizing stations are available at entry points, and it is recommended you use these upon arrival, during the test, and before leaving.
Sanitised workstations: Each workstation, including computers and headphones, is cleaned after every use. In addition, antiviral wipes are provided to you for use to always wipe down any surface before you can store your personal things in the provided lockers. This adds to protecting you.
Protective Screens: The Reception desks are fitted with protective screens, and test center staff may also be in wearing face coverings and gloves for added safety.
All these measures are to ensure the workplace continues to stay safe not only for the occupants but also for the others concerned with the workplace.

The Theory Test Itself: What to Expect

For conducting the theory test, there are principally two components: a section of multiple-choice questions and another of hazard perception. Let us take a close look at each:

1. Multiple Choice Section with New Video-Based Questions

Old Structure: In the earlier format, it contained a case study followed by five questions.
Updated Format: You will now view a brief video clip and try to answer three questions related to the scenario. This new video format is especially useful for those candidates who have reading or learning difficulties, as the questions are presented in an easier and more interesting visual format.
Question Topics: Questions will relate to a number of subjects including road signs, rules, safety regulations, and safe driving practices.

2. Hazard Perception Test

The hazard perception test is designed to test your ability to identify developing hazards on the road. You will see a number of video clips from the point of view of the driver, and you have to indicate when you would take action because a hazard is developing.
This part remains unchanged but is significant for measuring situational awareness and reaction times.
Tip: The practice materials for both the multiple-choice and hazard perception sections on the DVSA website may prove priceless in familiarizing yourself with the test structure and question types.

Who Should Not Take the Theory Test?

You should not attempt to come to the theory test if, according to the DVSA:

You or someone you live with has developed COVID-19 symptoms.
You have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace because you have been in contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19.
You have recently travelled internationally or otherwise been advised by health authorities that you need to self-isolate.
If you are experiencing any of these, then you can reschedule your theory test without penalty. It is just commonsense in terms of health and safety for your sake and others around you, especially because you will be in a test center with many individuals.

How to Prepare for Your Theory Test?

Preparation is key to passing the theory test, and there are ways and manners you could prepare quite well:

Use Official DVSA Study Materials:

DVSA provides official materials on every theory test topic: books, DVDs, and online. Materials fully updated with practice questions, video scenarios, and hazard perception clips. Take Practice Tests: Multiple websites and applications would provide free and paid practice tests that appear like the real theory test.
The more you do, the more confident you will feel, and you will become familiar with the structure of the test, especially if one is preparing for the new video-based questions.

Brush Up on Road Signs and Rules:

Knowledge of road signs, markings, and rules forms part of the core knowledge required to undergo the theory test.
Keep in mind that you will spend extra time going over these areas, as they do come up rather frequently in both sections of multiple-choice and hazard perception.
Familiarity with Hazard Perception Clips:

Hazard perception can be challenging if you are not accustomed to knowing what to look for. The more you practice viewing clips provided by the DVSA or through other online resources, the better you will become at identifying developing hazards.
Stay Calm and Confident:

Test anxiety can impact performance. Remember, the theory test is only an opportunity to be assessed on your knowledge of safe driving; therefore, focus on demonstrating what you know.
Rescheduling and Refunds
The DVSA has an option to change the date and time for free of charge if there is some need for canceling or changing the theory test. Some reasons for rescheduling may be health concerns, self-isolation, or scheduling conflicts. Here’s how you handle it:

Visit the Website: Log in to your account and follow on-screen prompts to make changes to your appointment.
No Additional Charges: Rescheduling to another date due to health-related issues or government-imposed travel restrictions will not result in any charge.
Conclusion
The prospect of getting through the new requirements of the theory test may turn out to be an uphill task, but just a little bit of preparation will set you well on course. Familiarity with the new video-based questions, adherence to health guidelines, and preparation through practice material will make all the difference when the test comes knocking.

The theory test is an important part of becoming a safe and confident driver. You need to stay on your toes with the latest changes to the test, take enough practice, and consider health and safety in mind so that you can confidently take your test.

Prepare well for the theory test, and just remember: the road to success is paved with preparation, focus, and practice!

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