The Theory and Hazard Perception Test - Part One

The theory test is split into two sections – Multiple Choice questions and Hazard Perception Test.

The first section consists of multiple choice questions.  The potential driving instructor will have 90 minutes to answer 100 questions which are split into 4 bands which are :

• Knowledge of road procedure.
• Knowledge of traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanical issues.
• Knowledge of the driving test, disabilities and the law.
• Knowledge of publications and instructional techniques.

The purpose of the banding is to ensure that the potential driving instructor has comprehensive knowledge across the whole syllabus.  The pass mark for the multiple choice theory test is 85% - that is 85 questions answered correctly.  However, candidates must get a minimum of 80% (20 out of 25) in each of the 4 bands.

Please note:  It is possible that candidates could get an overall pass mark of 85% or above and still fail the theory examination because they have not achieved the minimum of 80% in one of the bands.

The second section of the theory test is a computerised hazard perception test. The potential driving instructor will be presented with 14 video clips which will feature everyday road scenes.  Each of the video clips will have at least one developing hazard, one clip will have two developing hazards.  In total there will be 15 developing hazards which will need to be identified.

The potential driving instructor is tested on the following areas :

• Having good hazard perceptions skills and being able to anticipate and plan for potential hazards.

To achieve a high score candidates will need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development.  The maximum score on each hazard is 5.  The pass mark for the hazard perception section of the theory test is 57 out of 75.