The driving theory test is about to change - here's everything you need to know

The way the theory test works in England, Scotland and Wales will change this year, which will make it more accessible, especially to people with reading difficulty, learning disabilities and developmental conditions.
The driving theory test is about to change - here's all you need to knowThe driving theory test is about to change - here's all you need to know
The driving theory test is about to change - here's all you need to know

The change, which only applies to car theory tests for the moment, will be using video clips instead of written case studies, from April 14 2020.

At the moment, those taking the test have to read a case study and then answer five questions about it, which tests their knowledge and understanding of road rules.

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But from April 14, you will watch one video clip instead and answer three questions about it.

How using a video clip will work

You’ll watch a short, silent, video clip and answer three multiple-choice questions about it. You can watch the video clip as many times as you like during the multiple-choice part of the theory test.

What the video clip will look like

The video clip will show a situation, such as driving through a town centre, or driving on a country road. The type of questions you’ll answer about the video clip

Youll watch a short, silent, video clip and answer threemultiple-choice questions about it. You can watch the video clip as many times as you like during the multiple-choice part of the theory test.Youll watch a short, silent, video clip and answer threemultiple-choice questions about it. You can watch the video clip as many times as you like during the multiple-choice part of the theory test.
Youll watch a short, silent, video clip and answer threemultiple-choice questions about it. You can watch the video clip as many times as you like during the multiple-choice part of the theory test.

You’ll answer questions like these:

* Why are motorcyclists considered vulnerable road users?

* Why should the driver, on the side road, look out for motorcyclists at junctions?

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* In this clip, who can cross the chevrons to overtake other vehicles, when it’s safe to do so?

The video clip will show a situation, such as driving through a town centre, or driving on a country road. The type of questions youll answer about the video clipThe video clip will show a situation, such as driving through a town centre, or driving on a country road. The type of questions youll answer about the video clip
The video clip will show a situation, such as driving through a town centre, or driving on a country road. The type of questions youll answer about the video clip

For each of the three questions, you’ll have to choose the correct answer from four possible answers.

What the screen will look like

The left-hand side of the screen will show the video clip, with controls to: play the video, pause the video, move to a specific part of the video on a progress bar and watch the video using the full screen.

The right-hand side of the screen will show the question and four possible answers.

Who this change will affect

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All car theory tests will use video clips from 14 April 2020. This includes if you fail a test before then and retake if from April 14 2020, your test is cancelled or moved for any reason, and your new test date is from April 14.

What’s not changing

You’ll still need to study the same books and software to prepare for your theory test. You’ll still need to answer 50 multiple-choice questions within 57 minutes, get 43 our of the 50 questions right to pass the multiple-choice part of the test.

The hazard perception part of the test is not changing. This is where you watch video clips to spot developing hazards.

Tests that are not changing

The change does not yet apply to motorcycle, lorry, bus or coach theory tests, along with approved driving instructor (ADI) part 1.

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Other support for people with a reading difficulty, disability or health condition

You can have reasonable adjustments made to your theory test if you have a reading difficulty, disability and/or a health condition. These include extra time to take the test, someone to read what's on screen and record your answers and someone to re-word questions for you.

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