Driving Tests

We have been offering Manual and Automatic driving lessons across Poole & Bournemouth since 2004. Both male and female instructors available.

Theory Test

You will need to pass the theory and hazard perception test before we can book a driving test. There are lots of different training aids on the market that you can buy to help you, your instructor will be happy to recommend the best products for you.

Your instructor will be glad to answer any questions you have on the theory test, don’t be frightened to ask. We can also arrange booking your theory test for you at no charge it just saves you the hassle you simply need to pay the DSA test fee. The current price is £23.00.

Multiple choice element in theory test
The theory test is a computer-based test at various tests centres around the country. This section is designed to test your understanding of the theory behind driving. Before the online test starts you’ll be given instructions on how the test works. You can also choose to go through a practice session of the multiple choice questions to get used to the layout of the test. At the end of the practice session the real test will begin.

You have 57 minutes to complete the test. There is a 15-minute practice session you can work through before starting the tests.

The questions in each multiple choice test vary according to the category of vehicle you’re hoping to obtain a licence for, i.e. a motorcycle theory test will contain specific questions that don’t appear in any other test. A question and several answer options will appear onscreen and you have to select the correct answer to the question by touching the screen. Some questions may require more than one answer. You can navigate between questions and ‘flag’ questions that you want to come back to later in the test. After the multiple choice part you can choose to have a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception part starts.

Hazard perception test
After the break you’ll then be shown a short tutorial video clip about how the hazard perception part works. This forms a second section of the online theory test and must be passed at the same time. This section is designed to tests your awareness of potential hazards whilst driving. The hazard perception part is also delivered on a computer but you respond by clicking a button on the mouse.

You’ll be presented with a series of 14 video clips each about a minute long, which feature every day road scenes. In each clip there’ll be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards. The videos feature various types of hazard, such as road conditions, vehicles and pedestrians. The earlier you spot a hazard developing that may require the driver to take some action, the higher the score. There are 15 scoreable hazards in the tests and candidates can score up to 5 points on each hazard.

Unlike multiple choice questions, for the hazard perception test there are no separate versions for different vehicles e.g. car, bike, heavy vehicle etc, each vehicle category takes the same test, however the pass mark is different for different categories of tests.

You won’t be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test; as on the road, you’ll only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard.

The pass mark for the car and motorcycle hazard perception part of the theory test is 44 out of 75. For lorries and buses the pass mark is 50 out of 75.

Practical Test

However nervous you may feel about starting to drive, rest assured that at PDS we are here to help you through the learning process. With the correct tuition, your confidence will develop along with your ability at the wheel of a car.

The driving test requires that you drive with a DSA examiner and complete a test route that will cover different types of roads. You will be expected to complete a manoeuvre, you may also be asked to do an emergency stop and will be asked to do a 20 minute independent drive using a sat nav or by reading the road signs.

Before you start the drive you will be asked one question on basic knowledge of the fundamental safety checks applicable to your vehicle. You will then be asked another question while you are driving the car.

These are known as “show & tell”, a copy of these questions are also listed on our site, your instructor will help you with all of these. The test lasts for approximately 40 minutes and you will be given the result at the end. PDS will book your test for you as it needs to be booked at a time that your instructor and instructor’s car are available. PDS will not charge you for booking the test you just pay the DSA test fee. The current price is £62.00. You will still have to pay the lesson price on the day, this covers the hire of the car.

Show & Tell