FAQs

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What is “Free Online Theory Tests”?

Free Online Theory Tests, (“FOTT”), is owned and operated by Driving Instructor Services, (“DIS”), which provides industry-specific support to hundreds of UK driving instructors that are registered with them, and is available for exclusive use by Pupils of those driving instructors to prepare and practice for the UK theory driving test.

What makes FOTT different from similar looking sites?

Apart from the fact that we’re free, you mean?
Firstly, we have over 2,500 theory questions, giving you access to a virtually unlimited number of randomly generated mock tests, and over 100 exclusive, “real life”, Hazard Perception video clips that you won’t find anywhere else, (with more being added regularly).

That’s an enormous resource by most standards.

We then filter your online Multiple choice questions to give you the best chance of identifying your weaknesses and actually learning the subject, rather than simply recognising the questions. And, using FOTT, you’ll learn exactly what constitutes a developing hazard, how the test is marked, how anti-cheat detection works plus much more!

If you follow our suggested training regime, we are confident that by the time you are getting consistent pass marks with FOTT, you’ll be ready to sit the theory test and pass it first time.

Review each clip with a timeline to discover where the hazard occurred and where the maximum score could have been achieved.

Analyse your performance over time using detailed progress reports.
Highly accurate in-built anti-cheat detection, just like the real test.

Exam hints and tips.

Why do I have to be having lessons with an instructor who is registered with you in order to use Free Online Theory Tests?

There has obviously been a substantial cost in setting up and maintaining this facility, and it’s only reasonable that instructors who have access to this facility should offer it to benefit their own pupils for commercial reasons. Whilst there are other “paid-for” sites that exist, there are few, (if any), with the sheer amount of theory training support that is available from FOTT. In addition, your theory training progress is saved via FOTT and can be monitored by your instructor via their mobile App or Online Office, which is an additional element that is available only to DIS instructors.

How should I use this site?

FOTT is divided into two sections, which reflects the structure of the actual theory test you will sit with the Driving Standards Agency, (“DSA”). The two sections are Multiple choice questions and Hazard Perception video clips.

We would recommend that you arrange your training to sit one or two mock Theory test papers every evening, each consisting of 50 theory questions, and perhaps a dozen or so Hazard Perception clips. Studying regularly and often like this is usually the most effective way of absorbing what you are trying to learn rather than trying to cram everything in at short notice as you get nearer your test date.  what you will be ultimately be tested on by the DSA on the actual theory test itself.

The scores you get whilst practicing can be analysed to show any particular topic you are weak in. As you complete more mock tests, you can compare your results to check that “learning has taken place”, and to help identify those areas you might need to focus your revision on.

I have particular problem with the Hazard Perception part of the test. Any special advice?

Remember that the ACTUAL Hazard Perception clips used by the DSA are NOT AVAILABLE, so you must be prepared for brand new clips on the test itself, but by practicing with FOTT you will soon understand the rationale behind clips, and (hopefully), get to know what the real theory test is looking for from you. Ultimately, the purpose of the Hazard Perception test is to help you become a better driver by recognising potential and developing hazards in your real-world driving, and the more clips you can access whilst you are practicing, the better driver you should become.

Although there is an element of “computer game” mentality to the Hazard Perception test process, this is unavoidable due to the technical limitations that currently exists. Until we are all able to use Star Trek Hologram technology to learn to distinguish between potential and developing hazards in the safety of our own home, you must learn to “play the game”.

(There’s also a section on this website entitled “Hazard Perception explained”, that gives more practical advice as to how to prepare for this part of the Theory test.) 

What if I stop having lessons with the instructor who is registered to use FOTT?

Unfortunately, this facility is only available to Current pupils of instructors who are registered to use it. If you change to an instructor who is also registered to use FOTT, your facility will continue, but if you stop having lessons – perhaps whilst you get practice with a friend or relative – you would only be able to get access once you were registered once again for lessons.

Do you have any plans to launch multi-lingual versions of your site?

Not at the moment, although that may change in time.

Can I use FOTT to train for my motorcycle theory test?

FOTT has been designed for persons training for their car theory test only.

There are additional questions that specifically relate to other vehicle types, (e.g. motorcycles, LGV, PDI training, etc.), that we do not include, and whilst many of the questions in FOTT are similar to those in the theory tests for other vehicle types, there is sufficient difference for us to say that you should not rely on FOTT to help you prepare for any other theory tests other than car tests. 

Can FOTT book a theory test for me?

Driving Instructor Services will be happy to book a theory test on your behalf, and will do this as a free service to you, although we will add a small charge, (currently 3%), to cover the card transaction charges levied by our card processing company. Simply phone us with your details, and have a suitable credit or debit card handy to make payment.

However, we also provide a quick link to Book your theory test with the DSA, which gives you direct access to the DSA website so that you can arrange your theory test yourself, without having to pay a card transaction charge! (The DSA will arrange the test for you without any additional charge.)

Whatever you do, we would strongly advise you stay clear of any site that purports to book a “quick” theory or practical test for you, and in doing so charges a anything other than a reasonable transaction charge to cover card processing. Many such companies may promise to get you an earlier test date than you might be able to get yourself, but the DSA do not allow driving schools to pre-book blocks of car tests, so no-one is able to guarantee to get you a better test date than your could – with perseverance - get for yourself. Many of these sites give the impression that you are booking with the DSA and that the rate they charge is the cost of the test. If you want to book a theory test online for yourself, only book at www.Direct.gov.uk/BookTheoryTest.

Do I need to take a Theory test?

(Answer courtesy of DSA)
If you are a UK licence holder, you will need to take a theory test if you want a licence for a new category of vehicle, for example, if you have a car licence and you want a motorcycle licence you will need to take a theory test. If, however, you want to upgrade within a vehicle category you will not normally need to take a theory test, for example, if you have a full automatic car licence and you want a manual car licence you will not have to take a theory test. It is your responsibility to make sure you have the correct licence for the vehicle you are driving. If you are unsure if you need to take a theory test please contact the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).

If you hold a valid Community licence and you are visiting Great Britain, you can drive any vehicle for as long as your licence remains valid. The appropriate full entitlement for the vehicle you wish to drive must be shown on your licence. The EEA countries are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom.

If you hold a full driving licence issued outside the EEA it may be possible to exchange it for an equivalent British licence. You should contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency at www.DVLA.gov.uk  to find out if you can exchange your foreign licence. If you cannot exchange your foreign licence you will have to apply for a British provisional licence and take a theory and practical test.

What documents must I take on my theory test?

(Answer courtesy of DSA)
You must bring the following documents with you. If you do not bring the right documents:
the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) will refuse to carry out the test you will lose your fee
Bring both parts of your driving licence You must bring both parts of your driving licence - the photocard and the paper counterpart.

If you have an old-style paper licence, you must take your signed driving licence and you must also bring a valid passport.

No other form of photographic identification will be accepted.

How do I arrange a theory test if I have special needs?

(Answer courtesy of DSA)
DSA provides a number of facilities for you if you have special needs. You should tell DSA about your special needs when you book your theory test so that reasonable adjustments can make for your test.

If you have dyslexia or other reading difficulties you can ask for an English or Welsh voiceover.
You can also request to have up to double time for the multiple-choice part of the theory test. If you do need more than the normal time, you must send proof of your reading difficulty to the theory test booking customer services.

If you are deaf or have hearing difficulties you can ask to take the theory test in British sign language (BSL).

The BSL interpretation will run alongside the standard test questions and answers.
If you do not use BSL, an interpreter can be taken into the test centre. This needs to be arranged through the theory test customer services section.

There is no extra fee for either facility.

If you have a special need that is not met by any of these facilities, you should contact DSA. You can then tell DSA about your needs and find out what other facilities might be available to you.

Please check the DSA website for more information: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/TheoryTest/DG_4022538

Can I take a theory test in a language other than English?

(Answer courtesy of DSA)
As of 7 April 2014 driving test candidates will now no longer be able to use foreign language voiceovers and interpreters on their test.

The changes will mean that candidates will now no longer be able to:
1. take their car and motorcycle theory tests with a voiceover in 1 of 19 foreign languages
2. use interpreters on theory tests and practical tests

Please check the DSA website for more information: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-language-driving-tests-end