Everything you need to know about the UK Driving Theory Test

The Driving Theory Test was introduced on the 1st of July 1997 and is the first step in becoming a full UK driving licence holder.

You must pass both parts of the Theory Test (the multiple-choice part AND the Hazard Perception Test) before you can book your Practical Driving Test.

Who sets the Driving Theory Test?

The Theory Test is set by the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA); a government body responsible for driver education.

You shouldn’t confuse this with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), which is responsible for the issuing of drivers’ licences and your Provisional Driving Licence.

How much does the Driving Theory Test cost?

The current Theory Test fee for car drivers in the UK is £23.

See our other blog for more information on test costs.

 

Where do I sit my Theory Test?

You will sit your test in a designated official DVSA Theory Test centre.

How is the Theory Test taken?

The Theory Test is taken on a computer at an official DVSA test centre and consists of two individual tests which must both be taken on the same day.

The first is a multiple-choice test based on the rules of the road, as set by the DVSA, and the second is a Hazard Perception Test.

What is the pass mark for the car Theory Test?

The current pass mark for learner car drivers in Great Britain and Northern Ireland is 43 or more out of 50.

For the Hazard Perception section of the test, you need to score 44 out of 75.

 

The current pass rate is only 47.3%, meaning that over half of everyone who takes the Theory Test WILL FAIL!

This is why it’s so important to thoroughly revise and practise!

---

How do I pass my car Theory Test the first time?

There is a simple answer to this question. Revise, revise, revise!

You can revise for the motorcycle and car Theory Test using the award-winning Driving Test Success 4 in 1 App where 9 out of 10 learners pass the first time!

Named Apple UK’s No.1 paid downloaded app for 2019, it is available for iOS and Android devices for only £4.99!!

Just click on the image below to go to your App Store and start your revision today:

 

---

What do I have to do to pass the Theory Test?

For the multiple-choice test, you will be required to answer 50 questions covering topics that include alertness, attitude, safety, road signs, and much more.

You will be allocated 57 minutes to complete the first part of your Theory Test and you must get at least 43 questions correct to pass.

Before the Theory Test begins you’ll be given full instructions on how the test works. It’s important to listen carefully so you know what to expect and can react accordingly.

You also have the option of going through a practice session of the multiple-choice questions to get used to the layout of the test.

If you choose to do this, your real Theory Test will begin at the end of your practice session.

Read our blog outlining what happens on the day of the test.

UK Driving Theory Test

What sort of questions will I be asked?

You’ll be asked questions taken from the 14 official question categories set by the DVSA.

These are; Accidents, Alertness, Attitude, Documents, Hazard Awareness, Motorway Rules, Other Types of Vehicle, Road and Traffic Signs, Rules of the Road, Safety and Your Vehicle, Safety Margins, Vehicle Handling and Vulnerable Road Users.

In total there are 730 Driving Theory Test questions for car drivers that you could be asked, so it’s wise to get in as much practise as you possibly can!

What happens if I arrive late at the Theory Test centre?

Before your test, you are given a 15-minute window of time to arrive at the test centre. So long as you arrive during this allocated time period you will be allowed to take the test.

If you do arrive late you WILL NOT be allowed into the exam room as this will distract the other candidates and you WILL lose your fee.

What happens on the Driving Theory Test?

During the test, a question and several possible answers will appear onscreen and you have to select the correct answer by touching the screen

You can navigate between questions and ‘flag’ questions that you want to come back to later in the test.

The last three questions in the car driver’s theory test will be linked to a scenario introduced via a short video, In the motorcycle theory, the last five questions relate to a scenario explained by a short text description. These scenarios focus on real-life examples and experiences that drivers could come across when driving.

After the multiple-choice part, you can choose to have a break of up to three minutes before the Hazard Perception Test starts.

The Hazard Perception Test is basically an interactive video test where you have to scan different road settings from a driver’s viewpoint and identify hazards as soon as they develop.

For more information, we’ve written a guide of what to expect on the day of your Theory Test.

How difficult is the Driving Theory Test?

This is a tricky question to answer as it depends on how much you practise beforehand, but on average, around one in three people will fail their Theory Test.

It also depends on the quality of your learning materials, especially when it comes to the Hazard Perception part of the test.

The Hazard Perception Test is considered by many to be more difficult than the multiple-choice part because there is no way of previewing the actual video clips before your test.

Find out more information about the Hazard Perception Test by reading our Hazard Perception Test 2020 FAQ blog.

How long is the Theory Test certificate/letter valid for?

Your Theory Test certificate is valid for 2 years from the date of issue.

If I fail my Theory Test, when can I rebook?

You will need to wait at least three clear working days before you are able to re-book your Theory Test.

Buy online now

I’ve lost my Driving Theory Test certificate, what should I do?

You will need to contact the DVSA if you have lost your Theory Test certificate. They will not be able to issue a replacement certificate but they will send you a letter containing your certificate number.

---

About the Abridged Theory Test

Since October 2009, the DVSA has been offering learner car drivers that have undertaken the training for and passed the new “pre-driver qualification” a credit towards their driving theory exam, also known as the Abridged Theory Test.

Although it is still necessary to sit the Theory Test, if you’ve passed the Safe Road User Award in the last 3 years, you will only have to answer 35 questions instead of the usual 50. The number of hazard perception clips will remain the same at 14.

Remember, that the credit is only valid if you sit your Theory Test within three years of passing the Safe Road User Award. The DVSA is also proposing that the fee for the Abridged Theory Test be proportionally reduced.

---

Join the best learner driver community on Facebook

If you’d like more help, support, advice and top tips to help you pass the Theory Test, then join our Learner Hub Community on Facebook!

With over 5,800 members, our community has helped thousands of learner drivers with first-hand advice and support. Just click on the image below and become a member today!