How To Pass Your Driving Theory Test

Passing your theory test is your first major step towards getting a car. Here, we break down everything you need to know so you can pass with confidence.

Contents

Do I need to take the theory test? Booking and managing your test Arriving on the day • What to take • What happens at the driving theory test? • How long does a theory test last? • Special adjustments Taking the test • Multiple-choice questions • Hazard perception test After passing the test • After passing the theory test • What if I lose my certificate? • When do I need to retake my theory test? If you’ve passed the first hurdle of getting your theory test pass certificate, head over to our complete guide on booking and passing the practical driving test. Visit our new driver page for more on learning to drive and choosing your first car.

Do I need to take the theory test?

If you want to get your first full driving licence, you need to pass the theory test. Only if you are upgrading from an automatic-only to a manual licence, or if you already have a B1 licence (for light vehicles), then you are exempt from taking this test.

Before you can book your driving theory test, you need to get a provisional licence. Learn more about how to get a provisional licence and check if you’re eligible.
You can look for the closest theory test centre to you and book a driving theory test online in about ten minutes on the dvsa.gov.uk website. You’ll need your provisional driving licence number, email address (for confirmation) and a debit or credit card to make the booking. You can easily book, check change or cancel your driving theory test through the candidate portal. To book your driving test, you need to have spent at least 185 days, in the last 12 months in England, Wales or Scotland.

The theory test costs £23 which can be paid online through a credit or debit card.
If you’ve got a Safe Road User Award, you can take an abridged theory test for £18. If you’re looking to take a test for a motorcycle, bus, tractor, or any other types of vehicle, the price will vary. Find out more about the total cost of getting your driving licence.

You need to take a photo ID, preferably a provisional driving licence (most provisional licences are a photocard now). If you have a licence from Northern Ireland, you need to bring your photocard and paper counterpart licence.
If you have an old paper licence (with no photo), you need to take a passport, as no other form of ID is accepted. Remember: if you don’t bring the right documents, you’ll lose your fee, and the test won’t happen. You aren’t allowed to carry any personal items like a bag or a smartphone in the test centre. If you bring them with you, these items will need to be stored in a locker before you take your test.

In the UK, the driving theory test typically lasts for an hour.
You can request extra time for your theory test if you have certain requirements, like dyslexia, ADHD, or another factor that might affect your ability to complete the test within the standard time. Just indicate any special requirements when you book your theory test online. You'll need to provide evidence, like a letter from a medical professional.

The DVSA has various provisions in place for those needing special adjustments. You can request for these adjustments by contacting the customer service in advance.
If you need extra support with reading, you can ask for a voice over (in English or Welsh only) and more time to complete the test. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can take the test in British Sign Language (BSL), which will run alongside the standard questions and answers. If you don’t use BSL, you can request for an interpreter can go with you to the test centre. The test centres can cater to other special adjustments as well. Make sure to contact the DVSA to discuss your circumstances before booking your test.

You need to complete two sections in the test:
1. Multiple-choice questions 2. Hazard perception test. Both sections to the test are taken on a computer, on the same day, at a pre-booked DVSA test centre. You need to pass both sections to get your driving theory test pass certificate. You are not allowed to take any personal items like phones, bags, coat, revision notes, pen and so on in with you. These items need to be stored in a secure locker while you take the test.

Part 1: Multiple choice questions

The first part of the test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, which are based on the road rules like the highway codes, traffic signs and other essential skills like safe driving.

How can I prepare for the MCQ theory test?

The MCQs are based on three key resources– The Highway Code, the ‘Know your traffic signs’ booklet, and the Essential range from the DVSA. The book is not just a key resource for the theory test, but also covers topics like how to drive in different weather conditions, fuel efficient driving, driving on different roads like the smart motorways, advice on overtaking slow-moving vehicles, and so on.
According to the DVSA, you should do at least 20 hours of revision to prepare for the test. The questions can be based on everything, from the rules of the road to safety, driving behaviour and other road users. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the theory driving test structure so that you feel confident on the day of the test and are ready to answer any question that’s asked. To prepare for the test, you can take a practice test on gov.uk, as well as on countless other sites. Practical knowledge can help make learning theoretical knowledge easier. Spending time out on the road can help you revise, especially for the hazard-perception test.

A theory test instructor will explain how the test works before it starts. You’ll also get the chance to do a practice session of the multiple-choice questions before the real test starts.
Read the instructions carefully before starting the test. The questions are multiple-choice, so several options will appear on the computer screen. You simply have to select the correct answer. In some cases, multiple answers will be correct. Three out of 50 questions will be based on a short, muted video that will be shown on the screen. You can replay the silent video as many times as you like. You don’t have to answer the questions in any particular order, so don’t waste time if you get stuck. Just make sure you leave enough time to go through and double-check your answers before your time’s up. If you have a ‘Safe Road User Award’, you can take a shorter version of the MCQ test, with 35 rather than 50 questions. You’ll still have to take the full hazard perception test.

Yes, you can flag questions you want to come back to later. You can also change your answers if you wish to.

You need to get 43 out of 50 answers right to pass this section.

You get 57 minutes to complete all the questions. After this, you can take a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception part starts.

Introduced in 2002, the hazard perception test is the second half of the driving theory test. You take it immediately after the multiple-choice questions section. It tests your ability to identify developing hazards and risks on the road.

There are various practice tests available online and on apps. We recommend that you try doing some of these tests so that you know what to expect. There’s a free practice test by gov.uk which can help you get a better understanding of the actual test.
‘The official DVSA guide to hazard perception’ is a great resource, available in bookshops and online. You can also download the app on your Apple or Android phone or tablets You can also get the guides in different languages including British Sign Language (BSL), provided by the DVSA. Spending time on the road, both as a driver and a passenger can help you get a better understanding. You can also ask your driving instructor for help in identifying ‘developing hazards’ while driving.

Like the MCQ test, it starts with an introductory video that explains how everything works, followed by a chance to practice and make sure the system is working properly. The test lasts 20 minutes. In that time, you’ll watch 14 video clips of everyday driving scenarios. 13 clips will show one ‘developing hazard’ i.e. something that may result in you having to take an action such as changing direction or speed. One of the clips will contain two hazards. Before the silent video starts playing, there will be a countdown so that you can get ready. In each video, you’ll have to respond to the hazard by moving the cursor over it and clicking it. The sooner you click, the higher your score will be, with the highest score being five.
However, you can’t just click away at random because the computer will recognize what you’re doing, and you’ll score zero for the video clip. Each time you click, a red flag will appear at the bottom of the screen so that you know your click has been registered. For example, you can correctly spot what turns into a hazard very early on, but if you click on it too quickly, before it has become a ‘developing’ hazard, you’ll end up scoring zero.

No, you can’t run through the video more than once to review or change your response.
After all, out in the real world, you couldn’t run through an incident again.

You should be looking out for the everyday challenges drivers face on the road. These can include scenarios like pedestrians walking off the pavement, children playing, oncoming traffic, animals, and even car doors opening.

To pass your hazard perception test, you must score at least 44 out of 75. You’ll get your result at the centre after the tests are complete.

You have to pass both parts of the test. If you fail one part, you fail the whole test, and you’ll need to retake both parts.
You have to wait three days to retake the test, but there’s no limit to the number of times you can retake the test.

If you pass both parts of the test, you’ll get a certificate which you’ll need when you book your practical test.
This certificate is valid for two years. If you don’t pass your practical test within that time, you’ll need to retake and pass your theory test. Once you’ve got your certificate, it’s time to prepare for your practical driving test. Head over to our guide on how to book, manage and pass your practical driving licence, and we’ll get started!

If you lose your theory test certificate in the UK, you can request a replacement from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
Contact DVSA by visiting the official DVSA website or calling their customer service line, and explain you've lost your theory test certificate and need a replacement. You'll likely need to provide personal information like your full name, date of birth, and address. They may also ask for other details like your theory test pass certificate number if you have it. There may be a fee associated with getting a replacement certificate. The exact amount can vary, so it's best to check the current fees on the DVSA website. Once you've provided the necessary information and paid any required fees, DVSA will process your request and send you a replacement certificate. You'll need your theory test certificate when you book your practical driving test, so it's advisable to get a replacement as soon as possible if you've lost the original. Keep the replacement certificate in a safe place to avoid any future issues.

No, once you have passed your theory test in the UK, you don't need to retake it unless your license expires or you are disqualified from driving for any reason.
That said, it's important you continue learning and stay up-to-date on road rules and safety to be a responsible and safe driver. If you haven't driven for a long time, it might be worth taking some mock tests to boost your confidence but you won't need to book an official one.