Introduction
In the United Kingdom, all new drivers are obliged by law to take and pass a theory test before being allowed to take the practical driving test. You can; of course, take lessons before passing your theory test, but you cannot book an appointment for your practical test.
The theory test was introduced with the aim of creating safer drivers, and you can prepare for your test as you gain experience behind the wheel, developing skills for your practical test at the same time. If you wish to pass both tests the first time, a sound understanding of all aspects of driving is required, increasing your knowledge and giving you confidence on the road.
The theory test is comprised of two different sections, both of which have to be completed on the same day. The first part consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, followed by a video-based hazard perception test. At the end of your test, you will be given your scores, and you need to pass both sections; otherwise, you will have to retake the entire test on another occasion.
Both tests are computer-based, with the intention to test your knowledge of safe driving practices, driving theory and the rules of the road. The first part of the test, the multiple-choice section, challenges your understanding of all aspects of everyday driving, with each question having four possible answers, only one of which is correct. Some of the questions are based on case studies, and the test has to be completed within a specific time limit.
The second section of the theory test is the hazard perception test, designed to test your ability to spot hazards within enough time to take the necessary action, thus avoiding an accident. (More information on both these tests is outlined below).
The Examination Process
Multiple Choice Questions
The first part of your theory test consists of 50 multiple choice questions, five of which are based on case studies, with each question having four options to choose from. Only one answer is correct, and you will use a mouse to select your preferred choice.
Before starting the theory test, you are given the opportunity to take a practice session lasting for approximately 15 minutes. This will help you get used to the navigation system and the format of the questions. Staff at the theory test centre will be on hand to offer assistance and advice if you have any problems or difficulties.
The multiple-choice section is a timed test, with a limit of 57 minutes to answer all the questions. The screen will show how many minutes you have left, with a warning at five minutes to the time limit. Each question appears on the screen one at a time, and you are allowed to return to any of the questions to check or change your answers. The pass rate is a minimum of 43 out of 50.
The questions are knowledge-based, covering all aspects of driving, and may include topics such as alertness, safety margins, understanding other vehicles, parking and changing lanes, and dealing with incidents and accidents.
You must select one answer for each question and will not be allowed to proceed until you have done so. See below for a basic screenshot of the layout that you will be presented with during the test:
In this particular example of a visual question, you need to click the image that you think is correct. Written questions will have four options, and you need to click the box next to the answer you think is right. If you change your mind, click the image or box again and choose another response.
Although you have a time limit for the multiple-choice test, you should read the questions carefully before selecting your answer. You should be aware that some questions may take longer to answer, others you will find easier, and there are no trick questions. There is no possibility of missing an answer, as the system is designed to warn you and won’t allow you to carry on to the next question.
The time remaining to complete the test is displayed on the screen, and a useful icon will appear to alert you when you only have five minutes left. If you have special needs, extra time may be allowed, but you must notify DVSA in advance.
Questions may include a diagram, photograph or drawing and you should study the related question carefully. Before looking at the available options, try and decide in advance what you think the answer will be and, of course, if any of the options match your original thought, then you can select it with confidence. At first glance, some answers may appear similar, but by following the above system, you can avoid confusion.
Case Studies
Within the 50 multiple-choice questions, there will typically be five case studies, each based on single driving experience and will appear one at a time.
They are designed to test that you can apply the knowledge you have gained in car theory, and apply it to a real-life driving situation.
This is done by creating a set of circumstances or scenario that you may encounter while driving, followed by some questions relating to the incident, which will require you to think how you would react in each situation.
The sample case study below demonstrates how the case study questions may appear in your live test, so you’ll know what to expect.
Test Features
A useful feature is the option to flag any question that you are unsure of, and, time permitting; you can go back to it at a later stage, changing your answer if necessary after further reflection.
If you finish this part of the theory test before the time is up, you can use the ‘review’ option to check your answers. The illustration below shows what information will be displayed on the review screen, including how many questions you have answered and if you have flagged any for further consideration. If you are confident with your answers, you can finish the session before the time is up by pressing the end button.
Hazard Perception Test
After you have finished the multiple choice questions, there’s an optional break of up to three minutes before you begin the hazard perception section of the theory test, during which you can’t leave your seat. This part of the test involves watching a series of computer-generated image (CGI) video clips, during which you will be expected to identify a developing hazard. You will be using a mouse for this part of the theory test, and you can read more about the Hazard Perception Test here.
The Result
When you have completed the theory test, you will be directed to leave the room and can expect to receive your result within ten minutes. You will be given a score for each section of the test (the multiple choice part and the hazard perception part) and a list of the categories where you may have answered a question incorrectly. Unfortunately, you will not be told which questions were incorrect, only the category that they relate to. You will need to achieve a pass score for both parts, at the same time, to pass your theory test. If you, unfortunately, fail either of the elements, you will have to retake the whole test on another occasion. Please note that the questions will be different next time you take your test.
Once you have passed your theory test, you will be given a certificate that you will need to present before taking your practical test. The document is only valid for two years from the date of your theory test, and you must take your practical test within this timescale. If you do not, you will have to take and pass both sections of the theory test again before being allowed to book your practical test.
Further Information
Booking Your Theory Test
You can book your theory test online or by telephone.
If you book online or by telephone, you will be given the date and time of your test immediately. To book online, visit www.gov.uk or if you are in Northern Ireland, use nidirect.gov.uk/motoring.
You will need your DVLA or DVA driving licence number and credit or debit card details for payment purposes. The following cards are accepted for payment: Mastercard, Visa, Delta and Visa Electron.
You will receive an appointment e-mail on the same day, confirming the date of your test and a booking reference number.
To book by telephone, you need to call 0300 200 1122 (0845 600 6700 for Northern Ireland), or if you’re a Welsh speaker, call 0300 200 1133.
If you have speech or hearing difficulties and use a minicom machine, call 0300 200 1166.
If you book over the telephone and do not have an email address, you will receive an appointment letter within ten days.
Cancelling The Test
If you need to cancel or postpone your theory test, you can do this online by visiting www.gov.uk, or by telephone. You need to contact the booking office with at least three clear working days of your test date; otherwise, you will lose your fee.
Short-notice cancellation is only permitted in the following circumstances:
- If you are ill or injured and have a medical certificate to support this
- If you have been affected by a bereavement
- If you are sitting school examinations.
Under these circumstances, you can rebook your test at no extra cost; refunds are not allowed.
Languages Other Than English
All Great Britain driving theory test candidates must take their test in English or Welsh; voiceovers are not permitted in any other language. You would not be allowed to bring a translator with you under any circumstances.
In Wales, and also at theory test centres located on the Welsh borders, you can take your theory test with Welsh text on-screen. A voiceover can also be provided in Welsh on request.
Special Needs Arrangements
When you book your test, you need to notify DVSA if you have reading difficulties, a health condition or a disability, and every effort will be made to ensure all candidates can take the test with any necessary adjustments.
Reading difficulties: If you have reading difficulties or dyslexia, there is an English-language voiceover available on a headset to help you. If necessary, you can ask for up to twice standard time limit to complete the multiple-choice questions section of the test.
You will be asked to confirm your difficulties by providing a letter from a suitable independent person who knows about your reading ability. This could be a teacher or employer. Advice can be obtained from the Special Needs section using the standard telephone booking number. Original documents cannot be returned, so please send copies only.
Hearing difficulties: If you are deaf or have other hearing difficulties, the multiple-choice questions can be delivered in British Sign Language (BSL). An on-screen signer can also provide the introduction to the hazard perception test.
If requested at the time of booking, a BSL interpreter, lip speaker or signer can be provided. If you have any other difficulties or requirements, please call the Special Needs section by telephone for advice.
Physical disabilities: If you have a physical disability that makes it difficult for you to use a touch-screen system or a mouse button in the theory test, you need to advise the DVSA at the time of booking, as they may be able to make special arrangements for you to use a different method of completing your test.
Taking the Theory Test
You must make sure that when you arrive for your theory test, you have all the necessary documents required. Unfortunately, if you don’t have them, you will be unable to take your test and will not receive a refund of the test fee.
You will need your signed photo card licence, or your signed old-style paper driving licence and a valid passport that needn’t be British.
No other form of identification is acceptable in England, Wales or Scotland, and all documents must be original, photocopies will not be accepted.
Other forms of identification may be permitted in Northern Ireland; please visit nidirect.gov.uk/motoring for further information or check your appointment letter.
The staff at the test centre will check and return your documents, and make sure that you are taking the correct category of the theory test.
Make sure you get there in plenty of time, because if you arrive after the session has started, you may not be permitted to take your theory test.
Please note that you cannot take any personal items into the test room and will be expected to store mobile phones, watches, headphones and bags in a locker.