How to pass your theory test

Every keen learner driver knows that the first step to getting that pink licence is passing your theory test. You can’t book your practical test until you’ve passed your driving theory test, so it’s best to get it under your belt as soon as possible. You’ll be tested on skills and knowledge that every driver needs to be safe on the roads.

So, you want to know how to pass your theory test? The key is to be prepared. We’re going to run through what to expect, how to prepare and answer some commonly asked questions about the driving theory test.

What’s the format of the theory test questions?

The theory test is split into two sections: multiple choice and hazard perception. Although it varies from person to person, you can expect to be at the test centre for around 90 minutes in total.

Theory test multiple choice questions

• You’ll have 57 minutes to complete 50 multiple choice questions
• A question will appear on the screen and you can choose from several possible answers
• If you’re unsure about an answer, you can “flag” the question and come back to it later
• You’ll watch a short video clip with no sound and answer 3 questions about it
• You can watch the video as many times as you like during the test
• There are hundreds of possible questions you could be asked. We know that sounds like a scary number, but you’ll be surprised by how quickly you pick it up
• You can go back to any question and change the answer during the 57 minutes
• You don’t have to use the full 57 minutes and can finish the test whenever you’re ready

What’s the theory test pass mark?

The pass mark is 86%, so you’ll need to answer 43 out of 50 questions correctly to pass your theory test.

Top tip: Read the question twice. You get over a minute per question so take your time and make sure you’ve understood the question. Some road signs look quite similar so it’s easy to slip up if you’re not careful.

How to revise for your theory test

1. Start with the official materials. The questions are based on 3 official books: The Highway Code, Know your traffic signs and Driving: the essential skills. You’ll find the official books, apps and practice tests on GOV.UK’s theory test revision and practice page.
2. Use a theory test app for little and often revision. There’s more on what to look for in an app below.
3. Make sure you know your road traffic signs. The free Know your traffic signs guide on GOV.UK is a really useful tool, and our guide to what road signs mean covers the ones learners often mix up.
4. Practise, practise, practise! A lot of people find just practising questions over and over is an effective way of revising. The more you do, the more questions you’ll have covered.
5. Make sure you’ve done (and passed) a mock test before the real thing. You can take a free practice theory test on GOV.UK, and most theory test apps include full mock tests too. You’ll be doing your theory test on a computer, so you might find it helpful to practise in the same way.

Are theory test apps worth it?

For a lot of learners, yes. An app lets you squeeze in revision on the bus or in a spare 10 minutes, and short, regular sessions tend to stick better than one long cram the night before.

The official DVSA theory test app is a safe place to start, because it uses the DVSA’s own revision questions and hazard perception clips. There are plenty of other apps too, and many have a free version or a trial, so you can see if you get on with one before you pay. Whichever you choose, look for:

• Full mock tests, timed like the real thing
• Hazard perception clips, not just multiple choice questions
• A road signs section, so you can learn signs by type
• An explanation when you get an answer wrong
• A way to go back over the questions you got wrong, so you can work on your weak spots

Retaking the theory test means paying the fee again and waiting for another slot, so the time you put into revision now could save you money later.

You could also have a go at our right of way quiz to make sure you’re up to speed on who has the right of way and who has to give way.

Plus, we’ve got an article on taking the theory test with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with more tips for preparation and information on accessibility.

Hazard perception test

You can take a break of up to 3 minutes between your multiple choice questions and your hazard perception test. Take a breather and get ready for the next section.

• You’ll be shown 14 video clips for your hazard perception test
• Each video clip is roughly 1 minute long
• Once each clip ends there will be a countdown timer of roughly 10 seconds until the next video
• 13 of the clips will include 1 “developing hazard” and 1 of the clips will have 2 developing hazards
• A developing hazard is something that would cause you to take action, like change your speed or direction
• You’ll be asked to click as soon as you see a developing hazard
• You can score up to 5 points for each developing hazard
• The hazard perception test is all about reactions, so the sooner you click the higher your score will be
• Good news: you won’t lose points if you click and get it wrong
• Bad news: if you click in a continuous pattern instead of reacting, you won’t get any points
• You get one attempt at each video clip and there’s no option to change your answers

Hazard perception example

A pedestrian is walking alongside the road, let’s call him Bob.

Bob is strolling down the pavement on his way to the shop. Bob’s not causing you as a driver to take any action, so he’s not a developing hazard, he’s a potential hazard.

Bob sees his mate on the other side of the road and turns to cross the street. Bob just became a developing hazard and you’ll need to slow down, which in your hazard perception test, means you’ll need to click.

There’s no harm in clicking when you see a potential hazard. Even if it doesn’t turn into a developing hazard, you won’t lose any marks.

How to pass the hazard perception test

The hazard perception test is quite challenging but it’s a really important part of your driving theory test. As we mentioned earlier, there’s a potential of 5 marks per hazard. You’ll need to get 44 out of 75 to pass.

The window of time to react to a hazard is split into 5 equal segments. If you click your mouse in the first segment you’ll get 5 points, but if you wait until you’re close to the hazard (in the 5th segment) you’ll get 1 point.

It’s a good idea to click the mouse when you see a potential hazard. This could be a car parked on the side of the road for example. Keep an eye on the potential hazard; if it starts to develop, like indicate to pull out, click your mouse straight away.

It can be hard to tell when a potential hazard turns into a developing hazard. To be safe, we’d suggest clicking multiple times as the hazard develops. If you click multiple times during the window, your highest score will be taken.

There are lots of theory test apps and resources where you can practise your hazard perception test online. But one easy (and free!) way to practise is just to look out for potential and developing hazards whenever you’re in a car. You’ll get used to the kinds of hazards drivers face on the road every day.

How long does it take to prepare for your theory test?

The DVSA recommends 20 hours of revision to make sure you’re fully prepared for your theory test. But when you get to the point where you’re consistently passing your practice tests, you’re probably ready. This may take less time for some people and longer for others.

How much does a theory test cost?

Taking the driving theory test for cars costs £23.

When can I book my theory test?

You can take your car theory test once you’re 17, or 16 if you get the enhanced rate of the mobility part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). You’ll need your provisional driving licence to book your theory test on GOV.UK.

Bear in mind that your pass will expire after 2 years, so you need to make sure you can commit to taking your practical test.

What do I need to take to my theory test?

• Your UK photocard driving licence (which is your provisional licence)
• If you only have a paper licence, you’ll also need to bring a valid passport

DVSA mean business with these rules. If you don’t bring the right documents, your test will be cancelled and you won’t get your money back.

How long does a theory test pass last?

If you pass your theory test, your certificate is valid for 2 years. If you don’t pass your practical driving test within this time, your theory test will expire and you’ll have to do it again.

Learning to drive?

If you’re learning to drive and want to speed up the process of passing your driving test, it may be helpful to do some practice outside of your lessons. Just make sure you’re insured first. With our learner driver insurance you can practise in a friend or family member’s car, with cover for up to 180 days.