Driving Theory Test

The first driving test you will need to pass is the theory test which you need to pass before you can take the practical driving test.

Preparing for your theory test 

The driving theory test will be based on the Highway Code, traffic signs and other driving skills. There are several apps you can download to your smartphone to help you practice. You can also purchase a book containing a copy of the Highway Code and lots of practice questions. There are also free practice tests available on the DVSA website. 

You will need to book your theory test on the DVSA website and there is a cost of £23.

During the test 

When you arrive at the test centre you will need to sign in and leave all of your belongings in a locker. Items such as mobile phones or other devices, watches, bags and jackets cannot be taken into the test. 

You will be in a room with other candidates however you must not speak to them or distract them in any way. There are screens separating each computer so you cannot cheat. Remember you will be supervised at all times by staff. 

When you enter the room you will be assigned a computer and logged on. Before you begin the actual test you will have the option of taking part in a practice test with 5 questions (this won’t count as part of your score). Although this is entirely your choice, it is a good idea as it lets you see how the questions will be presented. 

When you are ready you will begin the test. The multiple-choice section will come first followed by the hazard perception test. 

For the multiple-choice section, you will be asked 50 questions for which the pass mark is 43. If you are unsure of a question you can ‘flag it’ and come back to it at the end. You will have 57 minutes to complete the test and you can take a break for a couple of minutes afterwards before moving on to the next part of the test.

Next, it will be the hazard perception test. Again you will have the option of having a practice test before the real thing. 

You will be shown 14 video clips of various roads and driving conditions. These will feature various situations such as busy main roads, country roads, roads with lots of parked cars and pedestrians or roads with sharp bends. They will all contain at least one developing hazard. You will need to click every time you see a possible hazard developing. Do not be tempted to continuously click in the hope you will eventually click on a hazard. This will be picked up on and will lower your score. 

Results

Once you have finished the test the staff will let you know what your results are. If you have passed you will be given a pass certificate which you will need to keep safe as you will need this when booking your practical test. 

If you have not passed you will be given a letter outlining your scores and what areas you did not perform as well in. This will help you identify the topics you need to look over. Try not to worry about failing your theory tests as more than half of learner drivers fail their theory test first time. 

You must wait 3 days before you can book another theory test.