How to pass your driving theory test

Driving theory tests can be a bit like washing the dishes – you want to put it off for as long as possible!

But you don’t need to dread taking your theory. While we can’t help with those dirty dishes, we can help you prepare and pass your test by sharing our top tips.

Read on to find out more:

What is the driving theory test?

The UK driving theory test is designed to test your knowledge and understanding of the road, including signs, road markings, and potential hazards.

The test has two parts: a multiple-choice section followed by a hazard perception test. Both parts need to be completed on the same day and you’ll have 57 minutes to answer 50 questions.

To pass, you need to score at least 43 out of 50 in the multiple choice and 44 out of 75 in hazard perception.

There are approximately 1000 potential questions in the DSA Theory Test handbook and your 50 will be picked from this selection at random.

How to book your driving theory test

Ready to book your test? There are a few things you’ll need to check first:

• You must be at least 17 years old
• You must have a provisional driving licence
• You must have lived in the UK for at least 185 days in the past year

To book, simply visit the gov.uk website – it’ll take around 10 minutes in total and you’ll be able to book a time slot at a testing centre near you.

Car and motorbike theory tests cost £23 while a lorry or bus theory will set you back £60.

What do I need for my driving theory test?

On the day, you’ll need to bring your UK photocard driving licence and wear a face mask (unless you’re medically exempt). In Northern Ireland, you’ll need your paper licence too.

During the test you won’t be allowed any personal belongings including mobile phones, earphones, and watches. Don’t worry; all testing centres have a secure storage area where candidates can store their belongings. 

What happens during and after the test?

During the test

When you arrive, you’ll be asked for your name and licence. Your personal belongings will then be placed in a locker or secure box for safe keeping.

You’ll then be assigned a computer and given all the information you’ll need such as how long you’ll have to complete the test, the format, and how many questions you can expect.

Before starting, you can choose to try some practice questions. We’d recommend this as it’ll help you get used to the test format before it counts.

You’ll complete the multiple choice test first. If you’re not sure on a question, you can flag it and return to it at the end.

Next, you’ll begin the hazard perception section. Again, you can choose practice questions to warm up.

The hazard perception test features 14 clips that last around a minute each. There’s a handy 10 second countdown at the end of each clip so you can prepare for the next one.

After the test

You did it! Once you’re finished, you’ll head back to the admin desk and claim back your belongings. You’ll need to wait before they call you back to confirm whether you’ve passed or failed.

Top tips for taking your driving theory test

OK, so now you know what to expect, here are some handy tips to help you trump the test.

Tip 1: Practice, practice, practice

It may be a cliché but it’s true, practice makes perfect. There are some great resources out there to help too.

The gov.uk website has mock multiple choice and hazard perception tests. There are three free hazard perception clips, but you can subscribe to access more.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) also publish their own official theory test handbook, which includes all the possible questions you might have to answer on the day.

Of course, it’s virtually impossible to remember almost 1000 answers but having a read through the book can help you prepare and feel more confident when you come to take the test.

Try to start revising at least four weeks before your theory test (or longer if you can).

Tip 2: Know the highway code

You can buy a copy of the Highway Code in most bookshops and online. It details the laws that govern roads in the UK and will help you with both the multiple choice and hazard perception parts of the test. It’ll also come in handy during your practical, so it’s a worthwhile purchase.

Tip 3: Arrive early

No-one likes feeling flustered, especially when they’ve got a test to take. Take some of the stress out of the day by making sure you leave enough time to get to the test centre, especially if you’ve not been there before.

Tip 4: Plan your revision schedule

The DVSA recommend that candidates put in 20 hours of revision before taking their theory test. As with most exams, it’s best to do this little and often in the lead up to test day.

If you have a tight schedule, you could put a revision timetable together in advance.

Tip 5: Take a few minutes

While the test has a set time, you don’t have to rush through it. You’ll also have the option to take a breather for a few minutes before the second part of the test begins. It’s a great opportunity to compose yourself, take a deep breath, and relax those shoulders.

Tip 6: Flag tricky questions

Stuck on a tough question? You’re not alone! Flag it and move on so you don’t waste time, can return to it at the end and feel less under pressure.

Tip 7: Raise your awareness

If you’re taking your theory test, you may already be taking driving lessons. These lessons are a great opportunity to use the theory in practice.

But even if you’re not in the driving seat, you can practice being more aware of your surroundings while travelling by car. Observe the road, look out for cyclists or pedestrians, and consider how you’d act when driving.

Tip 8: Keep calm and carry on

If you fail your driving theory test it’s not the end of the world – we promise. In fact, over half of candidates fail first time. You can always rebook your test and try again, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself on the day.

What happens if I pass my driving theory test?

Passed your test? Congratulations! You’re now ready to book your practical theory test when you and your instructor feel you’ve had enough lessons, which you can do on the Gov.uk website.

What happens if I fail my driving theory test?

Never mind, it’s more common than you think, and you can rebook just three working days after you’ve taken your first theory test.

Don’t rush back though. Make sure you understand where you failed on your test, focus on that area, and allow for more time to revise before taking the test again.