Taking the theory test
Information on taking the theory test and what it involves.
Taking the test - cars and motorcycle drivers
The theory test for car and motorcycle drivers is made up of two parts taken at the same time - multiple choice and hazard perception. You must pass both parts of the test to get a test certificate.
Delivery of the test
Your responses to the multiple choice and hazard perception parts of the test are recorded through the use of a computer mouse button.
If you pass one part and fail the other, you fail the whole test and will need to take both parts again.
When you take the theory test, you will be asked some specific questions about the particular category of test being taken (motorcycles or cars). As well as questions that apply to all road users.
Part one - multiple choice
Before the test starts, you’ll be given instructions on how the test works. You can also choose to go through a practice session of the multiple choice questions to get used to the layout of the test. At the end of the practice session the real test will begin.
A question and several possible answers will appear on screen and you have to choose the right answer to the question.
Car drivers and motorcyclists will be asked 50 questions and the pass mark is 43 out of 50. You will have just under an hour to answer the questions. If you have reading problems, you can apply for more time and have just less than two hours to answer the questions.
In some test categories, some of the multiple choice questions will be presented to you in the form of a case study. A case study shows a scenario on which five questions will be based. The subject of the scenario will focus on real life examples and experiences that you might meet when driving.
The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) publications 'The Official Theory Test for Motorcyclists' and 'The Official Theory Test for Car Drivers' have been updated to show an example case study.
Car theory test changes
Changes are sometimes made to the car theory test to improve the user experience and make it more accessible to everyone. This page outlines any changes that have been made to the test.
Video clips have replaced written scenarios, bringing the test up-to-date and making it more accessible to people with a:
- reading difficulty (like dyslexia)
- learning disability
- developmental condition (like autism)
The changes only applies to car theory tests to begin with and the same changes will apply in England, Scotland and Wales.
The video clip scenario lasting up to 30 seconds is followed by questions. The subject of the scenario will focus on different driving conditions, such as driving through a town centre or on a country road. You’ll need to answer three questions about the clip.
The type of questions you’ll answer about the video clip
You’ll answer questions like these:
On this road, what is the speed limit for cars and motorcycles?
Why should you take extra care to look for motorcycles at junctions?
On this road, what gap should you leave between you and the vehicle in front?
For each of the three questions, you’ll have to choose the right answer from four possible answers.
What the screen will look like
The left-hand side of the screen will show the video clip, with controls to:
- play the video
- pause the video
- move to a specific part of the video on a progress bar
- watch the video using the full screen
The right-hand side of the screen will show the question and four possible answers.
You can practice your driving theory by visiting;
Who this change will affect
All car theory tests now use video clips.
What’s not changing
You’ll still need to study the same books and software to prepare for your theory test.
You’ll still need to:
- answer 50 multiple-choice questions within 57 minutes
- get 43 out of the 50 questions right to pass the multiple-choice part of the test
The hazard perception part of the test is not changing. This is where you watch video clips to spot developing hazards.
Tests that are not changing
The change does not yet apply to these types of theory tests:
- motorcycle
- lorry
- bus or coach
- approved driving instructor (ADI) or approved motorcycle instructor (AMI) part one
- taxi
The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) also offers learners with a reading difficulty, disabilities or health conditions other support:
Part two - hazard perception
After the break you’ll be shown a short tutorial clip about how the hazard perception part works.
The pass mark for the car and motorcycle hazard perception part of the theory test is 44 out of 75.
More detailed information on the hazard perception test is available at the following page:
Taking the test - LGV and PCV drivers
The theory test for Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) and Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) drivers is made up of two parts – multiple choice and hazard perception.
Delivery of the test
Your responses to the multiple choice and hazard perception parts of the test are recorded through the use of a computer mouse button.
If you pass one test and fail the other, you only need to repeat the failed test again.
When you take the theory test, you will be asked some specific questions about the particular category of test being taken (LGVs or PCVs), as well as questions that apply to all road users.
Test one - multiple choice
Before the test starts you’ll be given instructions on how the test works. You can also choose to go through a practice session of the multiple choice questions to get used to the layout of the test. At the end of the practice session the real test will begin.
A question and several possible answers will appear on screen and you have to choose the right answer to the question by touching the screen. Some questions may need more than one answer.
You will be asked 100 questions and the pass mark is 85 out of 100. You will have just less than two hours to answer the questions. If you have reading problems, you can apply for more time and have just less than four hours to answer the questions.
Test two - hazard perception
You will first be shown a short tutorial clip about how the hazard perception part works.
The pass mark for LGV and PCV drivers is 67 out of 100.
More detailed information on the hazard perception test is available at the following page:
At the end of the test
At the end of the hazard perception part of the test you’ll be invited to answer survey questions to measure customer satisfaction and to consider what improvements can be made.
You don't have to answer the questions if you do not want to and any information given is anonymous and confidential. The survey questions don't affect the result of the test.
When you have finished the test you may leave the examination room. Once you have left the room, you won’t be allowed to enter it again. You will be given your result and feedback information within 10 minutes of finishing the test.
After passing the test(s)
Car and motorcycle drivers will receive a pass certificate. You will need this to book and take your practical test, so it is important that you keep this safe.
You will also receive an email to tell you the result of your test. This is not a test pass certificate and cannot be used to show you have passed your theory test.
LGV and PCV drivers will receive an embossed pass letter detailing the results for the part of the theory test you have completed. When you pass both tests, you will receive your theory test certificate which includes your theory test number. You will need this number when you book your practical test.
Two year rule
Theory test certificates are valid for two years from the date you passed. If you do not pass your practical test within this two year period, you will have to take another theory test.
There are no exceptions to this rule.
If you fail the test
If you fail your theory test you should look at the feedback given on the letter and identify why you failed.
You will also receive an email to tell you the result of your test.
You can book another theory test the next day but you cannot take the test for another three clear working days. So, if you failed your first test on Monday afternoon, you will have to wait until Friday morning before you can take your next one.
Feedback on the test
For the multiple choice test, you will be given feedback on the topic areas in which you answered questions incorrectly and the number of questions you got wrong.
For the hazard perception test, you will receive a summary of how you scored in the clips.
For queries about taking the theory test
For queries about this service contact the theory test booking line.