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The Theory Test
Booking your theory test
Before you can book your theory test you must have your provisional licence. There is three ways you can book your test:
- By phone on 0870 0101 372 (please have your licence and credit card number ready before calling).
- By Post using the printed application form. Ask your instructor for an application form or download one here.
- Online on Directgov website.
The Theory and Hazard Perception test
The theory test is carried out on a computer at you local theory test centre.
It consists of two parts, the first of 50 multiple choice theory questions. You can navigate between questions and 'flag' questions that you want to come back to later in the test. You must answer 43 or more correctly to pass.
The second part is the hazard perception test. You will be presented with a series of 14 video clips which feature every day road scenes, in each clip there will be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards. The maximum you can score on each hazard is five points. You need to score a minimum of 44 out of 75 available points to pass.
The hazard perception test explained
Both parts must be passed at the same time, if you fail one part you will have to do both parts again.
What if English is not my first language?
If there is no voiceover provided in the language you require, you can request to have a translator assisted theory test. The call centre agent should be able to tell you the names and contact details of the relevant DSA approved translators. It is your responsibility to arrange a test date with the translator and to pay any fees involved.
Taking the theory test if you have special needs
What help is available for people with dyslexia, hearing difficulties or similar?
If you have dyslexia or other reading difficulties it is possible to take the theory test with an English or Welsh voiceover.
I you are deaf or have hearing difficulties it is possible to take the theory test in British Sign Language (BSL) or if you do not use BSL, an interpreter can be taken into the test centre.
Preparing for your theory test
Although you have to pass your theory test before you can take your practical
test, Driving Standards Agency recommends that you start studying for your theory test, but don't actually
take it until you have some practical experience of driving.
To prepare for the multiple choice part of the theory test, we strongly recommend that you study the books from which the questions are sourced as well as the questions themselves. These books are:
- The Highway Code
- The Official Theory Test for Car Drivers
- Know Your Traffic Signs
- Driving – the essential skills
These books will help you to answer the questions correctly and will also help you when studying for your practical test.
Other study aids
There is several good PC software titles that will help you prepare for
both parts of the theory test
- The Official Theory Test CD-ROM for Car Drivers
- The Official Guide to Hazard Perception (DVD)
- Driving Test Success All Tests 2011 Edition PC DVD-ROM or DVDi
Free online Theory test and hazard perception practice
Official online theory test practice
DSA information on the theory test
How to check, change or cancel your theory test appointment
Your theory test pass certificate is only valid for 2 years. You must pass your practical test before the certificate expires, or you will have to take the theory test again.
Costs
From 30th March 2009 the theory test costs £31