The Theory Test:
How to Prepare and Pass

How it works, the pass marks, how to revise, and tips for hazard perception.

You need to pass the theory test before you can book your practical driving test. It has two parts, and with the right revision, most people find it very manageable.

Booking

You need a provisional licence to book. The theory test costs £23, and your pass certificate lasts 2 years. You must pass your practical test within that time, or take the theory test again.

Part 1: multiple choice

You answer 50 questions in 57 minutes, and you need 43 to pass. Three of the questions are about a short video of a driving situation, which you can watch as many times as you like. You get a practice question first to get used to the screens.

Part 2: hazard perception

You watch 14 video clips of everyday road scenes. Each has at least one developing hazard, and one has two. You score up to 5 points per hazard by clicking as soon as you see it start to develop. You need 44 out of 75.

Click as soon as something starts to become a hazard, such as a car about to pull out, not when it’s already happened.
Clicking when there’s no hazard doesn’t lose points, but clicking constantly or in a pattern scores zero for that clip.
You only get one go at each clip, so stay focused.

How to revise

Use the official DVSA revision materials, such as the Theory Test kit app.
Read The Highway Code, Know your traffic signs, and Driving: the essential skills.
Try the free practice theory test on GOV.UK.
Practise hazard perception clips, not just the questions.
Little and often works better than cramming.

Revise alongside your lessons

Many of our pupils revise for the theory test while having their first few lessons. What you learn makes more sense once you’ve seen it on the road, and it helps your driving too.