The car theory test is the first big exam on your way to a full driving licence in Great Britain. You need to pass it before you can book your practical driving test, and it checks two things: what you know about the rules of the road and how quickly you spot trouble developing ahead. This guide explains exactly how the test works, what it costs, how to book it and how to revise for it, with links to our study notes for all 14 topic areas.
Last reviewed: September 2026. Checked against the Highway Code and GOV.UK.
What is the theory test?
The theory test is a computer-based test taken at a theory test centre. It has two parts: a set of multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception test, which uses video clips of real road scenes. You book and take both parts as a single test, on the same day, and you must pass both parts to pass the test overall.
You can take the car theory test from your 17th birthday. Some people can take it from 16 if they get a particular disability benefit (Personal Independence Payment); GOV.UK explains who qualifies. Either way, you need a provisional driving licence before you can book.
Once you pass, you get a pass certificate number. You need that number to book your practical driving test, and it only lasts for a limited time (more on that below), so it pays to plan your theory test and your driving lessons together.
The theory test at a glance
| Part | What you do | Time | Pass mark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple-choice questions | Answer 50 questions on screen, including 3 about a short video clip | 57 minutes | 43 out of 50 |
| Break | Optional break before the second part | Up to 3 minutes | Not scored |
| Hazard perception | Watch 14 video clips and click when you see developing hazards | Set by the clips | 44 out of 75 |
All figures are from GOV.UK: multiple-choice questions, GOV.UK: hazard perception test and GOV.UK: pass mark and result, checked September 2026.
Part 1: the multiple-choice questions
You have 57 minutes to answer 50 multiple-choice questions. Before the test starts, you get instructions on how the test works and a practice question so you can get used to the screens. The practice question doesn’t count towards your score.
During the test you can “flag” any question you want to come back to. This is useful: if a question stumps you, flag it, move on, and return once you’ve banked the easier marks. You don’t lose anything by flagging, and 57 minutes is plenty of time for 50 questions if you keep moving. That’s just over a minute per question.
The questions are based on three official sources: the Highway Code, Know Your Traffic Signs, and Driving: The Essential Skills. They cover 14 topic areas, from alertness and attitude to vehicle loading. Our topic guides, linked in the table further down, cover each one in depth.
To pass, you need 43 correct answers out of 50. That means you can afford to get no more than 7 wrong, so you can’t rely on guessing whole topics. Road signs and stopping distances in particular come up often and are easy marks if you’ve learned them.
The video clip questions
Three of the 50 questions are about a short video. The clip shows a normal driving situation, such as driving through a town centre or along a country road. The video is silent, and you can watch it as many times as you like during the test.
The questions ask about what you saw: for example, which road user needed extra care, or what the driver should have done at a certain point. Watch the clip once for the overall picture, then read all three questions before rewatching it, so you know what details to look for. These questions reward the same skill as hazard perception: noticing pedestrians, cyclists, parked cars, junctions and signs rather than just the car in front.
Part 2: the hazard perception test
After the multiple-choice part, you can take a break of up to 3 minutes. Then you’re shown a video about how the hazard perception test works, followed by 14 video clips of everyday road scenes.
Each clip contains at least one developing hazard, and one of the clips has two. GOV.UK defines a developing hazard as something that would cause you to take action, like changing speed or direction. You click the mouse when you see one starting to develop. The earlier you respond, the more you score: you can score up to 5 points for each developing hazard.
There are two important rules. First, you only get one attempt at each clip, and you can’t review or change your responses. Second, you won’t score anything if you click continuously or in a pattern, so clicking wildly to cover yourself doesn’t work.
The pass mark is 44 out of 75. Our full hazard perception test guide explains the scoring window, what counts as a developing hazard, and how to practise.
All 14 theory test topics
The multiple-choice questions are drawn from 14 topic areas. Each of our topic guides explains the rules in plain English, cites the relevant Highway Code rule numbers and ends with 10 original practice questions.
| Topic | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Alertness | Observation, mirrors, blind spots, distractions, mobile phones and tiredness |
| Attitude | Consideration for others, following distances, courtesy, crossings and emergency vehicles |
| Safety and your vehicle | Vehicle checks, tyres, lights, seat belts, warning lights and security |
| Safety margins | Stopping distances, separation gaps and driving in bad weather |
| Hazard awareness | Anticipation, scanning the road and spotting hazards before they develop |
| Vulnerable road users | Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, horse riders, children and older people |
| Other types of vehicle | Lorries, buses, trams, tractors and other large or slow vehicles |
| Vehicle handling | Controlling the car in different road and weather conditions |
| Motorway rules | Joining, lane discipline, signals, smart motorways and breakdowns |
| Rules of the road | Speed limits, junctions, roundabouts, parking and lane use |
| Road and traffic signs | Sign shapes and colours, road markings and signals |
| Documents | Licences, insurance, MOT, vehicle tax and registration |
| Incidents, accidents and emergencies | What to do at the scene of a collision, breakdowns and tunnels |
| Vehicle loading | Loads, roof racks, towing and passengers |
Booking your theory test
Book your test through the official GOV.UK theory test booking service. The fee for the car theory test is £23 (GOV.UK, checked September 2026). To book, you need your UK driving licence number, an email address and a credit or debit card.
Stick to GOV.UK. Other websites may offer to book for you, but the official service is the one that charges the standard fee and lets you manage your booking directly.
If you need to change or cancel, you must give at least 3 full working days’ notice, or you’ll have to pay again. GOV.UK lists some situations where you may get a refund for short-notice cancellations, such as illness, bereavement or the theft of your driving licence, but you need supporting evidence. See GOV.UK: change or cancel your theory test.
If you have a reading difficulty, disability or health condition, tell DVSA when you book so the right support can be arranged (see below).
What to bring on the day
The rules on ID are strict, and getting them wrong costs you your fee. According to GOV.UK:
- You must take your UK photocard driving licence.
- If you have a licence from Northern Ireland, bring the photocard and the paper counterpart.
- If you still have an old paper licence, bring a valid passport as well. If you don’t have a passport, you’ll need to get a photocard licence.
- If your name has changed, bring proof, such as a marriage certificate or deed poll.
If you don’t take the right things, your test will be cancelled and you won’t get your money back. Check your licence is in date and in your bag the night before.
Languages, BSL and support options
You can only take the theory test in English, Welsh or British Sign Language (BSL). Some revision materials have been translated by approved organisations, but the test itself is in those three options. Here is the support GOV.UK lists on its reading difficulty, disability or health condition page:
- Voiceover: you can listen to the questions and answers in English or Welsh, as many times as you need.
- Extra time for the multiple-choice part, if DVSA approves it.
- Someone to read and record your answers: a member of staff at the test centre can read out the instructions and questions and record your answers.
- Rewording: staff can reword questions to help you understand them, but technical language you need to know stays the same.
- BSL: a BSL video can appear on screen next to the questions and answers. You can also ask for a BSL interpreter, at no extra charge, when you book.
- Deaf or hearing impaired candidates can ask for a lip speaker (no extra charge) or a listening aid such as a hearing loop.
For extra time or a reader, you’ll usually need evidence, such as a letter from a teacher, doctor or occupational therapist, or the result of an online dyslexia screening product. If you have another condition that might affect your test, contact DVSA before you book using the details on GOV.UK.
Results and your pass certificate
You get your result at the test centre straight after the test. If you pass, you receive a pass certificate number.
Your pass certificate number lasts for 2 years. You must pass your practical driving test within that time, otherwise you’ll have to pass the theory test again (GOV.UK). Practical test waiting times can be long in some areas, so don’t leave booking it until the last few months. Our practical test guide covers what comes next. If you’re still looking for lessons, you can compare driving instructors near you.
What happens if you fail
If you fail, you’ll get a letter at the test centre telling you which parts you didn’t score enough points on, so you know what to practise. You have to wait at least 3 working days before taking your test again.
You must book and take the full test again, even if you passed one of the two parts. So if you narrowly missed the hazard perception pass mark, you still need to resit the multiple-choice questions too. Don’t treat a fail as wasted: use the letter to target your revision, and book again once you’re consistently passing mock tests.
A 4-week revision plan
Most learners who revise steadily for a few weeks are well prepared. Here is a simple plan based on 30 to 45 minutes a day. Adjust it if you have more or less time.
Week 1: rules and attitude
Read the Highway Code sections for drivers, focusing on the rules you’ll use most. Work through our guides to alertness, attitude, rules of the road and vulnerable road users. Do the practice questions at the end of each one and note every rule you got wrong.
Week 2: numbers, signs and your vehicle
This is the week for things you simply have to memorise: stopping distances, speed limits and road signs. Use our safety margins guide and road signs hub, then cover safety and your vehicle, documents and vehicle loading. Start one hazard perception practice session every other day.
Week 3: remaining topics and hazard perception
Cover motorway rules, other types of vehicle, vehicle handling, hazard awareness and incidents, accidents and emergencies. Practise hazard perception clips daily and watch for the earliest clue in each scene.
Week 4: mock tests and weak spots
Take full timed mock tests: 50 questions in 57 minutes, then a set of hazard clips. GOV.UK offers a free practice theory test using questions that aren’t in the real exam but cover the same topics. Aim to score comfortably above 43 before you book, then go back over any topic where you dropped marks. If you’re ready, book your test for the end of this week.
Official revision materials
DVSA publishes official study materials, including the Highway Code, Know Your Traffic Signs and Driving: The Essential Skills. It also sells an official theory test kit (online and as an app), an official theory test book for car drivers, traffic sign flashcards, and a separate hazard perception app. You don’t have to buy them all: the Highway Code is free to read on GOV.UK, and our topic guides link each rule back to it.
Theory test FAQs
How many questions are in the theory test and what is the pass mark?
There are 50 multiple-choice questions, which you have 57 minutes to answer. You need 43 correct to pass. The hazard perception part is marked separately, and you need 44 out of 75.
How much does the theory test cost?
The car theory test costs £23 when booked through GOV.UK (checked September 2026). If you change or cancel with less than 3 full working days’ notice, you’ll normally have to pay again.
How long does a theory test pass last?
Your pass certificate number lasts for 2 years. If you haven’t passed your practical test in that time, you’ll need to take the theory test again.
Can I retake just the part I failed?
No. You must book and take the full test again, even if you passed one part. You have to wait at least 3 working days before your retest.
What ID do I need for the theory test?
Your UK photocard driving licence. If you have an old paper licence, bring a valid passport too. Without the right documents your test is cancelled and you lose your fee.
Can I take the theory test in another language?
The test is available in English, Welsh or British Sign Language only. You can listen to a voiceover in English or Welsh, and BSL video or a BSL interpreter can be arranged when you book.
How many hazards are in the hazard perception test?
There are 14 clips. Each has at least one developing hazard and one clip has two, and you can score up to 5 points per hazard. Clicking continuously or in a pattern scores nothing for that clip.
When can I book my practical driving test?
Once you’ve passed your theory test and have your pass certificate number. Plan ahead, because the number is only valid for 2 years.
Next steps
Start with the topic you feel weakest on, or work through them in order: alertness is a good first page. When you’re ready for the video part, read our hazard perception test guide, and learn the signs with our road signs hub.