Photo: RDNE Stock project / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.
The case study in the car theory test in Great Britain is now a video case study: 3 of the 50 multiple choice questions are based on a short video of a normal driving situation, such as driving through a town centre or on a country road. The video has no sound and you can replay it as many times as you like. This explainer covers how it works, how it is marked, and a method for answering.
Key facts
- Questions: 3 video case study questions, part of the 50 multiple choice questions.
- Time: 57 minutes for all 50 questions, case study included.
- Video: a normal driving situation, no sound, replay as often as you like.
- Pass mark: 43 out of 50 for the multiple choice part. The case study questions count towards that total.
- Both parts: you must pass the multiple choice and the hazard perception parts in the same test.
How the video case study works
- You watch a short video clip of an everyday drive.
- You then answer 3 questions about it.
- You can replay the clip as many times as you like.
- As with the other questions, you can flag a question and come back to it, and change any answer before you finish.
The questions use the same multiple choice format as the rest of the test. For the full test structure, see the car theory test in numbers.
Case study vs hazard perception
| Video case study | Hazard perception | |
|---|---|---|
| Part of the test | Multiple choice | Separate second part |
| What you do | Answer 3 questions about one video | Click when you see developing hazards |
| Replays | As many as you like | None |
| Timing matters? | No, beyond the overall 57 minutes | Yes, earlier responses score more |
How hazard clips are scored: hazard perception scoring explained.
How to answer case study questions
- Watch once without the questions in mind. Note the road type, speed limit signs, weather, and other road users.
- Read all 3 questions. Then replay the clip looking for exactly what each asks.
- Answer from the Highway Code, not habit. Questions test rules and safe practice in the situation shown.
- Use the replay. There is no penalty for watching again, so check any detail you are unsure of.
- Flag and move on if you are stuck, and come back once you have finished the rest.
What the video might test
Because the clips show normal driving, expect questions drawn from the same 14 DVSA topics as the rest of the test: for example, speed limits on the road shown, how to deal with pedestrians or cyclists in the clip, or what a sign means. Revise by topic from the theory test guide, especially rules of the road, hazard awareness and vulnerable road users.
Common questions
How many case study questions are in the theory test?
Three, based on one short video. They are part of the 50 multiple choice questions.
Is the case study still written text?
No. For cars, gov.uk now describes it as a video case study.
Does the video have sound?
No.
Can I watch the video more than once?
Yes, as many times as you like.
Do I have to pass the case study separately?
No. The 3 questions count towards the 43 out of 50 pass mark for the multiple choice part.
Is there a break before hazard perception?
You can take a break of up to 3 minutes before the hazard perception part starts.
Booking, fees and ID: booking your theory test. Practise questions: practice. Back to the main guide: Learning to Drive in Great Britain.
Sources
- GOV.UK, “Theory test: cars: Multiple-choice questions” (gov.uk)
- GOV.UK, “Theory test: cars: Pass mark and test result” (gov.uk)