Driving Theory Test

If you are a learner driver you must take and pass your driving theory test before you book your practical test.

You must bring your valid signed photo card licence showing your provisional entitlement, and a printed summary of your driving licence record from www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence

If you misplace your driving licence, you must apply for a replacement. This can take a few weeks. If this happens you may have to rearrange your driving theory test.

On the day

You are advised to arrive 30 minutes before you’re due to take your test.

You will be asked to store any belongings you have in a locker. All mobile phones must be switched off. You will be given a copy of the test procedures and rules and some time to review them.

Your details will be checked and you will be shown into the testing room. Check the details on the screen and if they are correct press ‘Start’ on the screen to commence your test.

What if I have a problem?

Raise your hand! member of staff will come to you.

Once you have finished you can leave the test room. You will then be asked to collect your belongings and will wait for your test results.

What can’t I have in the test room?

  • mobile phones
  • ear pieces/ear phones
  • laptops/hand-held computers/Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and other electronic devices
  • pagers
  • handbags
  • purses
  • wallets
  • hats
  • bags
  • coats
  • books
  • revision notes
  • dictionaries
  • note paper
  • pens
  • watches
  • food and drink

If you are found with any of the above items in the test room, your test will be stopped and you will be asked to leave. You will also loose your test fee.

The Test

The Practical Driving test consists of two parts, multiple choice and hazard perception. You must pass both parts to successfully pass your driving theory test.

Multiple choice

You will be presented with instructions on how the multiple choice section works and then given the option to do a practice test. After the practice session, the main test will begin.

The pass mark is 43 out of 50.

Hazard Perception

You will be given a short break between the multiple choice section and the Hazard perception section of the test.

After the break, you will be shown an example clip to show you how the hazard perception works.

You will be played some clips and n each clip there will be at least one developing hazard. One of the clips will have two developing hazards. You respond to a developing hazard by clicking the mouse.

The pass mark is 44 out of 75.

Congratulations, You passed! What’s next?

Well done! The next step is to book in for your Practical Driving Test as soon as possible.

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.

What happens if you fail your driving theory test?

Firstly, don’t worry! It’s not the end of the world. Identify why you failed and book in for another try. You will have to wait a minimum of 3 working days before you can take another driving theory test.

Useful Links

Book Your Theory Test

The Highway Code

Book Your Practical Driving Test