Learning to drive in the UK? Follow these steps to prepare for Theory Test

The theory test is an assessment of your knowledge of driving principles relevant to the class of vehicle you want to be licensed to operate. It tests your understanding of the traffic laws.

If you are learning to drive, you need to first give a theory test. 

What does a theory test entail?

Review The Highway Code, familiarise yourself with the included traffic signs, and, most importantly, practice the multiple-choice driving theory test questions and hazard perception videos to be ready for the driving theory test.

Put yourself through some practice and tests.

Two tests—the theoretical test and the practical test—must be passed to obtain a complete driver's license.

For motorcycle and vehicle tests, the theory test practice consists of two components: a hazard perception component and a multiple-choice component that are both completed in one session. You will need to retake both portions of the driving theory test if you pass one component but fail the other. As soon as you pass the theory test, you can sign up for the practical driving test (car, motorcycle, lorry, or bus practical test).

​There are no different versions of the hazard perception test for various vehicles, however, the pass mark varies.

The hazard perception and multiple-choice examinations for lorries and buses are scheduled and taken separately.

Multiple-choice test for driving

The following are recommendations for preparing for your driving theory test:

Read each question and multiple-choice response carefully. 

If you don't know the answer to a question or don't understand the situation, please read the explanation that goes with each question. 

Never try to memorize the driving test questions and their answers; instead, try to understand the situation in question.

The hazard perception test 

18 videos with licences from DVSA, including premium videos with computer-generated imagery (CGI). On a computer screen, a collection of video clips will be played for you. Every clip:

include real-world road scenes with at least one emerging hazard, but one of the clips will show two.

What a hazard perception test is like

When a hazard is emerging, you might need to take some sort of action, like altering your pace or course.

Your score increases depending on how quickly you identify a developing hazard and take action. For each emerging hazard, you can earn a maximum of five points.

You must: achieve a high score.

At the earliest possible stage, respond to the developing hazard.

As soon as you notice an impending danger, click the mouse.

A message will show up at the end of a clip if you click repeatedly or in a specific pattern while watching it. You will be informed that you received no points for that particular clip.

Imagine a car parked by the side of the road. It's just a parked car when you first see it, doing nothing.

Marks required to pass the theory test 

For the vehicle and motorbike theory examinations, you will have 57 minutes to complete 45 multiple-choice questions and 5 case study-style questions. To pass, you must obtain at least 43 answers correct. You will be quizzed on 100 questions on trucks and buses in 1 hour and 55 minutes.85 points out of 100 is the cutoff.