Written driving tests: permit, learner and theory

Who sets the test in each country

In the US, each of the 50 states and Washington, DC runs its own motor vehicle agency, and that agency writes the handbook and the permit test. Canada works the same way with its provinces and territories: Ontario’s G1 is given at DriveTest centres, Alberta’s Class 7 test at registry agents, and BC’s through ICBC. Australia also leaves it to each state and territory, so the NSW Driver Knowledge Test and Victoria’s learner permit test are different tests, and most states add a separate hazard perception test later on.

The UK and New Zealand each have one test for the whole country, or close to it. The DVSA runs the theory test in England, Scotland and Wales, and Northern Ireland’s DVA runs its own. In New Zealand, NZTA sets one road code theory test, and you sit it at a driver licensing agent such as an AA office.

What they have in common

Almost everywhere, the written test is multiple choice and every question comes from an official handbook you can read free: the California Driver’s Handbook, Ontario’s MTO Driver’s Handbook, the Highway Code in the UK, New Zealand’s road code. Pass marks are high. California asks for 80%, New Zealand wants 32 right out of 35 in 30 minutes, and the UK car test needs 43 out of 50 plus a pass on the hazard perception clips.

Your eyesight gets checked too, though not always at the same moment. California, Ontario and New Zealand test your vision when you go in for the written test or book it. In Great Britain it happens at the start of the practical test, where you read a number plate from 20 metres. Pass the written part and you get a learner permit or licence (license in the US) to practise with a supervisor, then a road test later decides whether you can drive alone.

Questions people ask

FAQ