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United Kingdom · Theory test

Driving theory test books: the Highway Code and two more

DVSA says the multiple-choice questions are based on three books, so these are the driving theory test books to read: the Highway Code, Know Your Traffic Signs and Driving - the essential skills. The first two are free on GOV.UK. Start with the Highway Code, since it covers most of what you’ll be asked.

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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Which driving theory test book do you need?

BookWhat it coversCost
The Highway CodeThe rules of the road, speed limits, junctions, motorways, signs, first aidFree on GOV.UK
Know Your Traffic SignsAlmost every sign and road marking you’ll see, with meaningsFree PDF on GOV.UK
Driving - the essential skillsHow to actually drive well: control, observation, bad weather, eco-drivingPaid book from DVSA’s publisher and bookshops

DVSA also publishes The Official DVSA Theory Test for Car Drivers and a set of 128 traffic sign flashcards. They’re optional extras, sold in most high street and online bookshops.

The Highway Code parts to study first for the theory test

  • The introduction, with the hierarchy of road users (rules H1 to H3)
  • Rules for drivers and motorcyclists (89 to 102): eyesight, tiredness, seat belts, child seats
  • General rules (103 to 158): signals, speed limits, stopping distances, phones
  • Using the road (159 to 203): overtaking, junctions, roundabouts, crossings
  • Road users requiring extra care (204 to 225), and motorways (253 to 273)
  • Breakdowns and incidents, plus Annex 6 (vehicle safety) and Annex 7 (first aid)

Must vs should

When the Highway Code says MUST or MUST NOT, it’s the law and breaking it is an offence. When it says should, it’s advice. Both can come up in the test, so learn both, but know which is which.

Don’t forget the hazard part

Books won’t teach you to spot hazards on video. For that, use DVSA’s 3 free practice clips on GOV.UK, or an app with more clips.

The hazard perception part →Theory test apps compared →

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Everything else, in one place

OverviewUK driving theory testPass markTheory test pass mark: how many can you get wrong?BookingHow to book your theory test and driving testCostHow much is the theory test, and what else will it cost?What to bringWhat do you need to bring to your theory test?Online testCan you take the theory test online?Driving testThe DVSA practical driving testHow to passHow to pass your theory test first timePass rateDriving theory test pass rates: how many people pass?Hazard perceptionThe hazard perception part of the theory testCertificateYour theory test certificate and pass numberStopping distancesStopping distances for the theory testFaultsDriving test major faults, minors and how you passShow me, tell meShow me tell me questions for the driving testChange or cancelChange or cancel your driving test or theory testCancellationsDriving test cancellations: how to get an earlier testTest centresFind your nearest theory test centreNorthern IrelandThe NI theory test and driving testRoad signsAll the road signs for the theory test, by shape and colourAge rulesWhat age can you take your theory test?RetakeFailed your theory test or driving test? What happens nextPractice testFree theory test practice: 20 questionsWhere to learnChoosing a theory test app, and what else to study withStudy plannerTheory test revision planner
Sources: GOV.UK, The Highway Code, Driving - the essential skills and 1 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.