United Kingdom · Theory test

How to pass your theory test first time

Fewer than half of people pass, so it pays to prepare properly. To pass your theory test you need 43 out of 50 in the questions and 44 out of 75 in hazard perception, both on the same day. These tips come from how the test works: what the questions are based on, how the clips are scored and what catches people out.

Free practice test

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

Revise from the books the questions come from

DVSA says the multiple-choice questions are based on three books: the Highway Code, Know Your Traffic Signs and Driving - the essential skills. The first two are free on GOV.UK. In the Highway Code, learn the difference between MUST and should: MUST is the law, should is advice, and both come up.

The driving theory test books →Theory test revision planner →

Practise until you’re well above the pass mark

Use our 20 free questions and DVSA’s free practice test on GOV.UK. DVSA’s questions aren’t the real ones, but they cover the same topics. Don’t book until you’re regularly scoring well above 43 out of 50.

Free theory test practice →

Don’t skip hazard perception

It’s half of the test, and you can’t make up for it with a great score on the questions. Click as soon as a hazard starts to develop. Clicking constantly or in a pattern scores zero for that clip, so there’s no shortcut.

How the hazard part is scored →

Learn the numbers by heart

Some questions need exact figures, like stopping distances and speed limits. They’re quick marks once you’ve learned them.

Theory test stopping distances →

What do you need to pass your theory test on the day?

Your photocard licence, and to arrive at least 15 minutes early. Forget the licence or turn up late and you lose the test and the £23. Once you start, you get 57 minutes for the 50 questions, a little over a minute each, so read every question to the end.

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Everything else, in one place

OverviewUK driving theory test Pass markTheory test pass mark: how many can you get wrong?BookingHow to book your theory test and driving test CostHow 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 test Pass rateDriving theory test pass rates: how many people pass?Hazard perceptionThe hazard perception part of the theory test CertificateYour theory test certificate and pass number Stopping distancesStopping distances for the theory test FaultsDriving test major faults, minors and how you pass Show me, tell meShow me tell me questions for the driving test Change or cancelChange or cancel your driving test or theory test CancellationsDriving test cancellations: how to get an earlier test Test centresFind your nearest theory test centre Northern IrelandThe NI theory test and driving test Road signsAll the road signs for the theory test, by shape and colour Age rulesWhat age can you take your theory test?RetakeFailed your theory test or driving test? What happens next Highway CodeDriving theory test books: the Highway Code and two more Practice testFree theory test practice: 20 questions Where to learnChoosing a theory test app, and what else to study with Study plannerTheory test revision planner

Sources: GOV.UK and 4 more. Checked October 2026.

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