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United Kingdom · Theory test

Failed your theory test or driving test? What happens next

If you fail the theory test, you can take it again after 3 working days. If you fail your driving test, the next one must be at least 10 working days away. Either way you book and pay again, and for the theory test you retake both parts, even if you only failed one.

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

What happens when you fail the theory test

You get a letter at the test centre showing which parts you didn’t score enough on: the multiple choice, the hazard perception, or both. Keep it, because it tells you what to work on.

How to retake the theory test

  1. Wait at least 3 working days from your failed test.
  2. Book again on GOV.UK for £23.
  3. Spend the gap on the part you failed. For multiple choice, read the Highway Code sections you were unsure of and keep doing practice questions. For hazard perception, practise clicking once a hazard starts to develop, not before and not repeatedly.
  4. Sit both parts again on the day.

No limit on attempts

GOV.UK doesn’t mention any limit on how many times you can take the theory test. The rule it gives is that you wait at least 3 working days between attempts.

What happens if you fail your driving test?

The practical test has its own rules. You fail with more than 15 driving faults or any serious or dangerous fault, and the examiner tells you what they were. If you fail your driving test, the next one must be at least 10 working days away and you pay again. Your theory pass still counts as long as it’s less than 2 years old.

Driving test faults explained →

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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?Highway CodeDriving theory test books: the Highway Code and two morePractice 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 and 2 more. Checked October 2026.

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