Theory Test Help

The theory test has two parts: multiple-choice questions and hazard perception. You must pass both parts in the same sitting to pass the theory test.

Multiple-Choice Questions

The first part consists of 50 multiple-choice questions covering subjects such as road signs, rules of the road, vehicle safety, vulnerable road users and different driving conditions.

You have 57 minutes to complete this part of the test and need to score at least 43 out of 50 to pass.

Hazard Perception

The second part is the hazard perception test. You’ll watch 14 video clips containing everyday road situations and need to identify developing hazards as early as possible.

There are 15 developing hazards in total, with one clip containing two hazards. You can score up to five points for each developing hazard depending on how quickly you identify it. You need to score at least 44 out of 75 to pass this part of the test.

Preparing for Your Theory Test

The best way to prepare for your theory test is to work systematically through all of the questions in the practice question bank. There are around 900 practice questions covering the different topics you need to understand for the test.

Start with the first topic, such as Alertness, and work your way through each topic individually. Don’t move on simply because you’ve completed the questions once. Aim to consistently achieve at least 85% in each topic before considering that area complete.

Don’t Rely on Mock Tests

Try not to concentrate too heavily on mock tests while you’re still learning. A mock test pulls questions from across topics, so a good score doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve covered every area thoroughly.

Working through the individual topics gives you a much clearer picture of what you know and where you still need more practice. Once you’re consistently achieving 85% or higher across the individual topics, mock tests become much more useful for checking your overall readiness.

Use the Full Question Bank

We recommend a reputable paid theory test app that gives you access to the full range of practice questions and lets you track your progress through each topic.

Free versions of theory test apps often give you access to only a limited selection of questions. This can make it difficult to work through every topic properly and identify gaps in your knowledge.

The aim isn’t simply to memorise the answers. When you get a question wrong, read the explanation and make sure you understand why the correct answer is correct. This knowledge will also help when you encounter similar situations during your driving lessons.

A Simple Way to Track Your Progress

Choose a topic → Complete the questions → Achieve 85%+ → Move to the next topic

Keep working through the topics until you consistently achieve 85% or higher across all of them. You can then concentrate more heavily on mock tests to practise answering questions under test conditions.

When Should You Take Your Theory Test?

You don’t need to wait until you’re ready for your practical driving test before taking your theory test. Studying alongside your driving lessons can help because you’ll start seeing what you’re learning in real driving situations.

Once you pass, your theory test pass certificate is normally valid for 2 years. You need to pass your practical driving test within this period or you’ll normally need to pass the theory test again.

Practise Between Your Driving Lessons

When you’re travelling as a passenger, pay attention to the road signs, road markings, speed limits and potential hazards around you. Try to connect what you’re learning for your theory test with situations you see on the road.

Ask yourself: what have I noticed, and what would I do if I were driving? This will help you understand the theory rather than simply memorising answers.

You can continue developing this knowledge during your professional driving lessons, where many of the subjects covered in the theory test will become part of your everyday driving.