You are here: Homepage > Theory Test
About the Theory Test
In order to take and pass your driving test, you will first need to take a theory test, there are many way of preparing yourself for it, either by using DVD Rom, books which include 
the Highway code or nowadays days online, there are loads of sites out there, some you have to pay for but there are lots of free sites too, start practicing now. Once you feel that you are ready you will need to book your test, there are a number of ways to do this, you can either send it off by post, in which case you will need a theory test application form once filled out send it off with your cheque for £31.00, alternatively one of the easiest ways is to book online, or book over the phone on
On the day
Before the test starts upon arrival you will be asked to lock away any bags, mobile phones etc in the lockers provided, then you will be taken through to the examination room where you will be given instructions on how the test works. You will also be able to choose to go through a practice session of the multiple choice questions to get used to the layout of the test if you wish or start the test straight away. At the end of the practice session the real test will begin.
Part One - multiple choice (The multiple choice part is delivered using a touch screen computer)
When the test starts you will be given a question along with several answer options which will appear, you have to select the correct answer to the question by touching the screen. Some questions may require more than one answer. You'll be asked 50 questions in 57 minutes with the pass mark for the multiple choice part of the theory test is 43 out of 50. You can navigate between questions and 'flag' questions that you want to come back to later in the test. After the multiple choice part you can choose to have a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception part starts.
Case Study
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) introduced case studies into the driving theory test. From 28th September 2009, one case study will be included in the exam for car drivers, moped and motorcycle riders.
As part of the multiple choice section of the test, the case study will assess candidates understanding of driving theory, while the multiple choice questions will continue to assess their knowledge of the subject.
The theory test case study will take the form of a scenario or short story, on which five questions will be based, and will focus on real life experiences that drivers could come across whilst driving. Candidates will answer the questions in the same way as they do now, using either the touch screen or mouse.
Initially the DSA are introducing one case study based on existing questions in the theory test question bank. But over time, the DSA plan to introduce more case studies into the theory test to assess candidates understanding of what they have learned.
Case Study Sample Questions
Part Two - hazard perception (The hazard perception part records your responses through the use of a computer mouse button)
You will be presented with a series of 14 video clips which each last for a minute and feature every day road scenes. In each clip there will be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards. The maximum you can score on each hazard is five, the pass mark for the hazard perception part of the theory test is 44 out of 75.
At the end of the test
When you have finished the test you may leave the examination room and will not be allowed to enter it again. You will then be given your result by the test centre staff straight away after the test. If you pass one part and fail the other you will fail the whole test, and you will need to take both parts again.
If after taking a theory test you didn't pass, then you will have to wait at least three clear working days before you can take another theory test again.
Rebooking your test
Good luck and safe driving
