Driving theory test: Complete information

Theory test introduction:

The theory test is created with two parts; the multiple choice section and the hazard perception section. If you pass one section and fail the other you'll fail the entire test, and you'll require taking both sections again. Immediately after you have passed the theory test you can then apply to take your practical driving test.
The theory test consists of 50 questions in a multiple choice format and you need at least 43 correct answers to pass. All the questions will look on a computer screen which is touch sensible. The questions are designed to be very easy to read, only looking one at a time. It will be possible to skip forwards and backwards through the questions, and can take up to 57 minutes to complete the theory test.

Before you can apply for your practical driving test, you must pass your theory test.

The questions may cover the following topics:-

• Alertness


• Safety and Your Vehicle


• Attitude


• Vulnerable Road Users


• Safety Margins


• Hazard Awareness


• Vehicle Loading


• Vehicle Handling


• Other Types of Vehicle (Motorcyclists, Lorries, Buses)


• Rules of the Road


• Motorway Rules


• Road and Traffic Signs


• Accidents

If you have special needs then at the time of your theory test booking it is important that you state your needs so that the necessary arrangements can be made by DSA.
The theory test can be taken in 20 other languages through the use of a headset giving a voice-over. The available languages are- Spanish, Albanian, Arabic, Farsi, Cantonese, Hindi, Bengali, Turkish, Gujarati, Dari, Kashmiri, Punjabi, Kurdish, Polish, Mirpuri, Portuguese, Pushto, Tamil and Urdu.

You may be able to take a translator, if your language is not offered. The translator must be approved by the DSA and at present can only be accommodated at the following theory test centers- Aldershot, Birmingham, Derby, Birkenhead, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Ipswich, Preston, Leeds, Milton Keynes, Glasgow and Palmers Green.

If you fail your theory test, you may retake the theory test as many times. However, you must wait a minimum of three working days between each test attempt. You must prepare your test vary well before you attempt your theory test will save your time and money.