So, you’re ready to book a theory test? Before you do, read our guide for car and motorcycle tests and make sure that you know what happens on the day.
What to Take With You
You must take your UK photo card driving licence to your test. If you have a licence from Northern Ireland, take the photo card and paper counterpart licence. Your test will be cancelled and you will lose your fee if you do not take the correct things with you.
If you have an old style paper licence you must also take a valid passport for photo ID. If you do not have a passport, you need to get a photo card licence.
You will need to show your licence or ID to the staff when you arrive at the test centre. There will also be security checks to make sure that you’re not carrying anything which could enable you to contact anyone outside of the test centre.
If you have any personal possessions, these must be placed in a secure locker or placed under your desk in a bag which will be given to you. It’s best to take nothing with you that you don’t really need.
Starting the Test
A member of staff will take you to a room where other candidates will be sat in cubicles also taking the test. You must be quiet but don’t be afraid to ask questions.
The test is fairly straightforward and all the instructions will be shown on the screen in front of you. If you wish you can choose to have a 15 minute practise session to get used to the way the test works.
Multiple Choice Questions
Once you begin the test, you will have 57 minutes to answer 50 questions. Three of these will be based on a short video clip. You need to score at least 43 points to pass.
We have a range of theory test books to help you prepare for your exam. You can also visit our theory test practise pages to take some mock exams and make sure that you’re ready to pass.
Hazard Perception
You may take a 3 minute break if you wish before starting the second part of the test. When you’re ready, you should put on the provided headphones to watch an explanatory video of the hazard perception element.
You will be shown 14 video clips during which you need to click the mouse when you see a ‘developing hazard’, such as a vehicle about to emerge from a junction or a pedestrian about to step off the kerb; something which would cause you as a driver to alter speed or direction.
Click at the right time to score a maximum of 5 points for each clip. Don’t just click randomly as you may be penalised for clicking too many times. One of the clips will have 2 hazards for you to identify. There is a maximum of 75 points and you need a minimum of 44 points to pass.
Test Result
You will get your test result shortly after finishing. You need to reach the minimum score in both parts to pass.
If you’re not successful you must wait at least 3 working days before you can try again. If you pass, you will need to use your pass certificate number in order to go ahead and book your practical driving test. The certificate is valid for 2 years. If you haven’t passed your driving test within this time you will need to sit the theory test again.
Book a Theory Test
If you’re certain you’re ready to take a theory test, you can book in two ways:
- call the central booking line on 0300 200 11 22
- use the online booking system by clicking here (easiest)
Before booking make sure that you have your:
- UK driving licence number
- an email address
- credit or debit card for payment
Special Needs
If you have any special needs you must mention this at the time of booking. Where possible, the theory test centre may be able to make adjustments to help you overcome any difficulties you may have.