£23
Theory test fee
As of June 2026. Verify at GOV.UK before booking.
50
Multiple choice questions
43 correct needed to pass. 57 minutes allowed. Verify at DVSA.
14
Hazard perception clips
Pass mark: 44 out of 75. Verify at DVSA.
The two-part trap: you must pass both sections
Many candidates study hard for the multiple choice questions and pass that section comfortably, then underperform on hazard perception because they have not practised it separately. The two sections are scored independently. Passing the multiple choice but failing hazard perception means failing the whole test. Practise both.
The multiple choice section
50 questions from the DVSA's official question bank. You have 57 minutes. The pass mark is 43 out of 50. You can get up to 7 wrong and still pass.
Questions cover: the Highway Code, road signs, attitude toward other road users, safety margins, vehicle knowledge, motorway driving, rules and regulations, and vulnerable road users.
What to study. The Highway Code is free online at GOV.UK and covers almost everything the multiple choice tests. The DVSA also has an official revision app. Search "DVSA theory test" on GOV.UK for the current link. Third-party revision apps exist and many people find them useful for timed practice. The question bank itself is publicly available, so practising with it directly is the most efficient preparation.
You do not need to memorise every rule perfectly. The questions test whether you understand the principles behind safe driving, not whether you can quote exact stopping distances to the metre.
The hazard perception section
14 video clips filmed from a driver's perspective on real roads. Each clip contains one developing hazard, except for one clip which contains two. You score points by clicking when you see the hazard developing, not when it has fully materialised.
What a developing hazard is. A developing hazard is something that requires the driver to take action: a pedestrian stepping off the pavement, a car emerging from a junction, a cyclist wobbling ahead. The earlier you click as the hazard develops, the higher your score for that clip, up to 5 points per hazard. Clicking after the hazard has fully developed scores zero. Clicking before anything is happening also scores zero. If you click in a regular pattern throughout a clip, the system treats it as cheating and scores zero for that hazard.
You score between 0 and 5 for each hazard. With 15 hazards across 14 clips (one clip has two), the maximum score is 75. The pass mark is 44.
Practising hazard perception. The DVSA's official app includes hazard perception practice. The key is to practise with real video clips, not just read about it. Reading a description of what a developing hazard is does not replicate the experience of watching clips at normal speed and deciding when to click.
Theory certificate expiry: two years from the date you pass
Once you pass the theory test, the certificate is valid for 2 years. If you do not pass your practical driving test within that window, you have to retake the theory from scratch.
Given how long practical test waiting times have been in recent years, this matters. Book your practical test as soon as you have your theory pass. Do not assume you have plenty of time.
How to book the theory test
Book through the DVSA's official booking service on GOV.UK. You will need:
- Your driving licence number
- An email address
- A payment card (£23 as of June 2026. Verify at GOV.UK.)
Choose a test centre near you from the list. Waiting times vary by location and change regularly. You need a provisional driving licence before you can sit the theory test.
You can change or cancel your booking up to 3 clear working days before the test without losing your fee. Cancelling with less than 3 clear working days' notice means you forfeit the fee.
What to bring on the day
You must bring your valid photocard driving licence to the test centre. No licence means no test, and you forfeit the fee. If you have a paper counterpart to an older photocard, bring that too.
If you do not have a photocard licence, a valid passport is accepted as an alternative ID document.
Arrive on time. Test centres typically have a cut-off for arrivals. If you miss it, you lose your fee and need to rebook.
If you fail
There is no mandatory waiting period before rebooking. You can rebook as soon as you are ready.
When you fail, you receive a breakdown showing which topic areas you scored poorly on. Use it. It tells you exactly where to focus your revision rather than going through everything again from the start.
Your theory certificate starts counting down from the date you pass, not the date you sat the test. The two-year window begins on your first successful attempt.
Get reminders and useful guides for the theory test, practical test, and your first licence.
Common questions about the theory test
How much does the theory test cost?▾
£23 as of June 2026. This is the DVSA's standard fee. Book directly at GOV.UK. Third-party booking sites charge more for the same slots.
What ID do I need for the theory test?▾
Your valid photocard driving licence. If you do not have one, a valid passport. No acceptable ID means no test and you lose the fee. Check the DVSA's current list of accepted documents at GOV.UK when you book.
How long does the theory test take?▾
57 minutes for the multiple choice section, then hazard perception follows directly. The whole thing is typically done within an hour and a half including check-in and the break between sections.
What is a developing hazard?▾
A developing hazard is something that requires the driver to take action: a pedestrian moving toward the road, a vehicle emerging from a side street, a cyclist pulling out. In the hazard perception test, you score points by clicking when you first spot the hazard developing. The earlier you click (within the scoring window), the higher your score up to 5 points per hazard.
Can I retake the theory test immediately if I fail?▾
Yes. There is no mandatory waiting period. You can rebook as soon as your failure is confirmed. Use the result breakdown to target your revision before rebooking.
Does the theory test certificate expire?▾
Yes. Your theory pass certificate is valid for 2 years from the date you pass. If you do not pass your practical driving test within that 2-year window, the theory certificate expires and you must sit the theory test again.
Do I need a theory test for all driving licences?▾
A theory test is required for a standard car licence. Different vehicle categories (motorcycles, lorries, buses) have their own category-specific theory tests. Check GOV.UK for the test requirements for your specific licence category.
Can I take the theory test in Welsh?▾
Yes. The theory test is available in Welsh at test centres in Wales. You can select Welsh as your preferred language when booking at GOV.UK.
Can I use my phone to check the time during the test?▾
No. Mobile phones must be turned off or on silent and stowed away during the test. The test software shows a timer on screen, so you can track time without a phone or watch.
What if I need extra time due to a learning difficulty?▾
You can apply for extra time or other adjustments if you have a learning difficulty such as dyslexia, or a disability that affects the standard test format. You need to request this when booking and provide supporting documentation. Check the DVSA's guidance at GOV.UK for the current process and accepted evidence.
Related pages
- →Practical driving test guideThe next step after passing your theory. What the practical test involves and how to book.
- →Provisional licence guideYou need a provisional licence before you can book or sit the theory test.
- →All driving guidesTheory test, practical test, driving licence, and provisional licence in one place.