Ryan Barham
Last updated: 17/09/2025
It all starts to get real once you book your theory test. The countdown begins, as should your preparations. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, that’s completely normal – there’s a lot of information to take in. But our guides are here to help.
The other blogs in our ‘How to pass the theory test‘ series have touched on topics like how to pass the hazard perception part and what you need to bring on the day. In this guide, we’ll outline the different elements of the theory test before sharing all you need to know about timings.
The theory test is an essential part of learning to drive and something you have to do before booking your practical driving test. You can’t get a full UK driving licence without passing one.
It’s designed to test your knowledge and understanding of The Highway Code and other driving essentials, as well as your hazard-perception skills. The combination of the theory and practical tests is designed to help you become a safe and responsible driver.
A driving theory test consists of two parts: a set of multiple-choice questions and a set of hazard-perception exercises. You have to pass both to pass the theory test overall.
In this part, there are 50 multiple-choice questions to answer. These will be based on the information provided in three books: The Highway Code, Know Your Traffic Signs and Driving – The Essential Skills.
Each question will appear with several answers and you have to select the one you think is right. Three questions are based on a short video you’ll be shown. You can flag questions you’re unsure about to come back to later and you’re free to change answers at any point during the test.
You need at least 43 out of 50 correct answers to pass this part.
The second part is a hazard-perception test. You’ll be shown 14 videos showing common road scenes from a driver’s perspective.
Each video will have at least one ‘developing hazard’ you have to identify by clicking with your mouse. One clip will have two hazards. The sooner you click when the hazards start to emerge, the more points you’ll score per scenario.
You need at least 44 out of 75 points to pass this test.
If you use the full time you’re allowed, a driving theory test should take you around 80 minutes from start to finish. You could be done in as little as 60 minutes if you use less time on the multiple-choice questions.
You need to arrive 15 minutes before your time slot, so you could be in the test centre for around 90 minutes in total.
You have 57 minutes to answer the 50 multiple-choice questions in the first part. But you don’t have to use all the time if you don’t need to. There will also be a few minutes at the start for you to read through the instructions and do a practice question.
In total, this stage should take you no longer than 60 minutes.
Before starting the second part, you’re allowed a break of up to three minutes. You can use this time to rest and reset before starting the hazard-perception test.
There are 14 videos in total. Each lasts around one minute. Again, you’ll have the chance to get familiar with what you’re doing before the real test starts.
The hazard-perception test should take around 15 to 20 minutes in total.
Taking your theory test is an essential part of learning to drive but so is getting more experience out on the road. To put your theory knowledge into practice, you need to spend enough time in the driver’s seat in and out of driving lessons.
The solution? Taking out learner driver insurance is a great place to start. It allows you to practise in the car of your choice without signing up for a long-term car insurance policy. It’s a flexible and cost-effective way to help you pass.
Get a quote online today to discover the best cover for you. Feel free to contact us if you need any help or advice – we’re available seven days a week.
There are 50 multiple-choice questions in the first part of the theory test. You have up to 57 minutes to answer these. In the hazard perception part, there are 14 video-based exercises. Each clip is about one minute long.
You have as long as you want to answer each of the multiple-choice questions but 57 minutes in total. Some questions may take you longer than others. You’re free to skip questions and come back to them if you need to. You can also change your answers at any point before you submit them.
For the hazard perception test, you only have the time while the video is playing to click the mouse and spot a hazard. Each clip lasts around one minute. You can’t replay or come back to these videos once they’ve been played, so stay focused.
Yes, there are. You can take a break for up to three minutes between the multiple-choice questions and the hazard-perception test. You’ll also get some time before each part to read instructions or watch an introductory video.
You should arrive at least 15 minutes before your theory test is scheduled to start. If you’re late, you risk it being cancelled and having to book another one without getting your money back.
If you’re wondering what to bring to your theory test, read our handy guide.
You may be able to get extra time or other forms of support if you need it.
When you book your theory test, you’ll need to say if you have a reading difficulty, disability or health condition that may impact you. Proof is usually required. This could be an email, letter or report from a teacher, medical professional or an official online dyslexia assessment.
If the DVSA approves your request for additional support, they’ll tell you what you’ll be given and if you need to do anything else before your theory test.
Absolutely. The more time you give yourself to learn the information and prepare with practice quizzes and questions, the easier you should find it on the day. It’s just like any other test or exam. How long does a driving theory test take, then? Probably less time if you’re better prepared.
The DVSA has a range of free resources you can use, including a practice theory test and hazard-perception exercise. There are also a range of other paid apps and programs that can help you prepare more thoroughly.
Cramming for your driving theory test in three days is possible but not ideal due to the volume of information. It's better to allocate at least a month for preparation, dedicating 12 to 24 hours over this period for revision. This allows sufficient time to absorb information, practise, and ensure full preparedness to pass the test.
Prepare for your theory test by studying the Highway Code and using official resources like the DVSA website for mock tests. On test day, stay calm, read questions carefully and use elimination to narrow choices. If unsure, guess. If unsuccessful, review errors, focus on your weaker areas and keep practising.
To pass the UK theory test, you need a minimum score of 43/50 in the multiple-choice questions on road signs, safety, and driving rules, and 44/75 in the hazard perception test, where you spot hazards in 14 video clips. Success in both sections is required to pass the test.
The theory test comprises two parts: a multiple-choice quiz on the Highway Code and vehicle safety, and a hazard perception test assessing your ability to recognise road dangers. Both parts, taken in the same session, must be passed to receive your test certificate.
The UK car and motorcycle theory test lasts up to 80 minutes, including a 3-minute optional break. The test comprises a 57-minute multiple-choice section and a 20-minute hazard perception test. Allow approximately 95 minutes at the test centre for check-in and instructions, arriving 15 minutes prior to the test. The duration may be shorter if sections are completed quickly.
If you fail your theory test, a three-day waiting period is required before retaking it. Use this time to focus on the areas that need improvement. You can rebook immediately, but the wait period applies to the test date. Remember, the entire test, not just failed sections, must be retaken. Stay positive, study feedback, and use it to enhance your next performance.
The UK driving theory test comprises a 50-question multiple-choice quiz on the Highway Code and a hazard perception exercise with 14 video clips. The quiz covers traffic signs, rules, and safe driving, often using case studies. To pass, answer 43 questions correctly within 57 minutes on the multiple-choice quiz and score 44 out of 75 in the hazard perception section.
The most-failed theory test questions are based on crossings, traffic lights, motorway safety procedures, vehicle faults, rules on overtaking, and parking. Particularly challenging are pelican and puffin crossings, rejoining motorways after breakdowns, unbalanced wheels, and cycle lanes. To increase your chances of passing, study the Highway Code thoroughly and make use of practice tests, focusing on any previous errors.
To pass your driving theory test in two days, take a mock test to identify weak areas, then use resources like apps and online videos for targeted revision. Practise hazard perception clips to improve timing, and repeat the mock test for confidence. Try and get a good night's sleep and stay calm on the day of the test.
In the UK, your theory test pass is valid for two years. If you don't pass the practical test within this period, you must retake the theory test. After passing, you'll receive a certificate number for booking your practical test. If your theory pass expires, you'll need to retake the test, including multiple-choice and hazard perception sections. You will not receive an expiry reminder.
If you paid £45 for your theory test, you are likely to have booked through an unofficial site. Gov.uk will charge £23. Unofficial providers, not bound to DVSA fees, can set their own rates and it is preferable not to use them.
For a multiple-choice exam, allocate approximately one to one and a half minutes per question. This time frame assumes no calculations are needed. Always plan your time effectively.
The UK driving test includes a 20-minute hazard perception segment, where you'll view 14 one-minute video clips and identify developing hazards. This tests your attentiveness and anticipation, simulating real-life driving conditions. Despite its short duration, this crucial part of the test is key in demonstrating your readiness to drive. Remember to prepare for this segment when studying for your test.
You can fail the UK driving test's hazard perception section if you score below 44 out of 75. This test assesses your ability to identify developing hazards in video clips. If you don't meet the pass mark, you must retake the test. Practising with online simulations can enhance your score, preparing you to safely navigate UK roads.
The theory test, with complex questions on traffic lights, crossings, motorway safety, vehicle faults, and overtaking and parking rules, can be challenging. Understanding actions at a flashing amber pelican crossing, rejoining the motorway after a breakdown, the effects of unbalanced wheels, and overtaking rules is crucial. Studying the Highway Code and reviewing previously incorrect answers can significantly improve your pass chances.
The UK driving theory test comprises 50 multiple-choice questions on road signs, diverse driving conditions, and basic vehicle maintenance. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 43. Comprehensive preparation, including studying the Highway Code, taking practice tests, and using a theory test revision guide, is crucial. Understanding road rules is not only for test-passing but also for safe, responsible driving.
In a multiple-choice questionnaire (MCQ), each correct answer earns you 1 point. However, leaving a question will count as a fail. This efficient scoring system provides quick understanding of your standing. Remember these rules when taking an MCQ, as they could influence your strategy.
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