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Taking your theory test

Watch a video about the driving theory test

• The theory test explained Opens new window

If you pass one part and fail the other you'll fail the whole test, and you'll need to take both parts again.

The questions in the multiple-choice test will depend on the category of vehicle you are hoping to get a licence for. For example, a motorcycle theory test will contain questions that don't appear in any other test.

For the hazard perception test there are no separate versions for different vehicles, but the pass mark is different for them.

Lorry and bus multiple-choice and hazard perception tests are booked and taken separately.

• How to book and manage your driving theory test appointment

The multiple-choice part

Before the test starts you'll be given instructions on how it works.

You can choose to do a practice session of multiple-choice questions to get used to the layout of the test. At the end of the practice session the real test will begin.

How the multiple-choice part works

A question and several possible answers will appear on a computer screen - you have to select the correct answer. Some questions may need more than one answer.

You can move between questions and 'flag' questions that you want to come back to later in the test.

Some car and motorcycle questions will be given as a case study. The case study will:

• show a short story that five questions will be based on
• focus on real life examples and experiences that you could come across when driving

Multiple-choice test types

After the multiple-choice part you can choose to have a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception part starts.

The hazard perception part

Watch examples of hazard perception clips

• The official DSA guide to hazard perception Opens new window

Before you start the hazard perception part, you'll be shown a short video clip about how it works.

You'll then be shown a series of video clips on a computer screen. The clips:

• feature everyday road scenes
• contain at least one developing hazard - but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards

A developing hazard is something that may result in you having to take some action, such as changing speed or direction.

How the hazard perception scoring works

The earlier you notice a developing hazard and make a response, the higher you will score. The most you can score for each developing hazard is five points.

To get a high score you need to:

• respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development
• press the mouse button as soon as you see a hazard developing

You won't be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test.

If you click continuously or in a pattern during a clip a message will appear at the end. It will tell you that you have scored zero for that particular clip.

An example of when to respond to a hazard

Think of a parked car on the side of the road. When you first see it, it isn't doing anything - it's just a parked car. If you respond at this point, you wouldn't score any marks, but you wouldn't lose any marks.

The difference between a potential and developing hazard

When you get closer to the car, you notice that its right-hand indicator starts to flash. This would make you think that the driver of the car is going to move away. The hazard is now developing and a response at this point would score marks.

The indicator coming on is a sign that the car has changed from a potential hazard into a developing hazard.

When you get closer to the car, you'll probably see it start to move away from the side of the road. You should make another response at this point.

Hazard perception test types

At the end of your theory test

At the end of the test you can answer some customer survey questions. You don't have to answer them if you don't want to, and they won't affect the result of the test.

When you have finished the test you can leave the test room - but you won't be able to go back in. You'll then be given your result by the test centre staff.

Your theory test pass certificate

If you pass your theory test, you'll get a pass certificate. You'll need this when you book and take your practical test, so it's important that you keep it safe.

Your theory test pass certificate runs out after two years of passing your test. If you have not passed your practical test by then, you'll need to take and pass the theory test again.

For lorry and bus candidates, when you have passed both tests you'll also get a pass certificate letter by post.

More useful links

• Book your driving theory test online

• Check, change or cancel your driving theory test online

• Driving test fees

• Subscribe to Driving Standards Agency email alerts