The Theory Test

Once you've got your provisional licence, your journey towards becoming a fully qualified driver will begin.

You'll have an assortment of decisions to make: choosing your instructor, picking a transmission and deciding how intensively you'd like to learn.

One of the first things you need to do, however, is take the theory test. This particular test plays a vital role in ensuring you're safe enough to drive on the roads in the UK. It's so important, in fact, that until you've passed it, you're not allowed to book your driving test.

We're going to look at why the theory test is so important, what it entails and why learner drivers really need to take their theory test before the practical test.

Why the theory test is so important

Whilst the driving test was first introduced all the way back in 1934, the theory test didn't become part of the process of learning to drive until 1996. Originally a written exam, the theory test was updated to a computerised format in 2000. Further changes were made subsequently, such as the inclusion of the hazard perception section in 2002 and CGI clips in 2015.

Most of the theory test is devised from the Highway Code. This book contains all of the rules and information that learners need to know in order to keep themselves and other road users safe—from road signs to legal requirements to general road safety. As you can imagine, this makes the theory test pretty important.

Many of the rules in the Code are legal requirements, so it's vital that you know them. Additionally, it's important that learners understand the fundamentals of driving. Newly qualified drivers are at the highest risk of being involved in an accident on the road, due to lack of experience and, in some cases, the difficulty of adjusting to driving unsupervised. Whilst the DVSA can't ensure new drivers are on equal footing with other drivers in terms of experience, it can at least make sure their theoretical knowledge is up to scratch.

Multiple-choice questions

There are 50 questions to answer in this section and you've got 57 minutes. In order to pass this section, you need to score 43. You'll have a few practice questions to start, just to help you get to grips with things. You can also flag questions as you go along and return them to the end. This section will include case studies and a variety of topics ranging from alertness to documents to hazard awareness.

With just under 1,000 questions available in the DVSA's question bank, it's safe to say that you'll need a solid grip of things before you go in for your test.

Hazard perception

During this section, you'll have to watch 14 clips that will contain developing hazards. Each time you see a developing hazard, you'll need to click your mouse. Each hazard is worth 5 points, and you'll need to score 44 out of 75 to pass.

If you've heard from a reliable source that all you need to do is click frequently, you should give this method a rethink. Clicking in a consistent pattern or just continuously will cause the software to think you're cheating and give you zero marks.

Why do I need to pass the theory test before my practical test?

No matter how hard you try, you cannot physically book a practical test until you've passed your theory test. When you pass, you're given a pass certificate which contains your theory test pass number—information that is needed when booking a driving test. Wondering why the DVSA has gone to such lengths?

It's simple, really. As we've already discussed, the theory test is essentially the foundation of your driving knowledge. Practical knowledge and experience is good, yes, but you need to be sure you've got the rules and laws sorted out too. Imagine what our roads would look like if drivers weren't familiar with certain road signs, or didn't know what to do on approach to a junction—it would be utter chaos!

Should I pass my theory test before I start my driving lessons?

How to book a theory test?

In order you book your theory test, you'll need to provide:

An identity document, unless you have a UK biometric passport
Your address history for the last 3 years
Your National Insurance number

In order you book your theory test, you need to be over the age of 17—unless you qualify for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), in which case you can take it from your 16th birthday.

You'll also need a provisional licence to book it, which will cost you £34 if you apply online.

Your provisional should arrive within one week. Once you've got that, you can book your theory test for a fee of £23.

Unlike the practical test, there's no additional fee for a weekend test. You'll get a confirmation email or letter once you've booked your test. It's important that you check again that you've got the right date, time and theory test centre.

Don't want the hassle of dealing with long waiting times? Add a theory test onto a Driving Skill course and we'll find you a test according to your availability and chosen test centre.

Your've passed the theory test, what next

Well done, you've passed, you'll finally be able to use your theory test pass certificate number to book your driving test. If you have not arranged your driving lessons yet, we recommend calling us. That's because your theory test certificate expires after two years. If you don't pass your test within this period, you'll have to retake your theory test again.

If you want to avoid having to take your theory test again, book an intensive or semi-intensive course with Driving Skill and we'll have you on the road well before your two years are up.

Driving Skill intensive driving courses and driving lessons are designed to suit learners with all levels of experience.