The cost of the theory test is currently £30.
The theory test is made up of two parts; the multiple choice part and the hazard perception part. The multiple choice part is delivered using a touch screen computer and mouse and the hazard perception part records your responses through the use of a computer mouse button. You need to pass both parts to pass the theory test. If you pass one part and fail the other you will fail the whole test, and you will need to take both parts again.
Part one - multiple choice Before the test starts you will be given instructions on how the test works. You can also choose to go through a practice session of the multiple choice questions to get used to the layout of the test. At the end of the practice session the real test will begin. A question and several answer options will appear onscreen and you have to select the correct answer to the question by touching the screen or using the mouse. Some questions may require more than one answer. You will be asked 50 questions in 57 minutes. You can navigate between questions and ‘flag’ questions that you want to come back to later in the test. The pass mark for the multiple choice part of the theory test is 43 out of 50. After the multiple choice part you can choose to have a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception part starts.
Part two – hazard perception After the break you will then be shown a short tutorial video clip about how the hazard perception part works. The hazard perception part is also delivered on a computer but you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. You will be presented with a series of 14 video clips which feature every day road scenes. In each clip there will be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards. To achieve a high score you will need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development. The maximum you can score on each hazard is five. You will not be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test; as on the road, you will only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard. The pass mark for the car hazard perception part of the theory test is 44 out of 75.
How to book, change or cancel your theory test appointment
Theory test appointments can be booked, and subject to three clear working days notice, be changed and cancelled using our online booking service or the telephone. You can also download an application form and apply by post.
Before you can take your theory test you'll need to make sure you have a valid provisional driving licence. You can apply for a provisional driving licence from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The application form D1 can be obtained from your local Post Office.
Once you have a valid provisional driving licence you can book your theory test. Waiting times vary from region to region, but the target is that 95 per cent of theory test candidates receive an appointment date within two weeks of their preferred date.
From September 2007 the number of questions contained within the multiple choice part of the car and motorcycle theory test will increase from 35 to 50. The pass mark will change from 30 to 43 for this part of the test.
To book a theory test online you'll need:
Click on the link below to book a theory test online.
Booking by phone
To book a theory test with an operator over the phone you'll need:
You can book a theory test over the phone using the numbers below, from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm except on Bank Holidays.
Theory test booking line - 0300 200 1122
Welsh language booking line - 0300 200 1133
Minicom booking line - 0300 200 1166
Fax booking line - 0300 200 1177
To book a theory test by post you'll need an application form. Application forms are available online or on request from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) booking line. Payment can be made by cheque or postal order, but cash payments aren't accepted.
You can reschedule or cancel a test over the phone via the booking line or you can do it online. Providing you give DSA three clear working days notice you can: