Driving Theory Test Information

1. Booking your test

You must have a provisional driving licence to book your theory test.
There are 2 parts to the test:

• multiple-choice questions
• hazard perception - a video test about spotting hazards on the road

You book and take them as a single test. You must pass both parts to pass the test.

When you can take the theory test

You can take the theory test from your 17th birthday onwards.
You can take it from your 16th birthday if you get, or have applied for, the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Who needs to take the theory test

You usually need to take the theory test before you can get your full car driving licence.
You don’t need to take the car theory test if you:

• want to upgrade an automatic car licence to a manual one
• already have a category B1 driving licence (3 or 4-wheeled light vehicles)

If you have a moped or motorcycle licence

You must pass a car theory test before taking the car driving test.

If your licence isn’t from Great Britain

Find out if you can drive in Great Britain (GB) with your non-GB licence without taking a theory and driving test.

Change or check your test details

You can change the date of your theory test after you’ve booked it.
You can check your appointment details if you’ve lost your booking confirmation.

Rebook your test

Rebook your theory test if you failed your test and want to resit it. You have to choose a date at least 3 working days away.

Pass mark and test result

You’ll get the result at the test centre after taking the theory test. You must pass both parts to pass the test.

If you pass

You’ll get a letter with a pass certificate number at the test centre. You need this when you book and take your driving test.
Your pass certificate number lasts for 2 years. You must pass your driving test in that time, otherwise you’ll have to pass the theory test again.

If you fail

You’ll get a letter at the test centre. It’ll tell you which parts you didn’t score enough points on so you know what to practise.
You must book and take the full test again, even if you passed one part this time.
You have to wait at least 3 working days before taking your test again.

Driving Theory Test Training