The theory test itself is made of two parts. The first part consists of 50 multiple-choice questions which tests your knowledge of driving practices. The second part is a video-based hazard perception test which assesses your ability to respond to hazardous situations on the road. Both parts are taken on the same day.
The driving theory test is administered by the DVSA (Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency), a government agency that provides driver education and sets the theory and practical tests for cars and other vehicles. The DVSA is different to the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) which is responsible for keeping a database of drivers and vehicles in the UK and issuing licences. Both of these organisations are governed by the Department of Transport.
Although it is possible to sit the theory test before having any practical driving experience, it is advised that you start your practical lessons first. The content you need to cover for the theory test will make more sense after you have some experience on the road.
All of the questions will have four answers to choose from listed after the question. One of these is correct and the other three are incorrect. A few years ago, some of the questions may have had more than four options to choose from with several possible correct answers. This has since been changed by the DVSA.
You will be asked knowledge-based questions from a variety of different categories. For car drivers, there are 14 categories which encompass about 900 questions, 50 of which will be randomly chosen to appear in your test. These categories include:
The case study will appear on the left-hand side of the screen and the accompanying questions will appear on the right side. The case study may have a picture or diagram to complement the text. You will have the opportunity to re-read the case study as you respond to each of the questions.
Before the start of the test, you will be given a 15-minute optional practice session allowing you to familiarise yourself with the format of the test and the navigation system. You will be given 5 practice questions to do. During this period, you may seek assistance from members of staff at the driving theory test centre if need be.
The hazard perception test is the second part of the theory test and is a series of CGI video clips with the aim of assessing your ability to recognize developing hazards on the road. The test demonstrates your knowledge of potential risks associated with driving. This includes risks to you as a driver, risks to your passengers and risks to other road users.
The best way to prepare for the multiple-choice part of the theory test is to practice our theory test revision questions and answers. The mock tests featured on our website encompass everything you will need to know for your test. We have also put together mock tests that contain questions specific to each of the 14 driving theory test categories. Keep attempting these mock tests until you gain a good understanding of the questions and are able to pass each time.
This is a fairly common question. The national pass rate is about 50% which would suggest that the driving theory test is quite difficult. You can increase your chances of passing by preparing and revising sufficiently. The hazard perception test is often considered the more difficult of the two parts of the theory test but despite this, preparation for this section is oftentimes overlooked, leading to people failing the section and failing the theory test as a whole. Remember, you need to pass both parts of the theory test so you should spend generous amounts of time preparing for them both.
The best way to prepare for the hazard perception test is to practice with as many video clips as possible. We have a number of CGI clips and real-life videos in our library which will help you to prepare sufficiently. Your driving instructor should also be able to help you learn hazard perception skills and can give you plenty of practice in what to look out for when driving, how to anticipate hazards and what action to take when having to deal with different types of hazards. For this reason, it is important that you take driving lessons with a qualified driving instructor from a reputable driving school.
You should be able to get a test time and date in the following two weeks. You should receive an e-mail confirming the details of your booking shortly after making your application along with a booking reference number.
If you would prefer to book by phone, the number to call is 0300 200 1122. Phone lines are open from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. Your appointment letter should arrive in the post within 10 days of making the booking.
There are over 150 theory test centres in England, Scotland and Wales, and six in Northern Ireland. Find out what your nearest theory test centre is by asking your driving instructor or by entering your post code here.
If you have a reading difficulty such as dyslexia, a disability or a health condition, you need to contact the DVSA before booking your test to discuss your options. See the government website for more details.
You can change your driving theory test appointment online at -theory-test. You can use this service to find an earlier date, move your appointment to a later date or change your test centre. Alternatively, call DVSA customer support on 0300 200 1122 from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.
If you want to cancel your theory test appointment altogether you can do so online at -theory-test. Alternatively, call DVSA customer support on 0300 200 1122 from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.
Once you have completed the hazard perception test, you will need to get up and go to the reception desk. You will be asked to hand over your photocard provisional licence so your results can be retrieved. You should receive your result within 10 minutes.
The pass mark for the multiple choice questions is 80 out of 100. However, you must also show that you have a broad knowledge in all topic areas by achieving a score of at least 18 in each of the four topic areas listed above.
During the test you will be shown 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.
A taxi driver licence will only be issued once all requirements have been met. Where a licence is not issued, a refund will not be available for any taxi driver theory and taxi driver practical tests that have been conducted.
The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) provides two free online tests for the car theory test. These will also help you prepare for your taxi driver theory test. The links below take you to the practice screens.
Once your test details are confirmed, the Test Centre Administrator will show you to your workstation and explain how the computer equipment works. You will then start the test. There will be a short tutorial that you may use to become familiar with how the test works. If at any time you need assistance or have a problem, raise your hand and the administrator will assist you.
You will receive your test result shortly after finishing the driver theory test at the test centre. You will be given a score report with your results. This report will list the five categories of questions and tell you how well you did in each of them.
If you pass, you will be presented with a pass certificate. You will now be able to apply for your Learner Permit. This can be done on the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) website. You will need your Public Services Card and verified MyGovID to proceed with your online application. You can then start learning how to drive on Irish roads.
If you fail, the report will list the categories where improvement is required. You should go away and practice these topics before applying to take another driver theory test. You will need to wait 3 working days before you can sit another theory test. For example, if you sat the test on Monday, the soonest you could take another test would be Friday.
When applying for the test, you will be asked about the category of theory test you wish to undertake. Most candidates will choose driver theory test category B for the car theory test. The other categories are outlined below:
When booking your test, you will have over 40 driver theory test centres to choose from throughout Ireland. You can choose the one most convenient to you during the booking process. Appointment times will vary from centre to centre. You will be able to view and choose an appropriate slot when booking.
Alternatively, you can make your booking over the phone by contacting the Candidate Service Team on 1890 606 106 (Lo-call rate). Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM (excluding public holidays).
We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze how you use this website, store your preferences, and provide the content and advertisements that are relevant to you. These cookies will only be stored in your browser with your prior consent.
Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.
It is prohibited for the examinee to communicate with other examinees during the test, to use auxiliary or additional means, to use the help or guiding notes (incl. by an interpreter) of unauthorised people, which may affect independent passing of the test, to distract other examinees and to make notes on the questions of the theory test while taking the test. Mobile phones and other electronic devices must be switched off. In the event of questions on how the test is carried out, the examinee can turn to the examiner only. In the event of infringement of the procedure, the test will be interrupted and considered failed.
Before taking the theory test, the examinee is introduced to the current requirements and procedure of the theory test and the general principles of taking the theory test and the examinee's specifying questions are answered. All examinees start taking the theory test after the examiner has given the relevant permission.
c80f0f1006