In short
- The car theory test costs £23 and is booked on GOV.UK.
- Part 1 is 50 multiple-choice questions in 57 minutes; 3 of the questions are about a short, silent video clip. The pass mark is 43 out of 50.
- You can take a break of up to 3 minutes before part 2.
- Part 2 is the hazard perception test: 14 clips, 15 developing hazards, a maximum of 75 points and a pass mark of 44.
- You must pass both parts in the same sitting. If you fail one part you retake the whole test.
- Your theory test pass certificate lasts 2 years – you must pass your practical driving test within that time or take the theory test again.
About the Theory Test
The Theory Test is in two parts. The first part being the multiple choice test and the second part the Hazard Perception Test. Both parts are taken at the same appointment at a DVSA theory test centre.
How many questions are in the theory test?
The multiple choice test for car drivers and motorcycle riders consists of 50 questions. Associated with each question is a list of potential answers. You need to select the correct answer, or indeed answers, by either touching the appropriate area of the computer screen or using the mouse pointer and button. Three of the questions are based on a short video clip of an everyday driving situation, such as driving through a town centre or on a country road; the clip has no sound and you can watch it as many times as you like. You will be given 57 minutes to complete the first part of the theory test.
What is the theory test pass mark?
To pass the multiple choice part you need to correctly answer 43 out of the 50 questions (i.e. 86%). To pass the hazard perception part you need to score at least 44 out of 75. You must pass both parts at the same sitting to pass the theory test.
What happens on the day?
Before you start the actual theory test a short video tutorial will explain how the test should be undertaken. You will also be given the opportunity to complete some practice questions to make sure you are familiar with the computer screens. As you can see from the layout of the theory test computer screens below, you move from one question to the next by touching or clicking on the arrowed buttons at the bottom.
At any point in the test you can touch or click the review button to call up the review screen shown below. The review screen enables you to check all the questions and your answers from the start. Alternatively you can just review those questions flagged or not fully answered. You can change your answers at any point and finish before the 57 minutes are up.
Once you have completed the multiple choice part of the test you can take a break of up to 3 minutes before moving on to the hazard perception part of the test.
How long does a theory test pass last?
Your pass certificate number lasts for 2 years from the date you passed. You must pass your practical driving test within that time; if you do not, you will have to take and pass the theory test again before you can book another practical test. See how to book the theory test for booking, cancellation and support options.
Sources: GOV.UK – Multiple-choice questions, Hazard perception test, Pass mark and result. Checked against GOV.UK guidance on 11 September 2026. Rules can change – always confirm on GOV.UK before your test.
