Before you can take the practical driving test, you must pass the Theory Test. But this does not mean you have to pass the
Theory Test before starting driving lessons! We encourage pupils to take driving lessons alongside learning the theory as what you learn in the theory is reinforced in the driving and vice versa.
To prepare for your theory test, we recommend studying the Highway Code. The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) publishes many official learning materials, including books, CD-ROMs, and DVDs.You can purchase these from high-street bookstores or online or practice the multiple-choice part of the theory test to test your knowledge and understanding of the source material right here.
Preparing for the Theory Test
The driving theory test has two parts:
multiple-choice questions
hazard perception
The Multiple-choice part
To prepare for the multiple-choice part of the theory test, you should refer to the source material detailed below.
The Highway Code
The Highway Code is essential reading.
Many of the rules in the Code are legal requirements, and disobeying them is a criminal offence. Knowing and applying the restrictions contained in The Highway Code could significantly reduce road casualties.
Know your Traffic Signs
Traffic signs are vital in directing, informing, and controlling road users’ behaviour. Knowing traffic signs is critical for making the roads as safe as possible.
There are three basic types of traffic signs – signs that give orders, signs that warn, and signs that provide information. Each type has a different shape. A further guide to the function of a sign is its colour.
The Essential Skills
Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) produces books in the essential skills range. The books provide everything you need to learn about and maintain safe driving or riding skills for life. The books contain:
Sections of text car drivers and full references throughout to help candidates learn and revise questions and answers for revision, including practice for case studies.
The official DVSA explanations for every revision question help candidates fully understand the answer
The latest official software revision materials include vast information to promote safe driving for life and support on-road learning. Candidates can:
Study background information on every topic, presented in an easy-to-remember way
Customise their practice by topic to see how much they’ve learned, and sit unlimited mock tests that offer the closest experience to the actual test. Monitor their progress at each step to find out exactly where they can further improve so they can tailor their revision.
The Hazard Perception part
DVSA has developed a training DVD for the hazard perception test called ‘The Official Guide to Hazard Perception’.
To pass the Theory Test, you will need to score:
43/50 for the Theory Test
44/75 for the Hazard Perception
Failing one or the other will fail. You will need to pass both parts.
You can buy the DVD from most high street bookshops. It is also available to order online or over the phone from The Stationery Office.
The Stationery Office (TSO website)
The DVD has information about defining hazards, looking for clues, the ‘mirror – signal – manoeuvre’ routine, scanning and planning, prioritising hazards, cutting down the risks, and responding to hazards
Help & support on how best to study and pass the theory test.
To book a Theory and Hazard Perception Test, please click here
Visit the official government Theory Test website
The hazard perception part
DVSA has developed a training DVD for the hazard perception test called ‘The Official Guide to Hazard Perception’.
To pass the Theory Test, you will need to score:
43/50 for the Theory Test
44/75 for the Hazard Perception
Failing one or the other will fail. You will need to pass both parts.
You can buy the DVD from most high street bookshops. It is also available to order online or over the phone from The Stationery Office.
The Stationery Office (TSO website)
The DVD has information about defining hazards, looking for clues, the ‘mirror – signal – manoeuvre’ routine, scanning and planning, prioritising hazards, cutting down the risks, and responding to hazards
Help & support on how best to study and pass the theory test.
To book a theory test, please click here.
Visit the official government theory test website