You’re likely to have questions, we get that. After all, there’s a lot of information about the theory test you need to get your head around. Here you’ll find answers to questions about our theory test training and the DVSA driving theory test.
We think we’ve done a pretty good job of answering the most common questions but if you can’t see what you’re looking for, just get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to help.
No. You have to pass your theory test before you can book a practical driving test.
Most people in the UK who are learning to drive will have to sit a theory test. However, you won’t have to if
Any enquiries about whether you have to take a theory test should be addressed to:
DVSA Customer Service Unit,
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency,
PO Box 280,
Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE99 1FP.
Tel: 0115 901 2545
email: customer.services@dsa.gsi.gov.uk.
(For Northern Ireland, address enquiries to Driver & Vehicle Agency (Testing), Balmoral Road, Belfast BT12, Tel: 02890 681831).
Foreign licence holders:
If you hold a foreign driving licence issued outside the EC/EEA, first check with the Driver & Vehicle Licencing Agency (tel: 0870 240 0009, for Northern Ireland call 02870 341 469) to see whether you can exchange your driving licence. If you cannot exchange your licence, you will need to take both theory and practical driving tests.
To make sure that all candidates are being tested fairly, questions and video clips are under continuous review. Some questions may be changed as a result of customer feedback. They may also be changed to reflect revised legislation, and DVSA publications and Driving Theory 4 All are updated to reflect such changes.
Yes, you can take as many mock theory tests as you need on Driving Theory 4 All.
There are over 150 theory test centres throughout England, Scotland and Wales, and six in Northern Ireland. Most people have a test centre within 20 miles of their home, but this will vary depending on the density of population in your area.
Theory test centres are usually open on weekdays, some evenings and some Saturdays.
You can cancel or postpone your theory test online or by telephone. You should contact the booking office at least three clear working days before your test date, otherwise you’ll lose your fee. Only in exceptional circumstances can this rule be waived.
If you don’t receive an acknowledgement within the time specified, please contact the booking office to check that an appointment has been made. The DVSA will not take responsibility if you miss your test appointment and subsequently lose your test fee.
The number of questions asked and the pass marks vary depending on the theory test you are taking.
The pass mark for the hazard perception part for Cars and Bikes is 44 out of 75 which is made up from 14 video tests. The pass mark for the ADI Part 1 test is 57 out of 75. One of the videos contains 2 hazards worth a maximum of 10 points, the other 13 videos each contain a single hazard and carry a maximum score of 5 points each.
The pass mark for the hazard perception part for the LGV and PCV tests is 67 out of 100 which is made up from 19 video tests. One of the videos contains 2 hazards worth a maximum of 10 points, the other 18 videos each contain a single hazard and carry a maximum score of 5 points each.
If you fail your test, you’ve shown that you’re not fully prepared. You’ll have to wait at least three clear working days before you take the theory test again. Good preparation will save you time and money.
The Car / Motorcycle theory test is really only one test. Both of these theory tests have always included questions relating to hazard awareness – the second part simply tests the same skills in a more effective way. The two parts are only presented separately in the theory test because different scoring methods are used.
No. Some questions will not be used on theory tests in Northern Ireland. Driving Theory 4 All will present questions which are relevant to your location based on your registration details.
