Driving Theory Test: Everything You Need to Know
If you're getting ready to take your theory test, it’s absolutely vital that you understand how the test actually works. I’m Dan Danny, a driving instructor with more than a decade of experience helping learners pass first time — and I can tell you, most people fail not because they don’t know enough, but because they don’t know what to expect.
So, before you walk into the test centre thinking you’ve done enough, let’s talk through exactly what you need to know about the theory test itself.
Understanding the Multiple Choice Section
Let’s start with the multiple choice questions. You’ll be given 50 questions and you need at least 43 correct answers to pass. That means you’re allowed to get up to 7 wrong — which sounds generous, until you realise how easy it is to drop marks by rushing or misreading.
Here’s the thing: many students fail by just one point. I’ve had learners who answered 42 correctly and walked out heartbroken. Not because they didn’t study, but because they didn’t review their answers before submitting. Always go back through your questions if you have time — you’ll often spot something you missed on the first pass.
The topics range from road signs to safety margins, motorway rules, and even first aid. The test software allows you to flag any question you're unsure of, which makes reviewing a breeze. Use that function.
And please — don’t underestimate the language. Some questions can be a bit tricky in how they’re worded, so take your time. If English isn't your first language, consider doing a few mock tests in the weeks leading up so you're comfortable with the phrasing.
Getting to Grips with Hazard Perception
Now, this part catches people out — badly. The hazard perception test is not something you can wing. Trust me.
You’ll be shown 14 short video clips featuring real-world driving situations. In each one, your task is to click when you see a developing hazard. Not a potential hazard — a developing one. That means something that’s changing and will force the driver to react.
One of these clips will contain two hazards, not just one. That’s where lots of people lose points.
The pass mark here is 44 out of 75. Every clip is scored from 0 to 5 depending on how quickly you respond. The faster you click after the hazard starts to develop, the higher your score.
But here’s the tricky bit: click too early, and you’ll get zero. Click randomly or too often, and the system thinks you’re cheating — and again, you’ll get a zero. So timing really is everything.
You only get one attempt per clip, and unlike the multiple choice section, you can’t review or retake anything. That’s it. One shot per clip. That’s why it’s so important to practice this part before your test day. There are online platforms that simulate the clips very well — use them!
A Few Words from the Road
Over the years, I’ve seen a lot. Candidates turning up without their provisional licence (which means the test won’t even happen). Others ace the questions and then completely bomb the hazard perception because they didn’t know it existed. I once had a student who scored 49 out of 50 on the multiple choice — incredible effort — and then got a failing score on the hazard perception. They’d never practised that section and thought it was just some clicking exercise.
So here’s what I always say:
-
Know what you’re walking into. This isn’t just a quiz. It’s a two-part exam with two very different skillsets.
-
Review your answers on the multiple choice — it can make the difference between passing and failing.
-
Practice your hazard perception timing until it becomes second nature. You don’t need to click like mad — just react naturally, like you would if you were really driving.
The theory test is absolutely passable — but only if you treat both parts with the respect they deserve. Don’t be the person who finds out the hard way that there’s more to it than answering some questions.
If you’re serious about getting that licence, prep properly. Do mock tests, review your results, practice hazard perception, and most importantly — know exactly what you’re walking into. That way, test day won’t be a surprise. It’ll just be the next step towards hitting the road for real.
Good luck — you've got this.
Rate the article
Related articles
4
5
5
5
5
5
5
4
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
4
5
5
5
4
5
5
5
5
5
5
4
5
5
5
4
5
4
4
5
5
4
5
5
5
5
5
4
5
5
5
5
4
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
4
5
5
5
5
5
4
5
5
5
5
5
5
4
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
4
5
5
5
4
5
5
5
5
5
5
4
5
5
5
4
5
4
4
5
5
4
5
5
5
5
5
4
5
5
5
5
4
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
4
5
5
5
5
5
Comments