You can use books and software to revise for the theory test and take practice tests.

Multiple-choice questions

The multiple-choice questions in the theory test are based on 3 books:

• The Highway Code
• Know your traffic signs
• Driving – the essential skills

Study these to learn the rules and skills you’ll be tested on.

You can buy them from most high street and online book shops.

You can also study using:

• the Official DVSA Theory Test kit online for your PC or Mac (this also includes help for the hazard perception part of the test)
• the Official DVSA Theory Test kit app for Apple phones and tablets
• the Official DVSA Theory Test kit app for Android phones and tablets
• the Official DVSA Theory Test for Car drivers book
• traffic sign flashcards (128 flash cards to help you learn traffic signs)

Take a free practice test

Take a practice theory test to check how much you’ve learnt.

The questions are not used in the real test, but they are based on the same topics as the test.

Hazard perception test

To prepare for this test you can use the official guide to hazard perception.

You can buy:

• the Official DVSA Theory Test kit online for your PC or Mac (this also includes help for the multiple-choice questions part of the test)
• the Official DVSA Hazard Perception app for Apple phones and tablets
• the Official DVSA Hazard Perception app for Android phones and tablets

Translations into foreign languages

Some official books and software are translated into other languages by approved organisations.

However, you can only take the test in English, Welsh or British Sign Language.

You must take your UK photocard driving licence to your test.

If you have a licence from Northern Ireland, bring the photocard and paper counterpart licence.

Lost your licence

You need to apply for a replacement driving licence if you lose yours. This could take up to 15 days to arrive.

Rearrange your test if you do not get the new licence in enough time.

If you have a paper licence

Bring a valid passport as well as your paper licence.

If you do not have a passport, you need to get a photocard licence.

You must arrive 15 minutes before your theory test starts.

There is no waiting area at the test centre for any adults or children who come with you.

Before you enter the test centre

You must turn off all electronic devices before you enter the test centre. This includes:

• mobile phones
• smart watches
• fitness tracking devices

Monitoring devices for medical conditions

You can use your monitoring device for a medical condition, but the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) must have approved this when you booked your theory test.

If you did not tell DVSA about your monitoring device when you booked your test, you need to cancel your current theory test appointment. You will get a full refund if you give at least 3 working days’ notice.

You can then book a new theory test appointment. When you start your booking, select ‘Yes’ when asked if you need support when you take your test.

Personal belongings

You can only take personal belongings into the test room if they were approved by DVSA when you booked your test.

You must store your personal items in a locker. These include:

• small bags (do not bring large bags with you)
• coats and jackets
• hats or caps
• earphones
• mobile phones
• watches
• wallets and purses
• books and pens
• anything in your pockets

If your test centre does not have lockers, you must put your belongings in a clear plastic box that will be given to you. The box will be kept in a safe place while you take your test.

Identity and security checks

You’ll need to pass identity and security checks before you can take your theory test.

Identity checks

The test centre staff will need to see your face so they can check you’re the person in your photo ID.

If you’re wearing headgear for religious or cultural reasons, you’ll need to remove it so your face can be seen. You’ll be allowed to do this in a private area with a female member of staff where possible.

Security checks

The test centre staff will check if you have anything with you that could be used to cheat at the test. You will not be allowed to take your test if you do not let them check.

They will not touch you during the security check, but they will ask you to:

• show your pockets are empty
• roll up your sleeves
• pat yourself down
• show the top of your socks
• stay still while they pass a handheld metal detector around you
• show them your ears to make sure you do not have a hidden earpiece

You have 57 minutes to answer 50 multiple-choice questions.

Before the test starts you’ll get:

• instructions on how the test works
• the chance to do a practice question to get used to the screens

How the test works

A question and several possible answers appear on a screen. You have to select the right answer.

Three of the questions are about a short video. It will show a normal driving situation, such as:

• driving through a town centre
• driving on a country road

The video is silent. You can watch it as many times as you like during the test.

Leaving a question

You can ‘flag’ questions that you want to come back to later.

Changing your answers

You can go back to any question to review and change your answer at any point.

When you’ve finished

You can finish the multiple-choice questions part when you’ve answered all of the questions. You do not have to use the full 57 minutes.

You can have a break of up to 3 minutes before the hazard perception test starts.

Before you start the hazard perception test, you’ll be shown a video about how it works.

You’ll then watch 14 video clips. The clips:

• feature everyday road scenes
• contain at least one ‘developing hazard’ – but one of the clips features 2 developing hazards

You get points for spotting the developing hazards as soon as they start to happen.

What a ‘developing hazard’ is

A developing hazard is something that would cause you to take action, like changing speed or direction.

How the scoring works

You can score up to 5 points for each developing hazard.

To get a high score, click the mouse as soon as you see the hazard starting to develop.

You only get one attempt at each clip. You cannot review or change your responses.

You’ll get the result at the test centre after taking the theory test. You must pass both parts to pass the test.

If you pass

You’ll get a letter with a pass certificate number at the test centre. You need this when you book and take your driving test.

If you fail

You’ll get a letter at the test centre. It’ll tell you which parts you did not score enough points on so you know what to practise.

You must book and take the full test again, even if you passed one part this time.

You have to wait at least 3 working days before taking your test again.

When you book your theory test you should say if you have a:

• reading difficulty
• disability
• health condition

You have reading difficulties

You can ask to hear the test through headphones when you book your test. You can hear it in English or Welsh.

You can listen to the questions and possible answers as many times as you need to.

Other types of support

You can get other support during your theory test if you send proof that you have reading difficulties.

You will be told how to send proof when you book your theory test.

This can be an email, letter or report from:

• a teacher or other educational professional
• a doctor or medical professional
• an occupational therapist
• an online dyslexia screening product

You can get:

• extra time to take the test
• someone to read what’s on the screen and record your answers
• someone to reword the questions for you

If the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) agrees you need extra support, they will:

• select the best type of support for you when you book your theory test
• tell you what you need to do next

Extra time to take the test

You can ask for more time to do the multiple choice questions part of the theory test.

Reading what’s on the screen and recording your answers

A member of staff at the test centre can read out the instructions and questions on the screen.

They can also record your answers to the multiple-choice questions.

This can be done by either:

• listening to the member of staff through headphones while they’re in another room – they’ll be able to see what’s on your screen
• the member of staff sitting near you in the test room

Rewording the questions for you

You can ask for a member of staff to reword the theory test questions to make them easier for you to understand.

The person cannot change the technical language that you need to know. But they can change the order of the sentence and other non-technical words and phrases.

You still need to answer each question yourself.

You’re deaf or have a hearing impairment

You can take the theory test in British Sign Language (BSL) if you’re deaf or have a hearing impairment.

A BSL video appears on the screen next to the questions and answers.

Take a BSL interpreter

You can have a BSL interpreter with you during the test.

Tell DVSA you need this support when you book your theory test. You will not be charged an extra fee.

Hearing loop and lip speakers

You can arrange to:

• have a lip speaker with you during the test – you will not be charged an extra fee
• use a listening aid (hearing loop)

Tell DVSA you need this support when you book your theory test.

Other disabilities or health conditions

Contact DVSA to discuss any other disability or health condition before you book your test.