• You can start your driving lessons before you pass your theory test, and indeed most pupils find this beneficial as they experience, in real situations, what they are studying.
  • You cannot book a practical driving test until you have a theory pass certificate number.
  • The theory test is in two parts. If you fail either part you will need to take both parts again.

  • The first part consists of 50 multiple choice questions. You need to answer a minimum of 43 questions correctly to pass this part of the test.
  • The second part is the hazard perception test where you will have been shown 14 video clips of real road situations on a computer screen. You will need to click the mouse when you see a hazard developing. One of the clips will contain two hazards, the others contain one in each.
    Each clip is about one minute long and you can score a maximum of five points for each of the 15 hazards shown.
  • The earlier you respond, the higher you score. You need to score 44 out of a possible 75 points to pass this part of the test.
  • For those with reading difficulties or dyslexia you can request double time, for the multiple choice part of the theory test. There is also voiceover available.

Find your nearest Driving Theory Test Centre

You can find your nearest centre by using the free online tool  available on the Department for Transport website.  All you need to do is enter your post code and it will display the nearest centres.  Click here to be taken to the tool.

Resources

To help you study for the theory test we would recommend the following official DSA publications:

  • The theory test for car drivers.
  • The official highway code.

CD ROMs are also available.

Available from the the official DSA bookstore.