How to apply for a Theory Test
To take the Theory test you must be at least 17 and hold a provisional driving licence.
To book a theory test you may apply:
- Online at DSA - Online Booking (click the link to go to the DSA online booking page.)
- By Phone on 0870 01 01 372 ( 8:00am to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays)
- By Post by using an application form. Application forms are available online, from the Driving Standards Agency booking line or from theory or practical test centres.
For booking online or by phone you will need details of your current valid provisional licence and a valid debit or credit card.
The current fee for the Theory test is £28.50.
Taking the Theory Test - what to expect
You will be required to present the following documents before you will be able to start the test.
- Both parts of your signed photocard licence (the photocard and the paper counterpart).
- Your appointment card or booking number.
If you do not take these documents with you, you will not be able to take the test and will lose your fee.
The Theory Test is also divided into 2 parts; Part One is a multiple choice test and Part Two a hazard perception test.
Theory Test Part One Multiple Choice
- This part of the test is conducted using a computer with a touch screen and a mouse. Before the test starts you will be given instructions on how the test works and be given the opportunity of a practice session to get used to the layout of the screen. After the practice session the real test will begin.
- You will have to answer 50 questions in 57 minutes.
- You will be presented with a question and several possible answers. You must select the correct answer either by touching the screen or using the mouse. Some questions may have more than one correct answer and all correct answers must be selected.
- You may navigate between questions and flag those you may wish to re-visit later in the test.
- The pass mark is 43 out of 50.
After the multiple choice questions you may have a break of up to 3 minutes before starting Part Two
Theory Test Part Two Hazard Perception
After Part One is complete and you have taken a break of up to 3 minutes you will be shown a short video clip explaining how the hazard perception part of the test works.
- In this part you will be shown 14 video clips, each of which has at least one developing hazard, but in one of the clips there will be two. To respond to each developing hazard you must click a button on the mouse. To achieve a high score you must respond as soon as possible to each developing hazard, the maximum for each hazard being 5 marks.
- You will not be able to review any responses in this part of the test.
- The pass mark for Part Two is 44 out of 75.
Online practice tests are available by clicking this link