How To Prepare For Your Theory Test

The Car Theory Test Explained

The first part of the car theory test lasts for 57 minutes. In this time, you have to answer 50 multiple-choice questions about road rules as part of a highway code test. To pass the highway code test, you need to score at least 43 out of 50.

Highway Code Test Section

This section covers all things from UK road signs to puffin, toucan and pelican crossings. It's important that you go into your test with good road knowledge, which you can achieve by using test apps and guides. We've taken a look at some of the common areas learners struggle with on this test section below.

What shape are traffic signs giving orders?

Traffic signs giving orders are usually circular, but sometimes can be triangular (directions and hazards). Most of the time those, traffic signs have a circular shape. 

What colour follows the green signal at a puffin crossing?

A steady amber will follow a green signal at a puffin crossing, to prepare you to come to a stop. This is to allow pedestrians to cross.

Where are amber reflective studs found on the motorway?

Amber reflective studs mark the central reservation of a motorway.

What should you do when approaching traffic lights that have red and amber showing together?

When you see red and amber lights showing together on a traffic light, gently come to a stop behind the stop line.

You're approaching traffic lights and the red light is showing. what signal will show next?

If you are approaching traffic lights and the red light is showing, the next signal will be amber and red together. This indicates that it is nearly time to set off.

When may you stop on a clearway?

You should never stop on a clearway, unless in a medical emergency, vehicle collision or breakdown.

Where would it be unsafe to overtake?

It is unsafe to overtake when visibility is low, you are approaching a bend or a junction, or where signs warning against overtaking are in place.

When is fuel consumption at its highest?

Fuel consumption is at its highest when you are accelerating. 

When are you not allowed to sound your horn?

You are not allowed to sound your horn between the hours of 11.30pm and 7am, unless you are warning someone of danger. There are other scenarios where using a car horn is prohibited too:

• To pressure someone in front to drive quicker. 
• To scare animals out of the road.
• To show frustration.
• To greet someone you know.

After completing this section, you move onto the hazard perception test. In this section, you will see videos of cars, and you’ll have to spot hazards on the road. There will likely be one or two hazards per test clip, and you need to spot them to score marks. The hazard perception pass mark 44 out of 75, much less than on the multiple-choice section. Once the test is complete, you will receive your theory test results there and then. If you’ve passed, you can now legally take a practical driving test. If you have failed either section, you will have to complete the test again in due course.

What Content Is The Theory Test Based On?

The theory test is based on three books:

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

Let's have a look at some of the most common UK road signs that come up on the theory test.

Stop Sign - This is straightforward, and wherever it is, you need to come to a stop. This is likely to appear near junctions and give way areas.

No Entry Sign - A no entry sign permits you from going that way. This can appear new one way roads, and must be followed at all times.

Roundabout Sign - This lets you know when you're approaching a roundabout.

T-Junction Sign - A T-Junction is when a minor road joins onto a major road, without crossing it, forming a t shape.

Using Theory Test Apps - Which Is The Best?

Theory test apps are a great way to prepare for your theory test. They mimic test conditions with mock theory tests and cover all the content that will come up in a real test. All theory tests tend to cost a small amount and offer services such as:

• Mock tests
• Learning guides
• Hazard perception videos

When it comes to choosing a theory test app, these are the ones that rank the highest on the App Store as of September 2024:

Driving Theory Test 4 In 1 Kit:

• 8 / 5
• £4.99 cost
• 263,000 reviews
• Number 1 in education the chart

Official DVSA Theory Test Kit

• 5 / 5
• £4.99
• 12,000 reviews
• Number 2 in the education chart

Driving Theory Test Kit By RAC

• 7 / 5
• £4.99 a month
• 83,000 reviews
• Number 31 in the education chart

Driving Theory Test Kit 4 In 1

• 8 / 5
• £4.99
• 36,000 reviews
• Number 70 in the education chart

Any of these apps should do the job, provided you take your time and dedicate plenty of time to revision.

Registering For A Car Theory Test

In order to book your theory test, you need to access the government website here. You can book a test online, provided you have your UK driving licence, email address and a credit/debit card at hand. In order to take a test, you have to have lived in England, Wales or Scotland for at least 185 days prior to the test. Having a payment option at hand is a must too, with theory tests costing £23. Take a look at our blog covering car driving test costs, to get a complete look at the costs that go into a car theory test. Once you are ready to proceed, click start. Due to current waiting times for tests, you’ll go into an online queue until you are able to book a slot. This is the case as of September 2024, and the situation may have changed when you are reading this. If you need to change your theory test date for whatever reason, you can do so here. With the current shortages, it’s best to pick a date that you can commit to, in order to avoid losing your slot. If you have any other concerns regarding your car theory test, you can contact the DVSA by:

• Email at theorycustomerservices@dvsa.gov.uk
• Telephone at 0300 200 1122

Top Tips For Passing Your Car Theory Test

• Spend plenty of time revising: Learn the rules of the road and test your knowledge in mock theory tests. Don’t neglect revising, as this will catch you out on the real test. Practice answering theory test questions and take lots of hazard perception tests to get ready.
• Only take the test when you feel ready: Don’t feel rushed into taking the theory test. Only take it when you are comfortable and ready; any earlier will only hurt your chances of passing.
• Trust your gut when answering questions: For the hazard perception section in particular, you need to trust yourself with your answers. You are taking the theory test as you think you are ready, so trust your answers!
• Relax: Failing your theory test isn’t the end of your car journey as you can retake the test. Therefore, don’t panic and believe in your ability.
• Watch the clock: You do have a time limit, so make sure you are answering questions at a decent pace and don’t run out of time.
• Practice hazard perception in public: As a passenger, start getting into the habit of spotting hazards around you. This can prepare you well for your hazard perception test.

What Are The Differences Between A Practical And A Theory Test?

You have to pass both your practical and theory tests, but the contents and styles of each differ massively. Here are some of the main differences between a practical and theory test.

• A practical test is behind a wheel, whereas a theory test is behind a desk.
• Your theory test is made up of two parts. Your practical is one single test.
• You can make up to 15 minor errors in a practical test but can’t get more than seven errors on the multiple-choice part of the theory test.
• A practical test costs a lot more than a theory test (£62+ vs £23).
• The theory test assesses your knowledge, whereas the practical test assesses your skills.

A Final Word On Car Theory Tests

Your car theory test is the first step to passing your driving test. It's something you have to complete and requires revision and commitment. Make use of driving test apps, take your time, trust your abilities and only take the test when you are ready. If you employ these steps, you're on the right track to pass your theory test.

Theory Test FAQs