About the DVSA Car Theory Test
The DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) theory test is a mandatory step before you can take a practical driving test in the UK. Both sections, multiple-choice and hazard perception, must be passed in the same sitting. The theory test certificate is valid for 2 years to pass your practical; if you do not pass the practical within 2 years you must retake the theory test from scratch.
The test has two parts:
- Multiple-Choice (50 questions): questions drawn from the official DVSA question bank covering alertness, attitude, vehicle safety, stopping distances, hazard awareness, vulnerable road users, motorway rules, road signs, documents, and vehicle loading, pass mark is 43 out of 50
- Hazard Perception (14 video clips): you watch clips of real driving situations and click when you spot a developing hazard, one clip contains two hazards, giving 15 scoring sequences, pass mark is 44 out of 75
You have 57 minutes for the multiple-choice section and approximately 20 minutes for hazard perception. Both must be passed in the same sitting, fail one and you rebook and repay for the full test.
Important: If you fail either section you must rebook and pay the £23 fee again, there is no credit for passing one section. You can rebook after just 3 working days but the fee is forfeited each time. The most common fail areas are stopping distances, drink-drive limits, and motorway rules.
Key Theory Test Facts to Know
- Fee: £23, paid when booking on the official GOV.UK website, no other booking source is official
- Multiple-choice pass mark: 43 out of 50 (86%)
- Hazard perception pass mark: 44 out of 75
- Both sections must be passed in the same sitting
- Retake wait: Minimum 3 working days before rebooking
- Certificate validity: 2 years to pass the practical test, after that, theory must be retaken
- Stopping distances: At 70 mph overall stopping distance is 96 metres (315 feet), the single most-failed topic area
- Drink drive limit: 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 ml of breath; 80 mg per 100 ml of blood
- Hazard perception tip: Click as soon as the hazard starts to develop, clicking repeatedly or too early can score zero for that clip
- 2026 updates: DVSA is introducing video-based scenario questions and updated EV and CPR content
The DVSA provides a limited free practice tool but it does not cover all question types and provides no full explanations. Practice Tests UK fills that gap with 60+ realistic questions across all topic areas with step-by-step explanations for every answer.
| Feature | DVSA Official Practice | Practice Tests UK |
|---|
| Practice questions | Basic sample only | 60+ questions |
| Answer explanations | Limited | Every question |
| Instant feedback | No | Yes |
| Progress tracking | No | Yes |
| Drill by topic area | No | Yes |
Free sample: Try 10 free questions below. Use Drill Mode to target the areas you find hardest.
