How long does it take to pass the basic theory exam?
Okay, we've already established that you'll need it10 a.m. to 8 p.mrevisions for the theory exam.
Preparation for the theoretical exam
DVSA recommendsminimum 20 hoursrevision in order to fully prepare for the theory exam.
Some people can figure things out right away, and some people will need a little more time. From our professional point of view, we strongly recommend that you book your theory test at least a month in advance and spend aroundbetween 12 and 24 hoursretake for your theory test in that time period.
The passing grade of the theory exam is86%, so you'll need to answer 43 out of 50 multiple-choice questions correctly to pass.
Most people pass inside2-3 attemptsand with the DVSA charging £23 for each test, your wallet will aim to pass as few tests as possible. But some people find the theory test very tricky and, as a result, they have given several theory exams.
Don't worry about failure
However, don't worry if you don't quite succeed:passing the driving theory exam is only about 50%, so you'll be in good company as long as it's good for you.
We often hear students complain that they failed the theory exam only "by one mark" - but that's what it really meansthey got 8 questions wrong. Try to pass with as close to 100% as possible to protect yourself on the day of your actual exam, where you might also face nerves and distraction.
You have 57 minutes to answer50 multiple choice questions. Before starting the test you will receive: instructions on how the test works. opportunity to solve practice questions to get used to the screens.
You will have 57 minutes to answer 50 questions, focusing on different aspects of driving theory. Each question will have several answers available, and you will have to choose the correct one.
Along with other factors, what is very likely the reason why more people fail the theory test is thiscandidates appear unprepared for the test. As with anything in life, if you want to get the first pass, preparation is the key to success.
What questions do most people fail on the theory test?
- Name three situations in which you can overtake another vehicle on the left? ...
- The bicycle path is marked with a solid white line. ...
- Unbalanced wheels on a car can cause: ...
- What does this sign mean? ...
- What you should do when you park. ...
- Your vehicle has a catalytic converter. ...
- How you should dispose.
One could certainly say yeschanges in the format of the theory exam over the years have made it more difficult to pass. In fact, MoneySuperMarket recently put together a study involving 2,800 drivers who were asked sample questions from their theory test. Only 11% of them could answer every question correctly!

The fastest and easiest way to book the official Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) driving theory test for cars, motorcycles, trucks or buses is online. When you book with this service, you only pay the cost of the test – there is no additional booking fee.
The real tests contain 100 questionsand you'll need 85 correct answers to pass.
Official DVSA data on practical driving tests 2020/21
When it comes to passing rates, we noticed significant differences between men and women, withmen have an average pass rate per attempt of 53.4 percent between April 2020 and March 2021 compared to 48.6 percent for women.
- Book your test as early as possible.
- Take at least one mock exam before the real one.
- Familiarize yourself with the road traffic rules.
- Be aware of time constraints during the exam.
- Read the multiple choice questions carefully.
- Spot the dangers while on the road.
Really focus on topics that are well known to be difficult; stopping distance, reflective studs, essential documents, emergency vehicles and also safety in your vehicle. Make sure you take at least five mock tests in a row and have at least five minutes of free time at the end of each test.
- 2.1 Stay calm!
- 2.2 Do not rush.
- 2.3 Do not spend too long on a question.
- 2.4 Read the question carefully.
- 2.5 Process of elimination.
- 2.6 Double-check your answers.
- 2.7 Pogodite if you are not sure.
- 2.8 Have faith in yourself.
If you fail
You will receive a letter at the test center. It will tell you which parts you didn't get enough points for so you know what to practice. You must book and retake the entire test, even if you passed one section this time. You must wait at least 3 working days before retaking the test.
How many questions does the theoretical exam have and how many points do I need to pass? You will have50 multiple choice questionsand 57 minutes to go. You must get 43 right to pass.
How many questions can you get wrong to pass the theory test?
A question and several possible answers will appear on the screen, and you must select the right answer to the question by touching the screen. Some questions may require more than one answer. Car drivers and motorcyclists will be asked 50 questions, and the pass mark is43 out of 50.
It may be a different question covering the same topic, but may be worded slightly differently and may have different answer options. This means that by going through the revision, you will know what you are expected to learn and understand, but you cannot practice the actual question that will be asked.
Frequently asked questions about the theory test
The test consists of 50multiple choice questionstaken from a bank of over 1000 questions, all based on the Traffic, Environment and Road Safety Act. The questions include a case study – a scenario on which the five questions are based.
How to prepare for the driving theory test. To prepare for the driving theory test you shouldreview the Traffic Act, study the road signs involved and, most importantly, practice the multiple choice driving theory questions, hazard perception test and videos.
In response to the title of this blog, "Are theory exam questions the same as application?", the answer is simply thatthe topics and expected knowledge are the same as in your application, but the questions you will be asked in the actual theory test may be worded differently.
The theory test is divided into two parts: multiple-choice questions and excerpts on hazard perception. You must pass both parts in order to receive a certificate of passing the theoretical exam. So don't count on putting all your eggs in one basket here:you will need to revise both sections to do well on the test!
Whiletheory tests are definitely getting harder, practical tests can become easier when we consider the significant increase in first passes and first passes without errors.
Git Kaur Randhawafrom Hayes, Middlesex, UK, holds the record for 'most driving tests passed' and passed on this day in 1987. DVLA passed them at the 48th attempt after more than 330 lessons...
Each question has only one correct answer. You must answer all 50 multiple choice questions.All questions are randomly selected from a database of thousands of questions.
Do I need to pass a theory test before I start driving lessons? There are no hard and fast rules that determine whether or not students have to pass a theory test before starting a driving lesson.It all depends on personal preferences.
How many videos are there in the theory test?
Then you will watch14 videos. Clips: show everyday scenes from the road. contain at least one 'developing hazard' - but one of the clips shows 2 developing hazards.
You will receive one case study with five multiple choice questions. The case study section aims to test your understanding of driving theory and how you would apply it in practical situations.
That honor goes to an unnamed 42-year-old from Stoke-on-Trent who failed to make it36 driving testsbefore he passed the 37th time. There is currently no limit to the number of times you can take the test.
The average student needs 20 hours of practice to pass the driving test, plus45 satidriving courses. This is just an average though and shouldn't be something you have to compare yourself to.
Between 9 and 11 o'clockit's generally a decent time to take your driving test as it's off-peak and avoids the pre-lunch traffic build-up.
Along with other factors, what is very likely the reason why more people fail the theory test is thiscandidates appear unprepared for the test. As with anything in life, if you want to get the first pass, preparation is the key to success.
It may be a different question covering the same topic, but may be worded slightly differently and may have different answer options. This means that by going through the revision, you will know what you are expected to learn and understand, but you cannot practice the actual question that will be asked.
It can be difficult to pass if you don't know the format or don't have a good foundation of knowledge about the theory test. The theory test itself is divided into two parts—50 multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception test.
- Plan ahead. Don't take the exam while you have other stressful things going on in your life, like school exams.
- Get a good night's sleep. Get enough sleep a few nights before the test – you'll feel more stressed if you're tired.
- Avoid caffeine. ...
- Being positive.