The theory test is made up of a multiple-choice part and a hazard perception part. You need to pass both parts to pass the theory test. Find out what happens during both parts of the theory test and how the scoring works.

Taking your theory test

Watch a video about the driving theory test

• The theory test explained Opens new window

If you pass one part and fail the other you'll fail the whole test, and you'll need to take both parts again.

The questions in the multiple choice test will depend on the category of vehicle you are hoping to get a licence for. For example, a motorcycle theory test will contain questions that don't appear in any other test.

For the hazard perception test there are no separate versions for different vehicles, but the pass mark is different for them.

Lorry and bus multiple-choice and hazard perception tests are booked and taken separately.

The multiple-choice part

Before the test starts you'll be given instructions on how it works.

You can choose to do a practice session of multiple-choice questions to get used to the layout of the test. At the end of the practice session the real test will begin.

A question and several possible answers will appear on a computer screen - you have to select the correct answer. Some questions may need more than one answer.

You can move between questions and 'flag' questions that you want to come back to later in the test.

Some car and motorcycle questions will be given as a case study. The case study will:

• show a short story that five questions will be based on
• focus on real life examples and experiences that you could come across when driving

Multiple choice test types

After the multiple choice part you can choose to have a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception part starts