Theory Test Guide — Everything You Need to Know
A complete guide to the DVSA theory test for learner drivers in Sale, Urmston, Timperley, Flixton and Stretford.
What is the Theory Test?
The theory test is the first of two tests you must pass before you can obtain a full driving licence in the UK. It is set and administered by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and must be passed before you are eligible to sit the practical driving test.
The test is taken at an official DVSA theory test centre, on a computer. You do not need to be able to type — all answers are selected using a touchscreen or mouse. The test is available in English and Welsh, and alternative formats (including audio and other languages) can be requested when booking.
The theory test is made up of two parts, both of which must be passed in the same sitting:
- Part 1 — Multiple Choice: 50 questions drawn from the DVSA question bank, covering the Highway Code, road signs, hazard awareness and safe driving.
- Part 2 — Hazard Perception: 14 video clips of real driving situations. You must click whenever you identify a developing hazard.
You have a short break between the two parts. Your results are shown on screen immediately after you finish.
The Two Parts in Detail
Part 1 — Multiple Choice
50 questions — you must answer at least 43 correctly to pass (86%). Questions are selected at random from a bank of around 800, covering:
- Rules of the road and the Highway Code
- Road signs, markings and signals
- Safe driving, braking and stopping distances
- Vehicle safety and first aid
- Environmental and eco-safe driving
- Motorway driving
You have 57 minutes to complete this section. You can flag questions and return to them before submitting.
Part 2 — Hazard Perception
14 video clips — you must score at least 44 out of 75 to pass. The clips are filmed from a driver's perspective on real roads. Each clip contains at least one developing hazard; one clip contains two.
A developing hazard is a situation that requires you to slow down, stop or change direction — for example, a parked car pulling out, a pedestrian stepping into the road, or a vehicle emerging from a junction.
Click as soon as you identify a hazard developing. The earlier you click (within the scoring window), the higher your score for that hazard — up to a maximum of 5 points per hazard.
Pass Marks at a Glance
| Section | Total Marks | Pass Mark | Time Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Choice | 50 | 43 (86%) | 57 minutes |
| Hazard Perception | 75 | 44 (59%) | Approximately 20 minutes |
Both sections must be passed in the same sitting. If you pass one section but fail the other, you must resit the entire test.
How to Book Your Theory Test
Theory tests are booked directly through the official DVSA website at gov.uk/book-theory-test. You cannot book through a driving school — this must be done by you personally.
To book, you will need:
- Your UK driving licence number (from your provisional licence)
- A debit or credit card for payment — the fee is currently £23
- An email address for your booking confirmation
The nearest theory test centre to Sale and Urmston is in Manchester city centre, with centres also available in Stockport and Salford. Bill can advise on which centre is most convenient for you based on where you live.
On the Day of Your Test
Arrive at the test centre at least 15 minutes before your appointment. You must bring:
- Your valid UK provisional driving licence — this is the only accepted form of ID. A passport alone is not sufficient.
You will not be admitted to the test if you do not have your provisional licence with you. The theory test centre will provide everything else you need.
When Should You Take Your Theory Test?
You can take your theory test at any point after you receive your provisional licence — you do not need to have started driving lessons first. However, most students find it easiest to combine theory revision with their practical lessons, so the knowledge is reinforced in both directions.
Bill's recommendation is to aim to pass your theory test within the first few months of starting lessons. This is for a practical reason: you cannot book your practical driving test until you hold a valid theory test pass certificate. Theory test certificates are valid for two years from the date of passing. If your certificate expires before you take your practical test, you will need to resit the theory test.
Starting your revision early means you will not be in the position of being ready to take your practical test but having to wait because your theory has expired — a frustrating and entirely avoidable delay.
Revision Resources
The Highway Code
The official Highway Code is the foundation of the theory test. Read it cover to cover at least once. Pay particular attention to the sections on road signs, stopping distances, motorway rules, and rules for vulnerable road users. The official edition is available free online at gov.uk/highway-code.
Official DVSA Theory Test App
The DVSA Theory Test Kit is the only app endorsed by the DVSA. It contains the full official question bank with explanations, hazard perception practice clips, and mock tests that closely replicate the real test format. Available for iOS and Android. This is the most reliable and up-to-date revision tool available.
Practice Under Test Conditions
Before sitting the real test, complete several full mock tests under timed conditions. Most revision apps include this functionality. Aim to consistently score 47 or higher in the multiple choice (well above the 43 pass mark) before booking your test — this gives you a comfortable buffer for exam-day nerves.
How Bill’s Lessons Support Your Theory Preparation
While theory revision is primarily self-study, your practical lessons with Bill reinforce the knowledge you need for the test in a very direct way. Seeing road signs in context, experiencing hazard situations in real traffic, and understanding why the Highway Code rules exist — all of this makes the written knowledge much easier to absorb and remember.
During your lessons, Bill will point out and explain road features, signs and situations that are commonly tested. Students often find that their theory revision accelerates once they have spent a few hours on the road — abstract rules become obvious when you have experienced the situations they describe.
If you have specific questions about theory content during a lesson, Bill is happy to explain. His 30+ years of teaching experience means he is thoroughly familiar with the question bank and the areas where students most commonly struggle.
Once you have passed your theory test, it’s worth familiarising yourself with the Show Me Tell Me vehicle safety questions asked at the start of the practical test — and reading our guide to Sale Driving Test Centre so you know exactly what to expect on the day.
Theory Test — Frequently Asked Questions
No. You can take the theory test at any time after receiving your provisional driving licence, regardless of whether you have started practical lessons. However, most learners find that having some driving experience helps them understand the hazard perception clips better.
Your theory test pass certificate is valid for two years from the date you passed. You must pass your practical driving test within this period, otherwise you will need to resit the theory test before you can book a practical test again.
You must pass both the multiple choice and hazard perception sections in the same sitting. If you fail one part, you have failed the overall test and must resit the full theory test from scratch — both sections. There is no facility to carry over a pass from one section.
The multiple choice section allows up to 57 minutes; most candidates finish faster. The hazard perception clips take approximately 20 minutes, and there is a short break between the two parts. Allow around 1.5 to 2 hours for your total time at the test centre, including check-in and the tutorial.
The current DVSA fee for the car theory test is £23. This is set by the DVSA and applies regardless of which test centre you use. Payment is made when booking online at gov.uk/book-theory-test.
No. All personal items including phones, notes, and bags must be left in a locker provided by the test centre. You are not permitted to bring anything into the test room. Any candidate found with unauthorised materials will have their test immediately terminated and may be banned from resitting.