Tips on how to pass your theory test

We’ve put together some tips and advice to help you pass your theory test. From booking your test, to what to expect on the day, Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental has got you covered.

Booking your theory test

You can book your theory test by vising the DVLA’s website.You’ll need your UK driving licence number and an email address to book online. If you’re having problems with the booking form, or you have limited interest access, you can call the DVLA on 0300 200 1122.

Car theory tests cost £23.

Theory test waiting times can be as long as six weeks. So while you might not be ready to sit your theory test right now, it’s worth checking out the waiting times and planning ahead.

Studying for your theory test

There are two parts to the car theory test; multiple choice and hazard perception.

Multiple choice

The multiple-choice questions are based on three books:

• The Highway Code (Access for free here)
• Know Your Traffic Signs (Access for free here)
• The Official DVSA Guide to Driving – the essential skills (We couldn’t find free access to this book, but you might find it in your local library)

It’s important to really familiarise yourself with the contents of these three books because you need to understand the answers rather than just memorising them. Completing online practice tests is a really good way to way to prepare, but the questions on the actual test won’t be worded the same.

Hazard perception

The hazard perception is based on The Official Guide to DVSA to Hazard Perception. However, there are several practice hazard perception tests available online for free.

During the hazard perception test, you’ll be presented with a series of clips featuring everyday road scenarios with at least one developing hazard. One clip will have two hazards to watch out for.

When it comes to studying for the hazard perception test, practice really does make perfect. Complete as many hazard perception videos as you can until you can do them in your sleep. When you think you’ve got it nailed… do a couple more.

Study tips

There’s not one correct way to study for your theory test. You need to experiment and find the right technique for you. Here are some study tips you might not have tried yet.

1. Music can get you through

Listening to music can really help you focus on the task. But, make sure you pick the right playlist or it’ll have the opposite effect! Choose a playlist or album that you like but won’t compel you to break into song halfway through your studying session.

2. Write it out

If you’re struggling to remember information for the multiple-choice section, writing things out and reading them aloud can help you commit facts to memory.

3. Don’t go it alone

Ask a family member or friend to ask you theory test practice questions. Explaining things to another person is a really great way to learn and study.

What you need to bring to your theory test

It’s important to take the right things with you on the day. If you forget anything, your test will be cancelled and you won’t get your money back. It’s also worth remembering that you can’t bring personal items like your mobile phone into the testing room.

You must bring:

• UK photocard licence.
• If you have a licence from Northern Ireland, bring both the photocard licence and paper counterpart.
• If you have a paper licence, bring a valid passport as well as your paper licence.

What to expect on the day of your theory test

Arriving at the test centre

Arrive at least 15 minutes early so you have time to find the test centre and provide the DVLA staff with your driving licence to check in for your test.

Before your test

After showing a member of staff your driving licence, you’ll need to sign a digital display, and you’ll be given a key for a locker to store your personal belongings. Before placing your mobile phone in the locker, a member of staff will need to check that it’s switched off.

Starting the test

You’ll be asked to go through to the examination room. Escorted by a member of staff, you’ll have your licence photocard checked again and will be assigned a computer.

Multiple choice

The test has 50 questions and you need to answer 43 right in order to pass. You’ll have 57 minutes to do it. You don’t need to use the whole 57 minutes but we recommend taking the extra time to read over your answers.

Hazard perception

The hazard perception features 14 video clips. There are 75 points available and the pass mark is 44.

Learning to drive? You can hire one of our dual control cars from only £15 per hour. Find out more.

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